Pitchfork

-- Jazz and cabaret great Blossom Dearie passed away from natural causes on Saturday, February 7 in New York City, the Associated Press reports. She was 82. During her 60+ year career, she contributed to a Parisian vocal group, recorded for Verve and Capitol, and sang songs for Schoolhouse Rock! including the intriguingly eerie "Figure 8". Random indie rock connection: In the 1940s, Blossom Dearie sang with bandleader Alvino Rey; Rey was the grandfather of the Arcade Fire's Win and Will Butler.

-- Feel that hype! Disco-punk upstarts Friendly Fires will try for the British Invasion thing with fellow UK rockers White Lies when they embark on a joint U.S. tour, sponsored by NME, starting in late March. Friendly Fires are currently making their way through Europe; I have yet to hear a disparaging remark about their live show.

-- Shudder to Think front man Craig Wedren is set to the put the "art" in art-rock this week when he plays a couple unique NYC shows. On February 12, he'll take to Columbia's Miller Theater with composer Jefferson Friedman to a new chamber piece they co-wrote, entitled "Love Songs", for the first time. The following day will find him downtown at (Le) Poisson Rouge, playing material by John Cage, Shudder to Think, and Louis Andriessen with both his band and the American Contemporary Music Ensemble. Think brainy valentine.

-- Genre-skipping producer-rapper-singer Jneiro Jarel has paired up with Goodie Mob MC Khujo Goodie to form Willie Isz, a psychedelic new hip-hop outfit. The pair's 12-track debut album, Georgiavania, will come out April 21 on Lex and feature guest vocals from TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe on a song called "Gawn Jet". Get a taste of this indie Gnarles Barkley-type project at the duo's MySpace.

-- Super! Mon Amour, only the most chic indie mini festival in Paris, will be held at various locations within the city February 11-22. Artists including Black Lips, Ponytail, Gang Gang Dance, Handsome Furs, Chairlift, Radioclit, and Women will play for the disaffected, cigarette-chomping masses.