Photo: Wood/Getty

• Following their October 17th Obama benefit in Akron, Ohio, Devo are working on their first album of new material since 1990’s Smooth Noodle Maps. “We have about 17 songs we’re testing out,” says frontman Mark Mothersbaugh. “We’ve already been contacted by 20 producers — including Snoop Dogg and Fatboy Slim.”

• Denver piano-pop group the Fray have finished their follow-up to their 2005 breakthrough smash, How to Save a Life. The new album — called The Fray and due out February 3rd — was recorded in their hometown and in Northern California with Mike Flynn and Aaron Johnson, who co-produced their first album.

• Booker T. Jones is prepping his first solo record in 20 years. The all-instrumental release features the Drive-By Truckers as his backing band and Neil Young on lead guitar. The disc is due next spring.

• French duo Air are working on a new set — due sometime in 2009 — in their Paris studio.

[From Issue 1066 — November 27, 2008]

Related Stories:

• More From Issue 1066

• In the Studio: Depeche Mode Go “Spiritual”

• In the Studio: The Decemberists Return with Fairy-Tale Album