Faith Hill [ tickets ] and Willie Nelson [ tickets ] have signed on to perform at "The 38th Annual CMA Awards," which air live on CBS-TV on Nov. 9.

The pair will take part in a tribute to fellow country star Kris Kristofferson, who will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame during the awards ceremony.

Lou Reed [ tickets ] has cut a long-term recording deal with Sanctuary Records, the label announced on Monday (11/1).

"I am beyond delighted to be in a situation where I am surrounded by people who love music," Reed said in a statement. He is expected to begin working on his Sanctuary Records debut in 2005, according to the label.

"Beyond Ocean Avenue," a new DVD from Yellowcard [ tickets ], is due in stores on Tuesday (11/2). The disc features over an hour of concert footage mixed in 5.1 surround sound, according to Capitol Records.

Also on Tuesday, Capitol issues "NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol. 17," the latest edition of the popular hits-compilation series. The set houses 20 previously released his from artists such as Beastie Boys, Nelly, Franz Ferdinand, Fat Joe, Keith Urban and others.

Despite being diagnosed with both strep throat and laryngitis, Shadows Fall [ tickets ] lead singer Brian Fair will continue to tour as scheduled, according to a press release.

"I have never cancelled a show due to poor health and don't plan on it now," Fair said in a statement. "The support of our fans means the world to us and I would never do anything to let them down. Besides, if Curt Schilling can lead the Red Sox to a World Series victory with a sewn up ankle then I can tough it out and bring the metal!"