■ The long-awaited Trypes compilation Music for Neighbors saw the light of day on April 24 to pretty much universal acclaim. You can check out some of the early reviews here and here and here and here and here. And, by all means, check out the full story, listen to some of the music, and order yourself a copy at the Acute Records website here. We might add that it’s a very reasonable price for 12" vinyl, a handsome letter-press package, an informative booklet chock full of photos, and a download card with some real sonic treats. We hope you agree that it was worth the wait.

■ And speaking of The Trypes…they'll be making a rare appearance at the June 8 installment of the “Rent Party,” a very worthwhile series benefiting food pantries in South Orange and Maplewood. Check the Speed the Plough Facebook page for all of the details. Then, kicking off the summer on the Hudson riverfront, John and Ed will be playing with Yung Wu on Thursday, June 21 at Frank Sinatra Park in Hoboken. The show starts at 6:30 and includes our good friends in East of Venus and The Thousand Pities. Also check Facebook for Dan’s pursuits (Flagland and Zelig), Ed’s ensemble (The Stimulus Package), and Mike’s band (Night Brigade).

■ Meanwhile, work continues on the STP compilation, heading for a release this fall. We’ve been focusing on live recordings that span the band’s history, with a heavy emphasis on our two appearances on Mountain Stage. Complementing the package will be live tracks from Maxwell’s (both acoustic front room and electric back room), The Knitting Factory, and other venus long gone. You can get an idea of what we found with the first sound file on the right, STP’s version of Robert Wyatt’s “The British Road,” from a 1989 show at Maxwell’s.

■ In case you’re a first time visitor, or even if you’re not, please be aware that Speed the Plough’s latest album Shine is available from New Jersey’s own Dromedary Records or by clicking on the Shop link. If you haven’t already, get yourself one.