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It appears in modern times it is now socially acceptable for a musician, regardless of one’s background (or choice of music for that matter) to start teaching to students. The first of many is Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos, who gave a lecture at Edinburgh University on the sounds of the 21st century. Kapranos joined forces with leading figures from the worlds of academia and classical music in a debate about Scotland’s key roles in today’s modern musical world.

Other names include The Smiths‘ Johnny Marr who gave a staggeringly well received lecture on ‘outsiders in the music industry’ at Salford University. The last time Marr had performed at the university’s Maxwell Hall was with The Smiths in 1986. Remarkable (ah-hem…)

And finally, Jarvis Cocker - who gave a lecture on the art of lyrics and their role in popular music, which was in aid of Manchester’s In The City music conference.

Now, is this a common trend I’ve missed out on? Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for musicians having their say in today’s academic world, but didn’t it used to be about musicians rebelling against the educational system, students leaving school and forming bands? Well ladies and gentleman, this certainly isn’t the case anymore.

I’ll let you decide whether these artists are displaying a reputable guide on sociological topics for the youth of today, or are in fact talking a load of nonsensical twaddle.  Whether it be the former, or the latter - you’ve got to hand it to them, this trend is catching on. To help you decide, here is an excerpt from one of Jarvis Cocker’s lectures:

JARVIS COCKER, Brighton Festival, 23 May 2008

“Let’s take a look at the rhyming structure of I Am the Walrus. First, there’s another Beatles song, Michelle, which has a more conventional rhyming structure: ‘Michelle, my belle.’ These are words that go together well, my Michelle. Rhymes generally come at the end of a line.

“The more complicated rhyme structure here gives the impression that it doesn’t really rhyme at all, which lends more authenticity to its stream-of-consciousness approach. It feels like a genuine and unpremeditated outburst.

“This question of [whether] to rhyme or not to rhyme is where many a songwriter comes a cropper. It’s the one thing they know a song must do, so they pursue it at all costs and they become a rhyme whore…”

The barmy Christmas season is well and truly in full flow with yet more rumours of bands reforming - fuelling festive nostalgia. Following the news about Blur and then Ska heroes The Specials who are now all set to play together next year - albeit minus an apparently snubbed Jerry Dammers - come more rumours that The Smiths might be on the road to reformation. But perhaps even more unlikely than that are the rumours surfacing that The Stone Roses might also be considering playing together again.

Even though Johnny Marr has only said something along the lines of ‘maybe, who knows?’ - this is more than enough for a few thousand gladioli-growing fans to start earnestly praying and growing their Morrissey quiffs once more. Although the thought of a legion of 30/40-something old Smiths fans bravely ignoring their paunches beneath flowery shirts and charity shop blazers should be reason enough to kill off all thoughts of healing rifts. Or if some big promoter could top a £40 million offer that Morrissey said was most recently on the table then there might be panic on the streets of London once again…

Now Primal Screamer Mani has dropped a big old teaser about the dream you should never dare to dream - that The Stone Roses might get back together. He said to Channelbee that both him and John Squire might be keen but they have yet to persuade Ian Brown. And of course 2009 is the 20th anniversay of their legendary debut album.

So what do you think? Is it a good idea for these bands to hit the comeback trail? Who would you rather see - The Smiths or The Stone Roses? Any other bands ripe for reformation?