Excellent Online

As I type this, I'm currently listening to London traffic reports, thanks to this week's launch of the new BBC RADIO ONE WEBSITE. The re-launch FINALLY returns Radio One to the world of RealAudio, but this time around, the shows aren't archived - it's a 24-hour live streaming feed. The newly updated site also features news, contests, polls, and trivia. The new site's at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1

Ever wonder what would happen if Robbie Williams was a girl? American audiences will get a chance to find out next month when MEL C (aka SPORTY SPICE) makes a U.S. jaunt to promote her new "indie" solo record. The first U.S. will be October 1st at New York's Irving Plaza.

Those lads from OASIS are back in the news all the time these days. It seems ousted drummer Tony McCarroll has sent Noel a letter asking for a tryout to be the band's new bass player. Just a quick pointer: It's usually best to ask for a new job from your former bosses BEFORE you sue them. Also, Liam and Noel have each recorded songs for the forthcoming JAM cover album, "Fire and Skill", which also features GENE, REEF and GARBAGE.

At least according to the British music press, it seems that Nicky Wire has gone a bit haywire as of late and that the Manic Street Preachers have become the rock dinosaurs they once sought to destroy.

And depending on your level of cynicism, you might say the band's U.S. tour of 11 dates in nine cities -- with at least one last-minute cancellation -- isn't exactly the sign of a young-and-hungry act who'll do anything to make in the States.

Regardless, when I spoke to Nicky Wire from his home in Wales on the eve of the tour, he was affable and relaxed and seemed anxious to laugh off the criticism that's been leveled at his band.

Interview by Ross Raihala

It's September 1999, and the Super Furry Animals are making their way through the States in support of their brilliant third album, "Guerrilla." During the band's stop in Chicago, Excellent Online got to tag-team SFA frontman Gruff Rhys to find out the scoop on the new records, the current tour, and the whirlwind of critical acclaim that's usurping the band as we head into 2000. A full transcript of the interview is below, from start to finish. Thanks to Adam and all at Flydaddy for the assistance in this interview.

Interview by Shane Brown and Kari Winn

Looks like we can cancel those rumours about BLUR splitting up, at least for now. Onstage at Reading this past weekend, Blur frontman Damon Albarn announced two special shows later this year in London to help celebrate the band's 10th anniversary, but also hinted that the band was going to "do something else" after those two shows. One show will be held at Camden Palace, where the band promises to play through their vast repertoire of b-sides; the other will be a Wembley Arena gig, where the band will play all 22 of their singles in order.

A bit belated, here, but congratulations are in order to Dominique Durand and Andy Chase of IVY on the birth last month of their first child, Justine Chase Goldberg.

KROQ-FM in Los Angeles is diving headfirst into the rumour mill about a possible SMITHS reunion on the horizon. The supporting facts, although sketchy at best, remain intruiging: Former Smiths frontman MORRISSEY and guitarist JOHNNY MARR are both currently working on new solo recordings in Los Angeles. Here's the kicker: KROQ is reporting that Marr, who recently wrapped up session work on Beck's new record, is now set to join Beck onstage at this summer's COACHELLA FESTIVAL in Indio, CA, on October 9th...

Pretty soon they'll just be called "The Gallagher Brothers," it seems, as now bassist Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan has left OASIS. The split, which comes only two weeks after rhythm guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs announced his departure, now leaves Liam, Noel, and drummer Alan White as the only remaining members. Principal recording for the new forthcoming Oasis record has already been completed in France with both McGuigan and Arthurs, and it's now left to the Gallaghers to finish mixing the record, scheduled for a Spring 2000 release.

LOTS of new tours to report on... We've got confirmation on a U.S. mini-tour from GOMEZ - It's a quickie - just six dates, major cities only, in late September. Plus we've got the TRICKY tour now being confirmed by the official website. Add to that another confirmed US leg for the CHEMICAL BROTHERS. Beyond that, we've put the BIS tour dates up hopefully in enough time for you to score tickets.