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Category: People

all-about-musicians-and-the-people-who-help-them-make-music

  • Music News Wrapup: Kanye/50 Pt. Deux, R. Kelly’s Embarrassing BET Interview & More!!

    If I can turn off the snark for a second, I wish a speedy recovery to Travis Barker and DJ A.M. and also send my heartfelt condolences to those that were killed in the plane crash in South Carolina Saturday morning. While no one would choose the alternative, can you imagine the memories those two guys are going to carry with them for the rest of their lives?

    OK, snark back on. Here are this week’s most interesting stories from the world of music:

    Kanye vs. 50 Part 2: Guess He Didn’t Learn The Last Time

    With Kanye’s new “808’s and Heartbreak” album coming out on December 16th, 50 Cent has decided to revisit the “battle” that put his last album, “Curtis” against Kanye’s “Graduation” and release his fourth album, “Before I Self Destruct” at the same time…sort of (50 will release his album on December 9th). For those that don’t remember how that one ended, Kanye sold something like 30% more than 50 did in its first week, and has sold about 60% more over the cycle of release. So, unless Curtis has one hell of a publicity stunt in his pocket (which isn’t outside the realm of possibility), I think it’s fair to say that Kanye will whoop his ass once more. How much you wanna bet 50 sells less in two weeks than Kanye does in one?

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  • Chart Chat: 9/21/08: Pink, Metallica, Mitch Hedberg & More!!

    This week’s chart action, courtesy of Billboard Magazine.

      Billboard Hot 100: Top 20 Singles

    1) “So What” Pink

    Pink. Photo courtesy of Joel Telling.
    Pink. Photo courtesy of Joel Telling.

    2) “Whatever You Like” T.I.
    3) “Disturbia” Rihanna
    4) “Paper Planes” M.I.A.
    5) “Swagga Like Us” Jay-Z & T.I. feat. Li’l Wayne & Kanye West
    6) “Forever” Chris Brown
    7) “Closer” Ne-Yo
    8) “Can’t Believe It” T-Pain feat. Li’l Wayne
    9) “American Boy” Estelle feat. Kanye West
    10) “Got Money” Li’l Wayne feat. T-Pain
    11) ‘Dangerous” Kardinal Offishall feat. Akon
    12) “Hot N Cold” Katy Perry
    13) “I’m Yours” Jason Mraz
    14) “Viva La Vida” Coldplay
    15) “In the Ayer” Flo-Rida feat. will.i.am
    16) “Love Story” Taylor Swift
    17) “One Step at a Time” Jordin Sparks
    18) “Better in Time” Leona Lewis
    19) “I Kissed a Girl” Katy Perry
    20) “Miss Independent” Ne-Yo

      Billboard 200: Top 20 Albums

    1) “Death Magnetic” Metallica
    2) “The Recession” Young Jeezy
    3) “Rock & Roll Jesus” Kid Rock
    4) “Do You Know” Jessica Simpson
    5) “All Hope is Gone” Slipknot
    6) “A Little Bit Longer” Jonas Brothers
    7) “LAX” The Game
    8) “Exit 13” LL Cool J
    9) “Tha Carter III” Li’l Wayne
    10) “Mamma Mia Soundtrack” Various Artists
    11) “Love & Life” Eric Benet
    12) “Good Girl Gone Bad” Rihanna
    13) “Love on the Inside” Sugarland
    14) “The Quilt” Gym Class Heroes
    15) “Viva La Vida or Death & All His Friends” Coldplay
    16) “The Block” New Kids on the Block
    17) “Breakout” Miley Cyrus
    18) “Do You Believe in Gosh” Mitch Hedberg
    19) “Still Unforgettable” Natalie Cole
    20) “We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things” Jason Mraz

    *Pink sets up her upcoming album “Funhouse” quite nicely with the first #1 single of her career (not counting the multi-artist massacre of “Lady Marmalade” from 2001. While I’m sure most will agree that she’s a talented woman, did anyone think that this chick would still have a career after nearly ten years when they first saw the video for “There U Go”?

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  • Lindsey Buckingham’s Latest Musical Present: “Gift of Screws”

    Gift Of Screws

    When Rolling Stone magazine or one the gazillion websites out there feature a list of the greatest guitarists of all time, they always leave off Lindsey Buckingham.  I’m not sure why.  The guy is a genius whose self-taught finger plucking technique has created a truly inspiring sound.  For those who don’t know who Lindsay is, he’s the most influential member of Fleetwood Mac whose name isn’t Stevie Nicks.  When Lindsey and Stevie joined the Mac in 1975, Fleetwood Mac soared to new heights.  Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie might have been the faces of the band, but it was Lindsey Buckingham who contributed the most with his unique guitar style and beautiful melodies.  The majority of my favorite Mac songs were written or sung by Lindsey.  For you trivia buffs out there, he also was responsible for Holiday Road, the theme from the National Lampoon Vacation movies.  He also had a few solo hits in the 80’s including Go Insane and Trouble.

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