Tuned In

by Jesse Delaney

books

Merging rock 'n' roll with literature isn't a new concept, but until One Ring Zero's As Smart As We Are the results tended toward spoken-word albums by rockers (Henry Rollins, Jello Biafra) or ego-driven poetry books (Jim Morrison, Jewel). Behold Lit Rock! Songs written by established authors, but performed by accomplished musicians. ORZ ringleaders Michael Hearst and Joshua Camp asked writers to submit lyrics and the duo put the words into tune. The resulting tales of monsters, sinners and "the hairy call" (an utterance beyond description) play on the reputation of authors as outsiders. Some revel in their misfit status (Clay McLeod Chapman's naughty "Half and Half"). Others seek inclusion while simultaneously holding the world at bay (Margaret Atwood's "Frankenstein Monster Song"). While ORZ's eclectic instrumentation (claviola, theremin, melodica, Jones-O-Phone, etc.) plays well on CD, it's best appreciated live. Author Myla Goldberg (Bee Season), who contributed "Golem" to As Smart, will accompany on flute.

In addition to ORZ, the showcase features readings by authors Maggie Dubris and Lydia Millet. Daniel Nester, whose dedication to the rock band Queen forms the nexus of his God Save My Queen books, will be hosting, reading and performing. (When asked about a possible collaboration with One Ring Zero, Hearst replied, "Does [he] know "Fat Bottomed Girls'? Now that would be fun!") Nester seems like a natural choice for emcee, having been begged on at least one occasion to imitate Queen's charismatic frontman, the late Freddie Mercury. His GSMQ is a very funny blend of music biography and personal reflection which demonstrates that, if explained coherently and in sufficient detail, a fanatical obsession with a rock band can seem almost rational. Almost.

Soft Skull Press Showcase with Lydia Millet, Daniel Nester, Maggie Dubris, One Ring Zero and Myla Goldberg, Sun., Feb. 20, 3 p.m., free, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.