[Updated: 5:29 P.M.]

  NEWS:

STROKES Singer JULIAN CASABLANCAS Readies Solo Debut
Phrazes for the Young releases this fall, solo tour expected. [SPIN.com]

Comedian RUSSELL BRAND Will Host MTV's VMAs. Again
It's the year of the Brits, with Muse making their stateside TV debut at the September ceremony. [MTV]

GHOSTFACE KILLAH Preps R&B Album
The Wu-Tang Clan rapper taps John Legend, Estelle for The Wizard of Poetry. [Pitchfork.com]

TRENT REZNOR Discusses Future of Nine Inch Nails
Renzor also disses Gene Simmons and "Mafia-type" record companies. [Daily Inquirer]

MICHAEL STIPE, THOM YORKE, FRANK BLACK on New Covers Album
Dinosaur Jr., Mercury Rev also honor Miracle Legion's Mark Mulcahy. [MySpace.com]

AMY MILAN Announces Fall Tour
The Stars and BSS singer supports the September 8 release of her solo album. [Arts & Crafts]

BECK Launches New Web Series, Plays Songs Acoustic
Hey, anything to avoid writing new music, right? [SPIN.com]

WAVVES Frontman Nathan Williams Breaks Wrist Skateboarding
In related news, Williams enjoys guzzling 40s. [Pitchfork.com]

TORI AMOS Kicks Off U.S. Tour
Diva genius wows half-filled hall -- where was everyone? [SPIN.com]

BRAND NEW Detail Fall Release
New York band's Daisy drops September 22. [Antimusic.com]

Noise-Rock Duo NO AGE Announce New Album Details
Not to self: Buy October EP and earplugs. [Fact Magazine]

DAVID GRAY Announces New Album
Draw the Line is expected in September. [NME.com]

RAKIM Returns with 'The Seventh Seal'
Influential MC to release first studio album in seven years this summer. [Billboard.com]

  MP3s & VIDEOS:

LISTEN: ANDRE 3000's New Song
Outkast rhymer shops at Ikea for new sex toys! [RockaCandy]

LISTEN: New VIVIAN GIRLS Track, "When I'm Gone"
Get a taste of the lo-fi punk princesses' upcoming album. [RCRDLBL]

WATCH: T.I. Sends Messages from Prison in New Video
Says jailbird rapper: "Send cookies!" [MTV.com]

WATCH: GRIZZLY BEAR, FEIST Perform with WILCO
Dreams do come true on Coney Island. [SPIN.com]

WATCH: CASS MCCOMBS' Boozy New Video
Troubadour wanders aimlessly at a Beer Fest… searching for a bathroom? [Stereogum.com]

LISTEN: ALBERTA CROSS' Southern Swagger
Like Kings of Leon, but with less-tight jeans. [SPIN.com]