WHAT THE EFF?!

That's right, your eyes aren't deceiving you. That's Kelly Clarkson of "American Idol" fame with Mike Watt from the Minutemen and fIREHOSE. According to Pitchfork, Watt is playing bass on six songs on Clarkson's new album.

For those that aren't familiar with Watt or the Minutemen, check out their classic Double Nickels on the Dime (1984), which changed my life in high school.

Seems like there have been a number of similarly bizarre musical news items this year. Jay-Z working with Coldplay's Chris Martin. Actress Scarlett Johanson doing an album of Tom Waits covers . . .