The forthcoming Creatures album is entitled Mount Venus and is expected to be released sometime in '98. They have been off touring before it's release. Siouxsie, Budgie and the band have been very busy. A Morrissey and Siouxsie duet, "Interlude," appears on his "The Best Of Morrissey - Suedehead" CD and is expected to appear on the forthcoming alternative love songs compilation album Kinky Love 2.

Blondie will release their first new album in 16 years. The album, entitled No Exit, (due out in 2 to 3 months) will feature all new material and is being produced by Craig Leon who produced their debut album. A 'best of' album with two new tracks was supposed to come out last year but the band decided against it. Instead they opted to "make a bold statement" with an album of all new material. Blondie will appear on a few dates of Lilith Fair this year and it's been reported that they will go on a world tour after the album is released. Unusually enough, the B-52's new single is titled "Debbie" inspired by none other than the Blonde One.

The upcoming Violent Femmes album Freak Magnet has been postponed, not cancelled as rumor would have it. The band felt Interscope was not the right label for this album and are currently looking for a label to release it on. If any adoring fan has an extra million dollars that they would like to give the band to expedited the release of the album, please contact them through their web site. Serious reply's only.

According to the band's manager, Los Angeles' recently-reunited 80's punk band X has be tapped to open a string of dates for Pearl Jam that so far includes Las Vegas, L.A., Sacramento and Portland in mid-July. The X camp also says that they have been invited to open for the band in their Seattle hometown and Vancouver. They are later pegged to tour with Sean Lennon.

The early report on Duran Duran releasing a new album soon still stands. Warren is back in the studio doing what he does best. He and Nick have been writing tons of music and hope to have the new album underway by the time Simon arrives from Japan to do lyrics for it. But to whet appetites (and please corporate execs after somewhat disappointing sales of Medazzaland) Duran Duran just released a CD called Essential Duran Duran. It is a compilation of their remixes and 'night versions.' It includes most of their early hits like "Planet Earth," "Rio," "Hungry Like The Wolf," etc. In fact, the newest remix of a son on there is "Wild Boys." It also comes with a bonus CD that has bonus tracks but you have to visit their web site with the CD handy.