SEQUEL-ITIS: It’s been nearly five years since...

SEQUEL-ITIS: It’s been nearly five years since Aerosmith migrated from Columbia to Geffen Records, but that hasn’t stopped the band’s former label from squeezing every last drop out of its Aerosmith catalogue. In fact, this week marks the release of Columbia’s third Aerosmith greatest hits compilation, this one titled “Gems.” The collection features a dozen hard-rock hits, including a rare studio version of “Chip Away the Stone.” (Columbia is even releasing a video of “Stone” culled from old promo and live clips). . . . And KMPC-FM program director J.J. Jackson took issue with our quip last week that it’s ironic that Jackson, who is black, refuses to play rap music on his station. He insists his decision is based on demographics, not race. Saying KMPC aims for a 25-and-older audience, he added: “How many 30-year-old black people in Baldwin Hills do you know who listen to rap?” Fair enough--it was unfair to single out Jackson because of his color. After all, there aren’t many white program directors playing black music on album-rock radio either. But if KMPC is going to bill its play list as “Full Spectrum Rock ‘n’ Roll,” shouldn’t those 30-year-old black listeners be part of the spectrum too?