NOISE

The ex-Smiths bassist stops in Las Vegas for a DJ set on Friday, headlining the Beauty Bar's two-day Smiths tribute. Bands will incoporate Smiths' covers into sets of original material and DJs will spin Smiths favorites.

What are your DJs sets like?

I just play what's in my collection, stuff I've been listening to at the moment. There's a few classics I always drag out and play, classic American stuff like the Pixies or the Breeders and then classic English tunes from the Stones up to present day. And I usually do two or three Smiths songs, just what people ask for.

Are you surprised at the level of fanatacism for the Smiths nearly two decades after the band broke up?

I knew what we had was special, but it never fails to surprise me when you get 12-, 13-year- old kids coming up to you. They weren't even born when the Smiths were splitting up, yet they're still buying our music, probably stealing it from their dads or older brothers or sisters. I think that's why it carries on. It's a vicious circle, isn't it? But I'm not complaining.

In December, you joined Johnny Marr onstage to perform "How Soon Is Now" at a benefit in Manchester. How did it feel?

It felt fantastic. We rehearsed it a couple of days before, and it was the first time we played together in about 18 years. It was a great moment, and the crowd went nuts, We filmed it, so there will be a DVD.

Given that experience, what are the chances that much-rumored Smiths reunion might actually happen someday?

I always say never say never, but by the same token, I think people have moved on and are doing their own thing. And I think people have changed as they've grown up, and there might be a clash of egos or clash of personalities. Johnny seems very happy with what he's doing on his own, and so is Morrissey. But who knows what will happen.

If you had a vote would you be onboard?

I'd be okay with it, yeah. I think maybe one tour would be fun.

Morrissey recently disclosed that the band turned down a $5 million offer to play the Coachella Festival this year. Were you consulted on that decision?

I think he just took that one himself. It would have been nice to be asked.

Are you in touch with Morrissey or Mike Joyce?

Morrissey, no. I'm in touch with Mike, although I haven't spoken to him in a while. Johnny and I are in touch. It's just Morrissey, really, his choice, not mine. I'm pretty easygoing. I'll talk to anyone within reason.

The Smiths will be Hall of Fame eligible in 2008. Is that something that interests you?

Yeah, you never know. We might actually get to sit down at the same table and talk about things. So I'd be up for it, yeah. But you can't predict what other people are gonna do.

"Rimes proved that hers is a voice which requires little studio doctoring. But her physical performance—consisting of standing center stage and occasionally pacing to stage right—left something to be desired."

Tradition dictates rock radio stations play the Beatles' "Taxman" on April 15 (though this year's deadline is April 17). Here are a few other fitting anthems to ease your income-tax pain.

The Fall—"Pay Your Rates"

The Kinks—"The Money-Go-Round"

Palace—"All Gone, All Gone"

Jimi Hendrix—"Tax Free"

Pop Group—"Rob a Bank"

Cheap Trick—"Taxman, Mr. Thief"

You Say Party! We Say Die!—"The Gap (Between the Rich and the Poor)"

Spinal Tap—"Gimme Some Money"

Charley Patton—"I Paid My Income Tax Today"

Red Hot Chili Peppers —"Give it Away"

SCATTERBOX


Sudden Movements (3 stars)

Based near Spokane, Washington, this hard-core quartet sounds like a throwback to Washington, D.C.,'s mid-'80s Dischord scene. Coarse, high-energy rock that practically screams out Double Down.

Glovebox


Glovebox (4 stars)

Blame it on the Killers, but there's a resurgence of '80s-style electronic pop out there. One of the best is this Australian duo of Mishka and Grainger K Lock, who share vocal duties with K Lock providing the instrumentation. Their debut album is as flawless as they come, with 12 tracks of great hooks and Mishka's distinctive smoky tones.

People in Planes


As Far as the Eye Can See... (2.5 stars)

The debut from this Welsh quintet is a bit Brit-pop and a bit American garage revival. At times the band hits the mark, as on "Black Widow" and "If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode)," but more often they just sound like second-rate Radiohead wannabes with heavier guitars.