A satirical letter attributed to Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan that appeared last week in a Seattle newspaper was evidently taken seriously by some publications.

"In the July 12 issue of Seattle's weekly publication The Stranger, an article headlined 'An Open Letter From Billy Corgan' to fans--purportedly written by Corgan himself--appeared," Corgan's publicist wrote in a press release. "Truth to tell, the letter was not written by Corgan, a Smashing Pumpkins band member or anyone affiliated with the group."

According to Corgan's publicist, "several reputable national news outlets picked up the [letter] and printed abbreviated quotes from it, thinking the letter was legitimate." The letter was characterized by grandiose, ego-driven statements such as "We were once the most important band in the world, and everyone--me, you, Courtney Love--knew it" and "... My Chemical Romance and Panic! At the Disco couldn't exist without me."

Pop-punk outfit Sum 41 [ tickets ] will mark the July 24 release of its new album, "Underclass Hero," by performing the entire set "live and uncensored on the Internet the second it's released," according to an email that the group sent out today (7/19). Additional details will be forthcoming via the band's website.

The group also plans to usher in the set with a release-day performance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," according to the site.

"Crystal Gayle [ tickets ]'s Greatest Hits," an album featuring 25 of the veteran singer's hits, is due in stores Aug. 28, according to Capitol Nashville/EMI. The album's 2007 release commemorates the 30th anniversary of Gayle's biggest hit, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," which is recognized by ASCAP as one of the 10 most often performed country songs of the 20th century, the label said in a press release.

Singer/songwriter K.D. Lang has signed on to headline a January 2008 cruise organized by Olivia, a specialty company that is "focused exclusively on lesbians and delivering premium products and services that connect and celebrate their lives," according to a press release. More information about the cruise is available at Olivia's website.