1. Among the biggest news of the week included The White Stripes finally calling it quits. The band released an official statement on their website discussing that they will not be recording any new material, or planning any future tours. The content they have yet to be released will be distributed on Third Man Records, Jack White’s record label. (via whitestripes.com)

2. Hot Chip’s lead singer Alexis Taylor has announced details on the second album of his side project. The side project, which is named About Group, will release their sophomore album called Start and Complete in April. (via NME)

3. Death From Above 1979 have unveiled new information about the band’s reunion. After surprising information came out that the duo would be playing several festivals in the near future, drummer Sebastian Grainger has expanded upon the reasons for the reunion. He stated, “Jesse and I have decided that what we can do together should not be denied. Together again, as was always the intention, as a collaboration. The collision of two different worlds.” (via deathfromabove1979.com)

4. The Ravonettes have lifted the veil about their new album. Their follow-up to 2009′s In and Out of Control is titled Raven in the Grave, and will also get an early April release. (via ClashMusic)

5. The cast of Glee has recorded a mash-up between the king of pop himself Michael Jackson, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The mash-up between tracks Thriller and Heads Will Roll will be aired first after the Super Bowl on Sunday February 6. (via NME)

In a press statement mentioned on the band’s website, Meg and Jack White will not be recording any future material nor will they be performing live. Part of the statement said, “The reason is not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues as both Meg and Jack are feeling fine and in good health.” Songs that have been already recorded will be released at future dates on Third Man Records. Included in the statement was a personal message directed towards fans describes, “The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. They expanded with, “The White Stripes belongs to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to.”

WKNC 88.1 FM announces the debut of SoundOff, a new music-related podcast from the student radio station at N.C. State University. The 40-plus minute program divides its time between dissecting a handful of music news and reviewing a new album.

“The idea for the show was clear, take some of the most interesting news articles to discuss and do one in-depth review of an album that had some real weight to it,” said the podcast’s producer Michael Jones, a freshman in history and one of WKNC’s assistant indie rock music directors. Jones hosts the show with fellow DJs Sarah Hager, a sophomore in management, and graphic design sophomore Kirsten Southwell.

“SoundOff goes beyond the brief time we talk about music during our time on the air,” Jones said. “We’re able to give people who listen to WKNC on a regular basis and those who just love the type of music we play a greater understanding of what we DJs think about some of the biggest releases.”

The first SoundOff episode discusses Modest Mouse front man Isaac Brock contributing music for a Cartoon Network show, the Libertines reunion and how The White Stripes almost didn’t release the single “Seven Nation Army.” The album review is of Matt Pond PA’s “The Dark Leaves” from Altitude Records.

“SoundOff is a great opportunity for our listeners to receive the full musical package,” Tommy Anderson, WKNC general manager and a senior in political science, said. “You get the background and commentary of an album or news story, rather than just a sound bite.”

The podcast also represents a milestone for WKNC, as it will be the station’s first program designed specifically for the Internet rather than traditional over-the-air delivery.

The Apples in Stereo- Travellers in Space and Time

Playing off of space motifs and sounds that would easily fit inside a 70s shows about the Universe, these guys create another amazing album that’s easy to dance to and lighthearted.

Matt Pond PA- The Dark Leaves

Beautiful, enchanting, romantic. These are the types of songs that guys in high school play to their girlfriends on prom night. Imagine a fast paced Bon Iver.

Black Francis- Nonstoperotik

Like The Pixies? This is a solid effort by front man Black Francis who abandons more psychodelic elements and leans more toward traditional rock and roll.

Codeine Velvet Club- Codeine Velvet Club

This vexingly vintage album from Lou Hickney and Jon Lawler (Fratellis) sounds as sultry and fun as the cover looks. You get that late 50s/early 60s Big Band sound with amazing  boy/girl duets.

Roky Erickson & Okkervil River- True Love Cast Out All Evil

This album is amazing. This Texan legend dabbles in all kinds of musical genres on this recorded including country, blues, garage rock, and lo-fi psychedelic folk. His lyrics are of a man who has been through a lot and trust me, they will tear at your heart and soul.

Rotary Downs – Cracked Maps & Blue Reports

This is like psychedelic art pop. Sometimes feels a little to much like a jam session but the layered male/female juxtaposes between the innovative instrumentation. Sounds like a mixture of Pavement, Sonic Youth, and Wolf Parade!

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & The Cario Gang- The Wonder Show of the World

Beautiful folk songs that are equally heartbreaking and uplifting sometimes. This album general has minimal instrumentation  which gives it that haunting feel yet it still delivers with a powerful punch. A perfect addition for any fans of Iron and Wine.

Future Islands- In Evening Air

WOW, they really out did themselves with this one. Post-new wave synth rockers with a lead singer that will melt your face off with his crooning. A+ gentlemen, A+.

Benyaro- Good Day Better

An acoustic trio from Brooklyn that sings folky country music that resembles the Avett Brothers. Pretty decent, but at times I got annoyed with how happy they are.

Tarlton- Evergreens

Imagine if the band Grandaddy and Iron and Wine decided to create a dark, almost distorted rock music together. Not bad, but at times this can get a little heavy and overloaded.

Trans Am- Thing

Post electronic instrumental rock music. I mean do what you want with that.

Turin Brakes- Outbursts

The fifth album in nine years from this London modern folk duo, this CD is a perfect transition from winter into spring. Melodic strumming, finger picking, and interesting lyrics combine to create an uplifting feel; however at times I feel the vocals are straining and the album loses energy as it progresses.

Nathaniel Rateliff- In Memory Of Loss

Minimalistic neo-folk; imagine the power and affecting emotion of Mumford & Sons slowed down to the pace of Bon Iver. He can be quiet, or bellowing, but his voice always moves you. All he needs for instrumentation is tip-toeing pianos and guitars around the edge of his booming voice.

Mimicking Birds – Mimicking Birds

Drawing heavy influences from Modest Mouse [maybe because the whole album was recorded in Isaac Brock's home studio] this CD creates an ethereal ambiance. Intricate lyrics paired with soothing guitar melodies, soft pianos, light horns and the added whispering and raspy vocals give way to a delicate album filled with layers. Play if you are in a slow and soft mood.

Hurricane Bells – Tonight is the Ghost

Secret solo project of Steve Schiltz from Longwave, Hurricane Bells was popularized by the featured track on the New Moon soundtrack. While more subdued and mellow than “Monsters” it has a Shout Out Louds kinda feel. Even the more upbeat tracks have a quiet and gentle feel. At times he opts for natural vocals and other times he uses a filtered effect which gives the album an interesting twist.

True Womanhood – Basement Membranes

Eerie, dark, and texturally fascinating, this debut album features vviolent crashes and other weird sounds as percussion which round out this experimental album from three DC natives. Experimental like early Radiohead, but way more accessible. Play if you feel like going on a unconventional journey.

Sarah Jarosz – Song Up In Her Head

While the female vocals are almost on the verge of being too simple, the contrasting intricacies of the composition and instrumentation of each song creates a very pleasing overall balance. The picking, strumming, and plucking of strings rivals that of Mumford & Sons, but the lyrics aren’t quite as profound. Play if you want to add some bluegrass flavor without making you listeners lose their daytime appetite.

Tunng- And Then We Saw Land

Sprinkled with bursts of electric guitars, woodwind riffs, and synthesizer blips, this is twangy, sensitive Brit folk-rock with soft, sweet vocal harmonies (think The Boy Least Likely To).  It’s oh-so-precious and it improves with repeated listens.

Laura Marling- I Speak Because I Can

Beautiful British folk. The songs are soft and poetic working off of Marling’s amazing voice and acoustic guitar. She’s not as sad as she is defiant in this one.

The White Stripes- Under Great White Northern Lights

If you love The White Stripes you’re going to love this live album. Jack White showcases his amazing talent as a guitarist and constantly gets creative with whatever song he is playing. This is on that sounds better the louder you listen to it.

Manchester Orchestra- Live at Park Ave.

Super slow paced live songs that are pretty stripped down and simple. If you’re a fan of down tempo live music, you’ll probably like this one too.

River City Extension- And the Unmistakable Man

This is the kind of album a guy writes after he had a nasty break up. Energetic out of frustration there is still a hint of loneliness. They use instruments that at first come together as Tex-Mex, but they do so in a way that gives it a pop tempo at times.

Jesse Malin and the St. Marks Social – Love it to Life

Jesse Malin is back on the map with his latest release.  Loud pianos, jumping guitars, and drums that keep up a fast beat, create a rock sound that is sure to get you moving and stomping your feet. “The Archer” and “Lonely at Heart” were inspired by Salinger which is evident because these songs are softer than the rest of the album. Very cohesive and catchy Malin proves he isn’t ready to stop making music yet.

Communist Daughter – Soundtrack to the End

Simple, sweet and luscious this six piece Minnesota band debuts with a melancholy pop sounding album. Never hard, they smoothly transition from song to song and blend dreamy boy/girl harmonies reminiscent of Belle & Sebastian to give listeners a warm feeling. They make sad lyrics sound happy and will be easy to get into.

Night Driving in Small Towns – Serial Killer

Hushed and quiet, this duo is a lighter version of Rilo Kiley but with equal male and female vocals. They incorporate youthful, intimate lyrics with pretty harmonies and at times remind me a lot of Stars minus the synth and more amateur. Even though the production of this album could have been better, it will provide a perfect blend into your indie show.

herMajesty – Images from the Vanishing Night

Not really my cup of tea, but worth a listen. Enchanting post-rockish with a lead singer who sounds like he’s from some old Morrisey-ish type band. Play if you’re feeling a little curious for something different.

Meklit Hadero- On a Day Like This

I am seriously addicted to this album! Fresh, easy going, jazzy and R&B inspired, I feel like I’m floating on clouds listening to the intoxicating vocals of Meklit. Violins, light drums & jazz instruments paint the perfect backdrop for her breezy lyrics. Along the same lines of Fiona Apple, Florence, just mix in a soulful, Ethiopian twist.

Elsinore- The Chemicals EP

Elsinore is in the FYC of indie rock school – they just can’t decide on what they want their sound to be yet. While their slow numbers have potential (think the XX), their more up tempo tracks are what stand out (think a less mousy Ben Gibbard with a clash of Temper Trap). Track 5 rightly named “Yes Yes Yes,” comes out of nowhere at the end, with a mad blend of clapping, horns, and electronic beats. This is the sound they should major in, hands down (or up!)

Dr. Dog – Shame, Shame

This album makes me happy. It’ll make you happy, too. It’s like one of those mix cds you find jammed under the passenger’s seat it’s familiar, nostalgic even, yet surprisingly refreshing. Dr. Dog has truly embraced their sound (think Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, or the Morning Benders singing 50′s Brit rock this time adding layer upon layer of synths, vocal harmonies, and surging guitar hooks. It’ll be a shame shame if you don’t play this.

1. The Libertines are set to reunite after they played their last show together in 2004. The band is set to play both the Reading and Leeds festivals. All 4 of the original band members will be returning in late August. The only area of uncertainty has been the status of Pete Doherty who has run into problems with the law as of late. (via Pitchfork)

2. Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse is currently in the process of writing for a Cartoon Network show entitled “The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack.” Brock is said to be working on a special that the show is creating, and no exact date for when the show will air has been announced just yet. (via Pitchfork)

3. Toro y Moi has had to cancel several tour dates after being robbed. After their show in Brooklyn the band’s car was broken into with member Chaz Bundick having his laptop and passport stolen. No plans have been made to make up those missed shows. (via Pitchfork)

4. Jack White has revealed that The White Stripes‘ song “Seven Nation Army” was almost not released. The group’s record label at the time was initially opposed to releasing the duo’s most easily recognizable song as a single in 2003. White said, “I wanted to put Seven Naiton Army out as a single. The label in England and the label in America both didn’t want to.” (via NME)

5. Band of Horses have announced the tracklisting and the release date for their follow up to 2007′s “Cease to Begin.” The new album entitled “Infinite Arms” is set to release in mid May, and their first single from the album is the track “Compliments.” (via NME)

1. Ten British albums will be immortalized as UK stamps starting next January. The albums that will be featured include “Let It Bleed” by The Rolling Stones, “London Calling” by The Clash, “Led Zeppelin IV” by Led Zeppelin, “The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders from Mars” by David Bowie, “Tubular Bells” by Mike Oldfield, “Power, Corruption & Lies” by New Order, “The Division Bell” by Pink Floyd, “Parklife” by Blur, “Screamadelica” by Primal Scream and “A Rush of Blood to the Head” by Coldplay.

via NME

2. At a Q&A session with fans, The Flaming Lips announced that they will follow up their release of “Embryonic” with a full-album cover of Pink Floyd’s famous 1973 album, “Dark Side of the Moon”.
via Pitchfork

3. The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas will release his solo album “Phrazes for the Young” on November 3 instead of later this month. The release will soon be followed with a series of shows in the United States.
via NME

4. Alison Mosshart (The Kills) says that The Dead Weather are already halfway through recording their second album. She followed up saying, “In between now and Christmas I’m going to go back to [Jack White's studio in] Nashville at some point. I think I’ll spend most of December in America and finish the second record.”
via NME

5. The White Stripes will be releasing out-takes from their first recording session. These include alternative takes of their 1998 single “Let’s Shake Hands”. However they are only to be released via The Vault, which is a part of Jack White’s label Third Man, and will only be available to platinum subscribers.
via Spinner