-  National express: The National have confirmed that they will release their fifth studio album this May

-  National express:The National have confirmed that they will release their fifth studio album this May. The as-yet-untitled follow- up to 2007's Boxer will be promoted by a tour, although the only European dates (as yet) announced are in London and Berlin.

- Free Passion:Passion Pit have been announced as the next band to play the Heineken Green Spheres gig series. The Bostonians will play Cork's Savoy Theatre on March 12th, the day before their sold-out Dublin gig. Register at www.heineken music.ie to be in with a chance for (free) tickets.

- Cinema salute:AC/DC's music will feature on the soundtrack to summer blockbuster Iron Man 2, which stars Robert Downey Jr and Mickey Rourke.

- Monkey magic:The long-awaited third Gorillaz album, Plastic Beach, is set for release in early March. Mark E Smith, Lou Reed and Snoop Dogg have helped out.

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