Inbox Update: Morrissey and Tom Jones, Natalie Merchant, R.E.M., Beck, Ralph Waite

Happy Friday everybody! This being Valentine's Day, there is lots of sonic love in the air.

Morrissey at Hyundai Pavilion in Devore, CA in 2004. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The Orange County Register's Ben Wener has an in-depth post about the upcoming Los Angeles concert date featuring the one-and-only Morrissey and opener Tom Jones (yes, that Tom Jones). Read his post here.

George A. Paul has posted a wealth of details about the release of Natalie Merchant's next solo album, which is scheduled to land via Nonesuch Records this spring. Click here to read more.

Wondering what the ex-members of R.E.M. are up too? Here is a pretty entertaining update on Stereogum. 

Beck is returning to Saturday Night Live. He will likely be featuring songs off his forthcoming release Morning Phase. Read more on Rolling Stone by clicking here.

Finally, sad news about the death of actor Ralph Waite. You can read more about the late actor (of The Waltons fame) via a nice article posted on the USA Today site here.