American Notes NEW JERSEY

Should the truth-in-packaging principle that protects consumers in stores apply to rock concerts too? New Jersey assemblymen Neil Cohen and Joseph Mecca think so. They have introduced a bill that would require promoters to inform fans when an artist gyrates to canned music instead of real singing. Lip syncing has become routine at concerts by such big names as Milli Vanilli, New Kids on the Block and Janet Jackson.

Promoters deny any intent to deceive and argue that the canned music cuts costs on concerts. It also lets fans see "close to what they see on MTV," says Carl Freed, executive director of the North American Concert Promoters Association, plus "the added sparkle of live spontaneity." Oh, get real.