Richard Ashcroft Readies The United Nations Of Sound

Richard Ashcroft (The Verve) will release his next solo album, The United Nations Of Sound, in early 2011 through Razor & Tie. The album was produced by No I.D. (Kanye West, Jay-Z) who "assisted Richard in creating a huge sound." Ashcroft will reportedly tour the US for the first time in six years in 2011. Stream to the lead single, "Are You Ready," on Ashcroft's website. [richardashcroft.co.uk]