Mike Watt (Minutemen, Stooges) joins Kelly Clarkson on new album

The legendary Mike Watt has contributed his equally legendary bass prowess to the next album from pop songstress Kelly Clarkson. According to Pitchfork, Watt joined the "Since U Been Gone" singer in the studio as a favour to an old friend:

The producer/engineer David Kahne is an old friend, and that's why I was asked aboard, though the guitarist and co-songwriter, Jimmy Messer, knew all about my history and was very enthusiastic; he's a great cat. Actually, it was pretty interesting. I didn't [know] what to expect, but [Kahne] had me trying all kinds of tripping stuff. Altogether, I played on six [songs]. They were already recorded, and I was replacing and adding in bass.

Everyone there gave me much respect even with me being nervous, big time at first. I knew nothing of Kelly Clarkson before this but can tell you, in my opinion, that she can sing her ass off. Man, she's got pipes and goes for it. She also didn't have any airs or a big posse of sycophants and was just plain up-front people, which to me is very happening 'cause I ain't so used to all the fronting that can go [on] in some scenes

The session is the second high profile gig for Watt in 2006, the previous being his contributions to the long-awaited new album from The Stooges. He mentions this as well saying:

I got lots going with the Stooges. Iggy called me just a little bit ago and said the album sounds great. Wow, I can't wait to hear it."