ON DECK:

Musician magazine is launching a monthly column which will feature guest musicians writing about censorship and other topical issues. Called “Sound Off: Artists Against Censorship,” the feature kicks off with a column from Living Colour’s Vernon Reid. . . . Speaking of Living Colour--vocalist Corey Glover has cut a new version of Rufus’ “Tell Me Something Good” with Bernard Fowler and Tackhead (it’s due on a compilation of all-star ‘70s cover songs later this year). . . . Koko Taylor has just finished up her new album, “Jump for Joy,” which will be out in early May on Alligator Records. The record features a duet with Lonnie Brooks (“It’s a Dirty Job But Somebody’s Got to Do It”) and a version of Ted Nugent’s “Hey Baby.” . . . And move over Tommy Lasorda: Meat Loaf has signed an endorsement deal with the Ultra Slim Fast diet firm. The pop heavyweight, who once ballooned to as much 380 pounds, is down to 260, with hopes of getting to 230 by the time he films his commercial.