U2 back in the studio

U2 has returned to its Dublin studio to resume work on the band's next album, according to Billboard.com. The group took a break for the Easter holiday and is now recording again, with a message at the official U2 web site saying, "Everyone (is) still hoping the new album will be out this year." The yet-to-be-titled disc will follow up 2004's How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and will be supported by a world tour in 2009. The band is working on the new CD with producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, who together and separately have been involved with classic U2 records like The Unforgettable Fire, Achtung Baby and The Joshua Tree.

Meanwhile, July 22nd will see the arrival of remastered, expanded editions of U2's first three albums, 1980's Boy, 1981's October and 1983's War. Each will be reissued in a two-CD package featuring rare studio tracks, B-sides and live material. A single-disc heavyweight vinyl edition will be available as well.

U2 guitarist The Edge is overseeing the reissues, which began last fall with The Joshua Tree.

U2 recently signed a 12-year worldwide contract to have Live Nation handle its merchandising, digital and branding rights. Live Nation, which has handled U2's tours for 20 years, will now also oversee its merchandising, sponsorships and other corporate partnerships, its fan club and other Web sites, plus other digital, marketing and creative ventures.
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