Artists & Music Faith No More Seeks Fool's Gold Slash /Reprise Set Defies Simple Labels BY DAVID SPRAGUE The new album is the band's first since the less- than -amicable depar- NEW YORK -For more than a dec- ture of guitarist/co- founder Jim ade, Faith No More has treated lis- Martin, a personnel change Gould teners to a steady diet of provoca- likens to "running a race with both tion, ensuring that no off -the -rack legs instead of one bum leg." Mar- labels will be applied to the band. tin's replacement, Trey Spruance- But rather than bemoan the market- also a member of singer Mike Pat - ing challenge posted by the group's ton's second band, Mr. Bungle, si- unpredictability, executives at both phoned off some of the sonic heavy Berry, Berry Good. The Cranberries are surrounded by Island reps following the Slash and Reprise think it can be FAITH NO MORE metal on record, but he declined to Irish group's sold -out show at New York's Beacon Theater. Shown, from left, are used to the quintet's advantage on its remain with the band for a grueling Dave Yeskel, VP sales and field marketing, Island Records; Steve Leeds, VP of forthcoming album, "King For A tour that begins in mid -April. New alternative radio and video promotion, Island; Joe Riccitelli, VP of promotion, Day, Fool For A Lifetime." risk. While the 14 -song set veers guitarist Dean Menta will tour with Island; Cranberries Fergal Lawler, Mike Hogan, and Dolores O'Riordan; Sky "Some people will get it, and some from Philly -soul balladry (the string - the band. Daniels, senior VP of promotion, Island; Noel Hogan of the Cranberries; Ed Green, won't," says Slash president Bob laden "Evidence ") to avant -garde "Touring is obviously significant associate director of top 40 promotion, Island; Jonas Nachsin, director of Biggs. "But if you accept this band shrieking ( "Cuckoo For Caca "), for Faith No More," says Warner marketing, Island; and Hooman Majd, senior VP, Island. for what it is -complex, anti- author- bassist/co- founder Billy Gould views (Continued on page 25) itarian, very much of its own mak- it as listener -friendly. ing- you'll come to the conclusion "In my eyes, this is more of a that this is a great record." rock'n'roll record than `Angel Dust.' "King For A Day, Fool For A Life- Last time, we pulled off a record that time," which will be issued on Slash/ was a little bit risky -not at all John Reboots Rocket Label Via Island; Reprise/Warner Bros. on March 14, rock -and that gave us the confi- is slightly more centered than the dence to do this one," says Gould. "If gold- certified 1992 release "Angel this record goes down the toilet, I'll '95 `Jesus Christ Superstar' Needs Saving Dust," but it's by no means short on still have that confidence." ROCKET MAN: Elton John has reactivated his Rocket a '65 Mustang. I don't mean to be sacrilegious, but by the Records label in the U.S. In the late '70s, the label, distrib- end I didn't care what shut him up, I just wanted him to Zoo Hopes New Sweet Set uted through RCA, was the American home for such acts stop. as Kiki Dee, Judy Tzuke, Cliff Richard, Brenda Russell, The whole production was dreadful, but in a mesmeriz- and Neil Sedalia. The imprint has been John's home (via ing way. Sort of like when you can't stop watching "Gilli- Will Be 100 %' Success Phonogram) outside of the U.S. for several years, and now gan's Island" marathons for fear you'll miss the episode will be his new home in the U.S. as well. Marketing and when the Professor turns two coconuts into a radio ... Ex- BY RICK CLARK and more melancholy stuff, but there promotion will be handled through Island Records, with cept the cast of "Gilligan's" could act. are more tunes." distribution through PGD. But Andrew Lloyd Webber saves the worst sin for the MEMPHIS -Fans of the breezy pop "100% Fun" arrives in stores John's longtime manager, John end. In a whiz -bang special effect, smarts found on Matthew Sweet's March 14. Reid, will head the New York -based Jesus ascends to heaven right off the acclaimed 1992 album "Girlfriend" Sweet's manager, Russell Carter, label, which has a staff of five. "At cross. Forget about the tomb, the should find that his new Zoo Records says, "When Matthew set out to do the moment, Elton and I are the de- rolling back of the stone, the "And album, "100% Fun," more than lives this record, he said, `I've got to warn cision makers. In due time, we'll be on the third day, he rose" part. Why up to its name. you. It's going to be very poppy.' adding people, but we'll keep it like let the Scriptures get in the way of "I wanted to make a simpler, more That was just fine with me, because this until the label starts to grow," the spectacle? Just say no. direct record," says Sweet. "I think I love pop music. Pop music in says Reid. this record has elements of 'Girl- Matthew's mind is a classic singer/ 'We're looking for maybe three to THIS AND THAT: After a stint on friend' and [1993's] `Altered Beast.' songwriter pop artistry like the Bea- four acts in the first year or so," he Epic Records, Sepultura has re- It has got a little bit of the darker tles and Beach Boys. It's not like says. The first signing is an LA.- by Melinda Newman turned to Roadrunner Records ... modern-day pop. When you listen to based singer /songwriter named Here's potential for confusion. this, there are clearly a lot of hooks Ryan Douglas, whom, Reid says, Death Row/Interscope artist and harmonies that are reminiscent "we've been kind of nurturing for a couple of years." His Jewell's first single, "Woman To Woman," just charted on of those bands." debut will be out this summer. Like the '70s incarnation the Hot 100. Interscope is distributed by the Atlantic "100% Fun" was recorded at of Rocket, Reid says he'll also consider international re- Group. Atlantic Records, obviously also a part of the Atlan- Southern Tracks in Atlanta and pro- leases that have no U.S. affiliation. "We're not ruling any- tic Group, is launching a new singer/songwriter named duced by Brendan O'Brien, whose thing out." Jewel. The two sound nothing alike, but we predict ware- well- documented credits include The label's game plan has altered slightly since Poly - house headaches on this one ... As part of its 20th anniver- Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots. Gram acquired John's new album from MCA, instead of sary season, "Austin City Limits" will feature a Stevie Ray "When Brendan and I talked waiting for his contract to lapse after issuing the upcoming Vaughan retrospective. Set to air April 1, the episode will about making a record together, he album. "My intention was to release a couple of albums be- feature Vaughan performances going back to 1983 ... The said, The only thing I care about is fore Elton had a release on Rocket, but that's been turned National Abortion And Reproductive Rights Action songs, songs, songs. I want around," says Reid. John's album, "Made In England," will League and the Women's Health Action Mobilization will really tuneful songs.' I said, `That's be released on Rocket/Island March 21. The first single, split $170,000 donated by Rykodisc from the sale of "Born no problem, because that is already "Believe," will come out later this month. To Choose," a 1993 release that featured rare and un- what I am doing,' " says Sweet, released tracks by such artists as Soundgarden, R.E.M. MATTHEW SWEET laughing. "I was very pleasantly sur- LOSING MY RELIGION: As I headed to the Paramount with Natalie Merchant, and Matthew Sweet. (Continued on page 16) Theater last week to see a revival of "Jesus Christ Super- star," I was filled with nostalgic eagerness. The 1973 movie ON THE ROAD: Jimmy Plant and Robert Page begin soundtrack played a major role in my youth. "I Don't Know their yearlong world tour Feb. 26 at the Pensacola (Fla.) How To Love Him" applied to all my young crushes, while, Civic Arena. The outing also will include stops in Europe, taken on a more literal level, the sadness of "Gethsemane" Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan, and South America. Join- brought me to tears. ing Plant and Page on stage will be a core band of bassist SHU E® After seeing the production, all I can say is that some Charlie Jones, drummer Michael Lee, guitarist/banjo things should remain a memory. There is no doubt in my player Porl Thompson, hurdy -gurdy player Nigel Eaton, The microphones mind that the raising of the Stanley Cup banner at the and keyboardist Ed Shearmur. They will be joined by an New York Rangers' game the next night was the far su- eight -member Egyptian string and percussion ensemble. the professionals perior religious experience. Additionally, local orchestras will accompany them at each Ted Neeley, who you think would have aged out of the gig ... Luscious Jackson will be logging time opening for stand behind. role by now, is still playing Jesus, just as he did in the the Beastie Boys in Europe in February.