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Music News and Commentary.
September 04, 2010
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Music News and Commentary.
September 04, 2010
Vintage singer/song writer Paul Anka alleges that the late Michael Jackson stole from him.
The refurbished hit song “This Is It” could otherwise be retitled “This Is Mine” and sung instead by Anka. Actually, Paul co-wrote the original tune, then called “I Never Heard” with Michael Jackson in 1983. The demo was recorded in Anka’s California studio.
When Anka transported the tape to a Hollywood studio soon after, Jackson apparently stole the tapes. Anka and his attorneys threatened suit, after which Jackson did return the tapes. Anka insists the now-deceased icon made a duplicate before returning the recording. To Michael's credit, we should note that he didn't try to pass the song off as his own during his lifetime. It was 'unearthered' after Jackson's death, and, obviously, the star is no longer amongst us, able to defend his side of the story.
Paul Anka gave the song to another music artist by the name of “Safire” who recorded it in 1990. If you pull up this tune and compare it to Jackson’s “This Is It” you’ll find that the song is indeed one in the same.
Nominees were announced today for the 2009 American Music Awards, with plenty of recognition going to the late Michael Jackson and country pop waif, Taylor Swift.
Swift received six nominations, although in the major categories she’ll be up against Jackson, who has been at the forefront of the music media and best-selling charts since his untimely death in late June. Jackson has received five posthumous nominations. Many speculate that Jackson’s “Number Ones” album, released in 2003, will end up as this year’s top-selling album.
Southern rockers ‘Kings of Leon’ are also up for album of the year. Favorite R&B album nominees include Beyonce, while Jay-Z and T.I. are both recognized in the rap/hip-hop genre. Billy Ray’s baby girl, Miley Cyrus, and the ever-present Rascal Flatts once again made the grade amongst country voters.
Always a fan favorite, the awards show is scheduled to air live from Los Angeles, November 22 on ABC, beginning at 8 p.m.
An A.D. song release from the iconic king of pop? He'll never cease to amaze us. Amidst the prep and anticipation of the documentary film ‘Michael Jackson’s This Is It’ a new, never-before publicized song titled ‘this is it’ has been discovered.
In the process of putting together the film, which showcases the rehearsals for Jackson’s intended long term show at the O2 Arena in London, the previously unreleased ballad was somehow unearthed from Jacko’s legendary stores of music.
Fans have thus far reacted favorably to the new tune, which made its premiere today via the official Jackson website. It’s estimated that the song may have been part of the late star’s 1991 sessions for the ‘Dangerous’ album.
Music is comprised of more than guitars, synthesizers, microphones and notes upon a page. Some of the most beautiful music we’ll ever experience are as simple as a beating heart, the gentle rhythm of unlabored breath and the uplifting tune of laughter.
And yet, for some, those songs are put to a sad end far too soon. The culprit that’s threatening to drown out the music is the American healthcare system as we know it. Yes, we have astounding technology. Yes, we have some of the most skilled and well educated doctors and scientist in the world. But, what good are all of these benefits if only a handful of privileged people are allowed to benefit from them?
The truth of the matter is that government funded universal health care is the only answer. It’s not a threat to the wealthy who oppose it. Those with money can still buy the best care.
What universal healthcare will do is allow the American people to live out a few more musical moments. Life doesn’t come with guarantees, but our tax dollars should be able to promise that no one faces an unnecessary death simply because they’re not part of the elite group of well-insured.
If we can afford to fund an eight-year (or longer) war, maintain a military presence where we’re not wanted, drop millions (at least) on aid to foreign countries, we should be able to dole out basic health care to legal American residents. The insurance companies should no longer be allowed to be the band leader here. The public has to step up and lead the march toward honest, effective reform. Our lives depend on it.
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West coast rock/grunge band, Alice in Chains, returns to the music scene. Vocalist William DuVall picks up the mic for fallen lead singer, Layne Staley, who died in 2002 after a cocaine and heroin OD. Staley's death prompted the successful band’s several-year hiatus.
Guitarist Jerry Cantrell has been heralded as the heart of the group, having penned a large number of Alice’s songs. Cantrell also provided harmonious backup for the late Staley. Pioneers in their genre, their newly released album ‘Black Gives Way To Blue’ marks the band’s much anticipated resurrection.
DuVall’s voice has been labeled an incredibly similar, if slightly more soulful, version of Layne’s. All the original members, including bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney, are back on board with Cantrell and DuVall. The new vocalist's decade-long friendship with Jerry lead very naturally to his hook up with AIC. Check My Brain, the album’s first single, is climbing the charts just as naturally. With all the talent that lives on in these guys, who can be surprised?