Kelly Clarkson will have a little extra kick on her next record thanks for punk legend Mike Watt. Watt, currently playing with Iggy Pop and the Stooges, was impressed by the Idol's vocal abilities. He is quoted as saying "I heard that Kelly won some game show, but I was really impressed how she sang her ass off."

Kings of Leon told NME that their new record would be ready for an April 2nd release. But, the band also said we can expect a new single before then, probably in March.

Atlantic Records sent over a link to Paolo Nutini's vid for "New Shoes" - check it here.

The Post Chronicle speculates that Jewel may be in the running to replace Paula Abdul on American Idol if the spacey Paula continues her wacky ways. I don't see it happening. Fox is smart enough to know that people want to see what Paula will do next and the "is she or isn't she" tabloid headlines referring to intoxication are extra publicity for the show. Now, if she really goes off the deep end, maybe. But, for now I think Jewel will be sticking with Cowboy Troy on Nashville Star.

Minus the Bear is working on both a remix record and a disc of entirely new music. Scheduled for a summer release, the new record is tentatively titled Planet Of Ice and is being recorded by Matt Bayles (Isis, Mastodon). Meanwhile, MTB fans can look forward to Interpretaciones Del Oso, the band's remix record, which will be released Feb. 20th.

Deerhoof, who've toured with The Flaming Lips and Radiohead, is putting out their new record next week. Friend Opportunity hits stores on January 23rd and the band starts their US tour the next day in LA. Meanwhile you can check out their single "+81" here.

Jack Johnson, My Morning Jacket, Death Cab For Cutie, Widespread Panic, The Allman Brothers, John Hiatt, Guster, Blues Traveler, Government Mule and a host of other artists will appear on a tribute record to The Band called Endless Highway: The Music of the Band. The compilation is due out later this month.

NYC's As Tall As Lions will be part of Alternative Press Magazine's "Band You Need To Know" tour. Cute Is What We Aim For, Circa Survive and Envy On The Coast are also on the bill.

The New Orleans area is still in need of help. If you can't afford move there like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie reportedly have, you can hopefully squeeze in a visit. A prime time to head to the Big Easy would be the first week in May. You can catch the 6th Annual Ponderosa Stomp on Wednesday May, 2nd at the New Orleans House of Blues. Roky Erickson of 13th Floor Elevators Fame will appear along with a host of others.

Labels: Allman Brothers Band, American Idol, Death Cab, Deerhoof, Jewel, Kelly Clarkson, Kings of Leon, Mike Watt, Minus the Bear, My Morning Jacket