After perusing various media outlets for new things to share with you this week, I’m convinced that I shouldn’t waste your time or mine on mediocre acts putting out mediocre things. Instead, here’s a news roundup of things that recently occurred to people somehow connected to music.

The Roots are now Jimmy Fallon’s backup band on “The Late Show.” Vibe has a great interview with them about their new gig. I’m not sure how they’re going to fit this in with their 1456 appearances on college campuses nationwide, but we’ll see. Who knew they were the musical directors for “The Chappelle Show’?

I found another Yeah Yeah Yeahs track, “Soft Shock,” from the upcoming “Heads Will Roll.” T-minus 41 days until its official release (as noted by many, however, keep your eyes open for more leaks…).
In case you’ve missed the flyers in Red Square, omfgz Steve Aoki is bringing his hipster-celebrity self to D.C. on March 7 at Ibiza. I think BYT’s tone says it all–be there or be, like, totally completely un-hip.
And now for something a little more classic…if you love the Beatles, I mean really, really love the Beatles, and can’t seem to resolve your love with your academic career, behold! Liverpool Hope University is in your future. The school now offers a Masters in “The Beatles, Music and Popular Society.”

Carlos Dengler, AKA Carlos D from Interpol, has produced a short film, “My Friends Told Me About You.” Be sure to check out ‘the ontology of celebrity’ section of the website.

Oh, and speaking of pandas (you didn’t think that picture was going anywhere, did you?), Animal Collective is playing at the Ottobar in Baltimore on May 10. Hit the link for times that you can buy tickets (Noah Lennox= Panda Bear. Get it now?).