The Wrap-Up brings you the 5 largest music news stories of the week as well as information about new album and music video releases. This week: The end of an aging giant, a surprise follow-up to a late star, and new music from up-and-comers.  

HEADLINES OF THE WEEK

 

1. Kurt Cobain solo album to be released

How, you ask, is Kurt Cobain still producing music? He’s not, of course, but Universal Music, with input from Brett Morgen, filmmaker and creator of upcoming documentary Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck will release an album of his unfinished, solo recordings, along with the DVD version of the film, on November 6th. These aren’t Nirvana tracks–instead, they’re half-baked sketches from the recesses of the vast archives Cobain left behind, giving listeners a window into the mind of the late great musician. Morgen explains:

These are all just Kurt by himself with the guitar…I think they provide a tremendous insight into his [creative] process. I think they further our understanding of Kurt, both as a musician and as a man.

 

2. Flea loves bees, has become beekeeper

In addition to playing bass for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea is now the owner of an apiary. His three backyard hives are apparently home to over 200,000 bees. According to his social media posts, he really really loves the insects, but he also has a more meaningful root to his interest: in recent years, American honeybees have fallen victim to a mysterious killer that scientists call “Colony Collapse Disorder.” Researchers aren’t sure what causes the disorder, but the rapid decline in honeybee populations has repercussions for agriculture and the rest of the environment. Flea’s commitment to bees is part of his admirable environmental activism. Now, we just want to see how honey from Flea’s bees tastes!  

3. New Arcade Fire film trailer premieres

Last month, we reported that Arcade Fire will release a full-length documentary of the creation of their latest album, Reflektor. Titled The Reflektor Tapes, the film is full of unreleased footage and at least one new song. According to the Guardian, it will “debunk, or perhaps further demystify” the long, dense namesake album–but, judging from the trailer filled with a myriad of flashing references and sound clips, it might only heighten the awe around Arcade Fire’s creative genius. In theaters September 23rd. Watch the latest trailer below!    

4. Lana del Rey shares new single, music video “High by the Beach”

Lana del Rey’s latest single and video is all mourning vocals, spare beats, and wisps of clothes fluttering in the wind–very Lana del Rey. But–dare we say it–it almost seems upbeat. By Lana del Rey standards, of course. Most of the verses deal with her usual subject matter of bittersweet love, but she concludes, “Everyone can start again/Not through love but through revenge…/…Peace by vengeance/Brings the end.” Is that hope we hear? Talk of peace? We like the vengeful, upbeat Lana. The music video shows Lana wielding a gun, being chased by a helicopter, and shedding tears on a balcony overlooking a beach. That’s what she meant by “high by the beach?The single is a preview for her next album, Honeymoon, to be released September 18th.  

5. Dan Auerbach’s The Arcs release new song

Although The Black Keys are still fully intact and as red-hot as ever, right now we’re getting excited for the release of a new album from Dan Auerbach’s side project, The Arcs. Their latest single, “Put a Flower in Your Pocket,” was released yesterday alongside a video that completely belies the title: it’s fiery, violent, bloody, and animated. Watch the video below. The new album, Yours, Dreamily, drops on September 4th. Are The Arcs the new Black Keys? Weigh in in the comments below.  

And now, your 12 Cuts Above the Rest!