Billboard Bits: ‘Robots,’ Early Man, Lou Barlow

Fountains Of Wayne (“Tell Me What You Already Did”), Ricky Fante (“Shine”) and Earth, Wind & Fire (“Love’s Dance”) have recorded new songs for the “Robots” soundtrack, due March 1 via Virgin. Also featured is “Robot City,” a collaboration between the Blue Man Group and film score composer John Powell.

Recently released tracks are turned in by Chingy, Stacie Orrico, Houston, Fatboy Slim, Steriogram and Gomez, while War’s “Low Rider” and a new dance mix of James Brown’s “Get Up Offa That Thing” round out the program.

The animated “Robots” features the voice talents of Robin Williams, Mel Brooks, Ewan McGregor and Greg Kinnear, among others. The film opens March 11 in U.S. theaters.

— Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

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Metal outfit Early Man has signed with Matador Records, which will release its debut album in the fall, to be produced by Chavez/Zwan principal Matt Sweeney. Beforehand, Monitor Records will on April 5 release a three-song self-titled EP from the group, which features guitarist/vocalist Mike Conte and drummer Adam Bennati. Monitor is also prepping a live DVD for release later this year.

In recent live shows, Early Man’s bass slot has been filled by David Pajo, but he most likely will not be on hand for upcoming dates due to touring commitments with the reactivated Slint. Pajo also does not appear on the Monitor EP.

A North American tour is in the works for the spring, but beforehand, Early Man will play at the Slint-curated All Tomorrow’s Parties festival in England later this month and at the South by Southwest Music Festival in mid-March in Austin, Texas.

— Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

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Former Sebadoh frontman Lou Barlow has scheduled a handful of tour dates in support of his new solo album, “Emoh,” which was released Jan. 25 via Merge. The run begins March 1 in New York, with dates confirmed through a March 13 show in Chicago.

As previously reported, Barlow will also be among the artists showcasing at Austin, Texas’ annual South by Southwest Music Festival in mid-March.

Barlow’s work as the early bassist in Dinosaur Jr. will also be freshly heard as part of Merge’s reissues of the band’s first three albums, which will arrive March 22.

Here are Barlow’s tour dates:

March 1: New York (Mercury Lounge)
March 2: Cambridge, Mass. (Middle East Club)
March 3: Northampton, Mass. (Iron Horse Music Hall)
March 4: Philadelphia (The Khyber)
March 5: Arlington, Va. (IOTA Club & Cafe)
March 8: Chapel Hill, N.C. (Local 506)
March 9: Atlanta (The EARL)
March 10: Nashville (Basement)
March 11: Louisville, Ky. (Uncle Pleasant’s)
March 13: Chicago (Schuba’s)

— Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.