Built to Spill's Doug Martsch is taking it easy following his recent eye surgery. Martsch, who had surgery for a detached retina in late March, was forced to cancel Built to Spill's spring tour because of the injury. Martsch didn't speak to (we don't roll that way), but he did speak to others from his home in Boise, Idaho, and according to those reports his recovery has been splendid. He's taking the time off from his band to watch basketball and spend time with his family. That said, Martsch will be back to rock your face off this fall when the band makes up its cancelled tour dates (including two Twin Cities dates at First Avenue). Built to Spill's latest album, "You in Reverse," was released this past Tuesday.

Thunder in the Valley, the Twin Cities best (and only) vaudeville pop band, have completed their first full length album. Heart of a Champion records will release "A Long, Long Walk" in late April, although it seems like you can already buy the disc on the band's website. On April 28, the group plans to officially celebrate "A Long, Long Walk" at St. Paul's Turf Club. Long live the ragtime-rock revolution.

Zutons frontman Dave McCabe wound up in an Amsterdam hopsital last night after experiencing an allergic reaction to a drink - he was treated for a "bad rash." A spokesperson for the band reported on NME.com that "He suffered a reaction to a health drink of all things. He was given a shot of adrenaline because he came up with a bad rash. They wanted to keep an eye on him but fortunately he's fine now."

In a bizarre move, Minneapolis expatriates the Hold Steady signed to Vagrant Records. Vagrant, which generally supports bands of the emo/punk variety (i.e. Alkaline Trio), seems like an odd choice for the Hold Steady. But hey, Craig Finn probably knows what to do with his band, right? Unless they went on a five day bender and accidently ended up on Vagrant or something, it seems likely that the Hold Steady have their reasons for teaming with the California-based label. Previously, the Hold Steady had been working with Brooklyn's Frenchkiss records, who released the band's critically lauded "Separation Sunday."

Download The Hold Steady's "Your Little Hoodrat Friend"

Mr. Purple Rain has done it again. After years of battling record lables and releasing mediocre music, Prince's new album, "3121," debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. The record sold 183,000 units, and also topped the R&B/Hip-Hop charts. This is actually Prince's first #1 debut, even though he has held the top spot on the U.S. pop album charts three previous times. So sleep well, Minneapolis. Prince has still got some funk left.