SMALL FACES: Adam Duritz and the rest...

SMALL FACES: Adam Duritz and the rest of Counting Crows are in L.A. writing songs for the follow-up to the band’s hit 1993 debut, “August . . . and Everything After.” The group recently previewed some of the material in a surprise Viper Room appearance, with more unannounced shows around town being discussed. . . .

The Circle Jerks were recently reunited with director Alex Cox, who featured the group in his film “Repo Man,” in which guitarist Zander Schloss had a major role. Cox has directed the band’s video for its new version of Robyn Hitchcock’s “I Want to Destroy You,” and is planning on a Jerks appearance in the “Repo Man” sequel now in pre-production. . . .

The rarely staged production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” featuring Georgia alternative musicians (with Indigo Girls Amy Ray as Jesus and Emily Saliers as Mary Magdalene) will be presented in Seattle at the end of the month. . . .

With a new crop of English rockers paying them homage these days, the four founders of English punk-funk band Gang of Four are talking about their first reunion since their parting in 1981. Guitarists Andy Gill and Jon King reteamed in 1991 for an album and tour, but bassist Dave Allen (who co-owns the World Domination label) and Hugo Burnham (an A&R; exec for Quincy Jones’ Qwest label) stayed away at the time.

AND ONE MORE THING: In light of recent events, there were a few interesting selections on Hugh Grant’s “Desert Island Disc” choices of his favorite recordings, featured last month on England’s BBC radio. His top recording: “Something Stupid” by Frank and Nancy Sinatra. He also picked “The Laughing Policeman,” recorded by Charles Penrose. At least he didn’t list anything by John Lee Hooker.