Reunited alt-rockers Stone Temple pilots have indeed written new material. Its release however, is questionable -- and it's not due to Scott Weiland's oft-troublesome lifestyle. Thank Atlantic Records, which is suing Weiland and drummer Eric Kretz for breach of contract.

Former Guns N' Roses and current Velvet Revolver axeman Slash is "at the very tail end of the demo phase'" for a solo project, which he could start recording in the studio early next year, Billboard.com reports.

John McCain isn't doing so well these days, but a few other old-timers had a triumphant week on SPIN.com: Metallica kicked off their world tour, Eminem rapped about hip-hop, and a little band named Guns N' Roses (ever heard of 'em?) released their first single since Ally McBeal was on TV.

As fans discovered with "Paralysis," the first leak from his forthcoming sophomore solo album Happy in Galoshes, Scott Weiland is exploring a new sonic direction far from the usual Stone Temple Pilots realm. And "Crash," another exclusive track from the record, continues the exploration.

The financial sector may be in meltdown, but here at SPIN.com we've witnessed the music business in full swing, including long-awaited reunions and triumphant comebacks, as well as a certain hip-hop visionary in the throes of writer's block. Check out this week's highlights below: