A variety of distractions took me away from music news this week, so I’m just catching up now:

Chan Marshall

Dealing with her stagefright via oceans of booze and Xanax wasn’t working out so well, so Cat Power’s Chan Marshall has cleaned up her act. Good for her, I say—that last record is just lovely and a consistent live presence from her is something to look forward to. On a related note, check out this pic of her from a New Yorker photo shoot. I’m guessing it was taken before she sobered up. Meow.

NYC-based experimental composer and musician John Zorn has snagged himself a MacArthur Foundation fellowship.

The Sugarcubes will celebrate their 20th anniversary by getting back together.

Napster may be up for sale again.

Paul Westerberg has written songs for a forthcoming cartoon about “cuddly forest animals.” I can’t hardly wait! Just kidding.

Finally, if you’re wondering what to do with your Saturday evening, Nathan Carson strongly recommends that your go see Mastodon, as do I.