Since the folks over at Politically Incorrect seem to have a chair permanently reserved for the always-scholarly Marilyn Manson, we're sure he won't be suffering any shortage of tube time. Nevertheless, the dark-rock dork could probably increase his chances of exposure -- if such a thing were possible -- by investing in a better grade of anti-perspirant. At least that's the opinion of Jon Stewart, who just took over hosting duties of Comedy Central's The Daily Show.

Stewart has vivid memories of his last televised encounter with Manson: "The band was just finishing a song and he jumped on my back," recalls the funnyman. "I kept telling him to get off of me, but he wouldn't. It was vaguely disturbing, because his skin was all cold and clammy, not supple like that of a fine woman." Then again, Stewart admits that Beelzebub's best bud has a leg up on another famous performer. "At least sweating onstage makes it seem like you've done something," he says. "I don't think Garth Brooks ever sweats. Sure, he runs around a lot, but you never see any sweat at all. That's because there are no glands there, only circuitry" . . .

The Grammy's have always been ahead of their time -- first by introducing a heavy-metal category, then a dance category -- and now the institution is getting jiggy with the release of a "dirty," rap-only version of the fifth annual Grammy Nominees record. And get this: It's on vinyl! Nominees with tracks lined up for the LP include Busta Rhymes, OutKast and Wyclef Jean. For folks afraid of those exposed spinning contraptions known as turntables, there will be clean and dirty versions of the rap record and a pop CD available as well. The vinyl platter comes out Feb. 16; the discs hit shelves on Feb. 9 . . .

The RSN Staff (Jan. 15, 1999)