Aside from a few typos here and there in the last little while, I think I’ve been pretty good about reporting things that can generally be considered factual. Accurate. Based in truth. Which pretty much goes against the basic ethos of blogging, does it not? So with that in mind, I will indulge in a little wild speculation and rumour-mongering, though even that has a basis in reality.

Yesterday morning, I got an email from a reader asking if I knew anything about a Verve gig at the Ricoh Coliseum on May 1. Obviously, I did not. I was then directed to a page at Ticketmaster.ca that did, indeed, indicate there was a show booked for The Verve at the home of the Marlies on International Workers’ Day and further, tickets were to go on sale tomorrow, February 23, priced at the reunion-correct range of $45-$55 (if memory serves). Because even though they were “Getting back together for the joy of the music”, that mortgage has gots to get paid. And I wish I’d taken a screen shot of it as I’d intended (before heading into a meeting) because, after a few more inquiries about it from various corners, it was taken down.

There was no listed promoter for the show, so I’ve got nothing to follow up on, but the timing works, considering they’re going to be at Coachella on April 25 and a flight back to England is probably cheaper from the east coast than the west. But the timing of that on-sale date implied that there was going to be a surprise, last-minute announcement either yesterday (obviously not) or today (we’ll see) or someone was completely off their nut. So, if you’re just hanging around online tomorrow morning around 10AM, try logging into Ticketmaster and see what you get. ‘Cause even if there’s no Verve tickets, you could always get some for Bon Jovi at the ACC. Come on – they’re playing with DAUGHTRY.

And then this morning, another reader email saying that inquiries had been made to the venue itself and they confirmed the show – Verve, May 1. So thanks to Greg and Scott for doing the leg work for me and unless whoever works the phones at Ricoh is a jokester, everyone who lives between Indio, CA and Toronto, ON and wants to see the Verve, cross your fingers for something to be announced for that last week of April. Don’t know if that on-sale date is still valid but it appears that it’s coming.

MP3: The Verve – “The Thaw Sessions”

Closer to the real world, The Daily Swarm was proven correct that Radiohead would be headling two of the three nights of All Points West so maybe their tip that My Bloody Valentine are coming to these shores in September have some legs? Because if The Verve are here in May, then their appeal as, oh, a V Fest headliner is obviously diminished but MBV… Oh wouldn’t the noise-averse residents on the island love that one.

Back to All Points West – couldn’t help but notice that Neil Halstead was amongst the performers, which brought hope that maybe he’d have his second solo album ready or there’d be more touring but as it turns out, he’s been touring with Jack “yes I’m really headlining these festivals get over it” Johnson in the UK and is probably part of whatever package that is. But either way, congratulations go to Neil on the impending twins. Now he and JLo will have something to talk about.

Still in the UK – Spiritualized’s new record finally has a title to go along with the May 19 release date – Songs In A & E. Which makes me thing of the Law & Order theme. There’s still no North American release date but one is promised, along with details of a world tour. Pitchfork has a track listing and more sundry details.

Did you know Ray Davies of The Kinks had an in-store at the HMV on Yonge St tonight at 6PM? No? Me neither, then I got pointed to this interview in NOW… and there you go.

Spinner quizzes Lightspeed Champion’s Dev Hynes about his all-time favourite graphic novels (sidenote – Black Hole is being adapted to film with a screenplay by Neil Gaiman and direction from David Fincher). Lightspeed Champion plays a free show at the Horseshoe on March 4 and as much as I’m looking forward to that, there’s a specific one of his many SxSW appearances that is circled on my calendar – Thursday March 13 at 2PM at the Urban Outfitters just north of downtown. Why? Because the 1PM slot on that day party is taken by Emmy The Great and if there’s any sort of justice, she’ll join him to recreate some of the wonderful backing vocals she contributed to Falling Off The Lavender Bridge. And though she doesn’t have a lot of her own stuff out there – no album, just some singles – what I’ve heard I quite like.

MP3: Emmy The Great – “Easter Parade”

Kate Nash, who began her North American tour in January with a well-received gig here in Toronto returns on April 28 for a show at The Phoenix. She also recently did a session for Spinner’s Interface.

Also just here but coming back, The Kooks will be at the Kool Haus on June 4 as part of a North American tour in support of Konk, out April 15.

That’s the same day that Saturdays = Youth, M83’s new record, hits stores. They’ve lined up a a North American tour which stops at the Mod Club on May 30. Their last visit here in April 2005 was the pinnacle of ridiculousness, even if more of it was canned than really should have been.

Swedes ahoy – El Perro Del Mar and Lykke Li are at the Mod Club on May 11. El Perro Del Mar’s From The Valley To The Stars is out April 22.

Chart and The Montreal Mirror talk to the Super Furry Animals, who were here on Wednesday night.

Just announced – A Fine Frenzy at Lee’s Palace on March 16 and Minus The Bear at the Opera House on April 1 with The Big Sleep and Portugal, The Man. Full dates at Pitchfork.

Mountain Goats in the media – John Darnielle counts off his five favourite Goats characters for eMusic, discusses characterization in his lyrics with The Village Voice and subjects to an interrogation from The Stranger. And NPR meets the world’s biggest (8-year old) Mountain Goats fan.

Rocky Mountain News and Aspen Times talk to Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers while The Village Voice takes the worst song on their latest, Brighter Than Creation’s Dark, to task. The Truckers are in town at the Opera House on March 19.

Spinner has the premiere of Tift Merritt’s new video from Another Country, out next Tuesday. She plays the El Mocambo on April 1.

Video: Tift Merritt – “Broken”

Will Sheff discusses fame and pretension with The Sydney Morning Herald. Okkervil River are at the Phoenix on April 9.

Gothamist interviews Matt Berninger, lead singer of The National. They’re at the Molson Amphitheatre on June 8 opening for R.E.M.. CNN profiles filmmaker Vincent Moon of Takeaway Show fame, who’s worked with both those artists.

Aversion reports that Wheat has released an ultra-limited edition single from last year’s Everyday I Said A Prayer For Kathy And Made A One Inch Square in “Move=Move” in a package chock full of bonuses and goodies.

MP3: Wheat – “Move=Move” (radio edit)

As predicted, an unofficial MP3 torrent of SxSW artists for this year is now available here. Thanks to DoneWaiting.

The Toronto Star looks at the phenomenon of “band glut” on the touring circuit, a consequence of every artist out there seeking to make their fortune on the road.