Johnny Marr, the busiest Rock God of 2008

Sun, 11/16/2008 10:26 AM  |  Entertainment

Welcome back to Underground Hum, my brave little indienauts. 'Tis once again time to hop into our little geek spaceship and fly headfirst into a galaxy of totally cool music news. As always, thanks for the feedback. Now, let's get cracking with this week's Reverb.

International

After more than 30 years out of the studio and away from the road (as well as the collective consciousness of most of us), there's been some talk that the Faces may show their collective face again, billboard.com reports. The legendary UK rock band, featuring Rod Stewart, longtime Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, Ian McLagan and Kenney Jones, may be reuniting for a few rehearsals next week and quite possibly returning to the stage in 2009.

According to Billboard, Stewart said that he, Wood, McLagan, and Jones would be joined by Stewart's touring bassist (filling in for the late Ronnie Laine) for a little practice session this Monday (Nov. 17) and may hit the road next year. We urge a bit of reticence, as a source tells Billboard "nothing is definite yet", but anything to keep Rod away from those bland American Songbook CDs he's been pumping out can't be anything but a good thing.

With the following piece of news, I hereby nominate ex-The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr as the busiest Rock God of 2008. Here's why: He's a member of Modest Mouse. He's also been collaborating with the Cribs. He's a college professor. He recently remastered a bunch of songs for a new Smiths compilation. And yet, something about Johnny Marr's schedule screamed to him, "Not busy enough!" So Marr has filled the void in his creative life by getting involved in a variety of new projects.

First, billboard.com reports that Marr contributed to Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante's next solo album, The Empyrean. According to Billboard, the Sonus Quartet, the New Dimension Singers and Chili Peppers bassist Flea also appear on the record, which comes out Jan. 20 via Record Collection.

Next, Marr is working with Modest Mouse photographer Pat Graham on Graham's next book. Titled Instrument, the book will feature photographs of Graham's favorite musicians' instruments. Finally, Marr began his time as Professor of Music at Salford University with a Nov. 4 lecture called "Always from the Outside: Mavericks, Innovators and Building Your Own Ark".

According to his website, the lecture was "a celebration and recognition of how all great people and achievements have come exclusively from outside the music business and the establishment. It's an idealistic argument for the necessity of operating outside of the business bottom line." I don't care what people say, Johnny, you are so much cooler than Morrissey.

Elvis Costello has cooked up a talk show on America's Sundance Channel called Spectacle: Elvis Costello With..., and the guest list is staggering! Have a look at the lineup: Lou Reed, the Police, She & Him, Jenny Lewis, Smokey Robinson, Elton John (who executive produced the program), Rufus Wainwright, Tony Bennett, Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Diana Krall (Costello's wife), John Mellencamp, Jakob Dylan, Renie Fleming, James Taylor and ... Bill Clinton (here's hoping he breaks out the saxophone).

In addition to these folks' performances, each of the 13 Spectacle episodes will feature its guest's conversation with Costello and an episode-opening performance in which Costello unveils his interpretation of a song by that episode's guest. Wonder which of the many Bill Clinton mega-hits he'll tackle? Plenty of other musicians will contribute to performances on the show.

These nonfeatured guests include members of Costello's Imposters, legendary jazz bassist Charlie Haden and producer, arranger and performer (and Costello's The River in Reverse collaborator) Allen Toussaint. The Sundance Channel will air the first episode of Spectacle: Elvis Costello With..., the one featuring Sir Elton, on Dec. 3.

National

DEAD VERTICAL "INFECTING THE WORLD" Album Release Party Genre: Hardcore, Metal Date : Nov. 16, 2008 Venue: Stardust Cafe, Thamrin (Sarinah Building) Time : 13.00 -- End Supporting lineup: Rajasinga, Straight Out, Deadsquad, Final Attack, Hard To Kill, Absolute Defiance, Burning Flame, Death Valley, End Of Age, Sarcastic Entry fee: Rp 25,OOO

That about does it for this week's Underground Hum. Before I go, I just want to say that Underground Hum is now also available to be read at http://undergroundhum.blogspot.com. The blog contains all past issues of Main Stage and will also feature occasional random rumblings from me. Do pay it a visit.

If you have any questions, suggestions, praises, and curses just send us a note at undergroundhum@yahoo.com

Be good now, children!

For all of you indie bands or artists out there, let us know if you have a gig coming up so we can include it in future editions of reverb. Be sure to include the name of the event you're playing, what other acts are billed, time, place, date, and entry fee if any.

--Paul F. Agusta

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