Music Notes: Exene Cervenka diagnosed with M.S., M.I.A. goes political again

- Exene Cervenka, co-vocalist for legendary L.A. punk band X, has revealed that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The musician said the following in a statement: "While this diagnosis will most certainly mean some changes for me, personally, it will not affect my commitments to the current X U.S. tour, nor will it affect my solo album that is slated for release this fall on Bloodshot Records. My focus will certainly be on maintaining my health --many people remain strong and continue to live their lives as productively as they had before an MS diagnosis and I plan to be one of those people." Be well! [SPIN]

- M.I.A. is supporting independent British candidate Jan Jananayagam in the European Parliament elections, to be held June 4 - 7. And so she's offering a free song to Londoners who will do the same. [Pitchfork]

- The Arctic Monkeys have announced that their third (currently untitled) album on August 24 in the UK (so make that the 25th here in the US). The album features ten new songs, and will be available in CD, vinyl and digital download formats. [ArcticMonkeys.com]

- Los Campesinos! are losing their keyboardist-singer Aleks because she plans to "return to her studies." Aw. It's kind of sad, but in a good way. The band is still touring this summer. [Pitchfork]

- Following up on Morrissey touring drama: the singer has rescheduled his canceled UK tour dates. [NME]

- Stellastarr* will embark on a US tour starting July 8 in Boston. The band will release their new album Civilized one day before on July 7. It's the band's first studio album in four years. [NME]

- And in serious music news: Trent Reznor just called Marilyn Manson a malicious, dopey clown. [Prefix Mag]