Punk's Not Dead

Joe Jackson has been off our radar since his "Steppin' Out" days, but the man hasn't been wasting any time. Along with constantly revamping his brand of new wave piano-pop, Jackson spends his days rallying against anti-smoking legislation on both sides of the pond. You can read his recent essay "Smoke, Lies and the Nanny State" at his Web site, or head over to Stereogum to download "King Pleasure Time," the first single from the upcoming Rain. Due in January, the album features three of the original Joe Jackson Band members — and probably a few more song titles that will make nicotine fiends flick their Bics. (Visit www.joejackson.com and www.stereogum.com.)

The new one from Hot Chip doesn't hit stores until next year, so the London act is throwing its fans a bone. Put that secondary e-mail address to good use and sign up for the band's mailing list at its MySpace page. In return, the band will reward you with a free download of "I Became a Volunteer," an exclusive track that won't be on the forthcoming Made in the Dark. While you're there, stream the album's first single "Shake a Fist," the perfect soundtrack for laying the spam smackdown on all of those phony friend requests. (www.myspace.com/hotchip)