Music, like politics, is now subject to the 24-hour news cycle. As a result, it’s damn near impossible to keep abreast of the day’s myriad rock ‘n’ roll tidbits. But fear not: In the spirit of simplification and efficiency, we’ve collected today's top 5 items and ranked them in terms of newsworthiness. Scroll down to see our picks.

  • Kevin Winter, Getty Images
    Kevin Winter, Getty Images
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    5

    Okkervil River Drop Free EP of '80s Covers

    Indie greats take on Wang Chung, Don Henley and more

    Their version of 'Dance Hall Days' is a freakin' revelation. [Stereogum]

  • Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images
    Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images
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    4

    Daft Punk Playing Grammys

    At least five minutes of this year's ceremony will be watchable

    The show's producer says the duo's first performance since 2008 will be "celebratory." [Contact Music]

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    3

    Trent Reznor Big-Ups Bowie, Disses Arcade Fire

    NIN mastermind speaks his mind in a Hollywood Reporter column

    Trent likes how Bowie surprised everyone this year and wishes Arcade Fire had scaled back the promo a bit. "OK, I get it," he writes. "You've got an album out, you've played every TV show in the world." [NME]

  • Kevin Winter, Getty Images
    Kevin Winter, Getty Images
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    2

    Arcade Fire Headlining Glastonbury

    Montreal crew takes top billing at U.K. fest

    That settles it: Trent Reznor ain't going! [Pitchfork]

  • AFP
    AFP
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    1

    Pussy Riot Members Freed

    Jailed Russian art-punks benefit from new amnesty law

    But don't think this means Vladimir Putin has gone soft. “I was not sorry that they ended up behind bars,” he said. “I was sorry that they were engaged in such disgraceful behaviour, which in my view was degrading to the dignity of women.” [Consequence of Sound]

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