Billboard Bits: Gracin, Mike Gordon, More Than Music

“American Idol 2” finalist Joshua Gracin will not take part in the show’s upcoming 39-city North American tour, due to military training commitments. Gracin, a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marines, was the fourth runner-up in the televised competition.

“We’re sad that Josh won’t be able to participate in the tour, but completely respect and applaud his commitment to the completion of his military duties,” Tom Ennis of “Idol” creator 19 Entertainment said in a statement.

The Pop Tarts-sponsored tour kicks off July 8 in St. Paul, Minn., and will close Aug. 31 in Anaheim, Calif. It will now feature nine contestants from the series, including Kimberly Caldwell, Julia Demato, Charles Grigsby, Kimberley Locke, Carmen Rasmusen, Rickey Smith, Trenyce, winner Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aiken.

— Troy Carpenter, N.Y.

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Phish bassist Mike Gordon is set to release his first solo album, “Inside In,” Aug. 26 on Ropeadope Records. The album’s origins lie in the Gordon-directed experimental feature film “Outside Out,” which was released in 2000. Gordon created the album based on pieces of music from the mostly instrumental soundtrack. “Inside In” is “the music from ‘Outside Out’ reworked into songs,” Gordon told Billboard.com last year.

Gordon wrote all songs on the 15-track album and plays guitar, bass, Wurlitzer organ, accordion, washing machine and more on the disc. He is also joined by drummer Russ Lawton, multi-instrumentalist James Harvey, pedal steel guitarist Gordon Stone, banjoist Bela Fleck, Phish drummer Jon Fishman and other guests.

Last year, Gordon released an album he recorded in collaboration with guitarist Leo Kottke. The Private Music/RCA disc, titled “Clone,” debuted at No. 17 on Billboard’s Top Internet Albums chart. Gordon said further recordings with Kottke were a possibility. “We’re both enthusiastic about the idea of trying out different stuff and pushing the duo thing in new ways,” he said.

Here is the tracklist for “Inside In”:

“Take Me Out”
“Bone Delay”
“Admoop”
“Outside Out”
“Beltless Buckler”
“Soul Food Man”
“The Teacher”
“Gatekeeper”
“Couch Lady”
“Major Minor”
“The Lesson”
“Exit Wound”
“Steel Bones”
“Take Me Out II”
“Take Me Out outro”

— Troy Carpenter, N.Y.

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The Blood Brothers, Will Oldham, the Locust, Aesop Rock, RJD2, Mr. Lif, Peanut Butter Wolf, MF Doom, Songs: Ohia, Dead Meadow, Ex Models, Party Of Helicopters, Boom Bip and Jean Grae are among the acts confirmed for the 11th and final More Than Music Festival. To be held July 11-12 at the Factory in Columbus, Ohio, the event will also feature art and photo exhibits, panel discussions and 30 DJs performing over the course of the weekend.

The event has previously featured appearances by such underground rock staples as Braid, Christie Front Drive, Jets To Brazil, Shellac, Avail, the Promise Ring and Lightning Bolt.

Tickets are available from online retailer Insound or at various Columbus locations. For more information, visit the event’s official Web site.

— Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.