Our favorite martial arts funny man, Jackie Chan, will be singing for the official countdown to the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

I’ve actually never heard him sing, but apparently he’s released some albums before. I guess he can’t be bad if he’s doing the official countdown.

He’ll be singing the Mandarin Chinese song “We Are Ready” composed by award-winning Peter Kam. Now, to a fan of his movies like me, that’s something to see.

Technorati tags: jackie chan, mandarin, beijing, summer, olympics, 2008, peter kam

A survey by Blender Magazine reveals Sting as the worst lyricist, making special mention of The Police’s 1980s hit Don’t Stand So Close To Me and If You Love Someone Set Them Free.

He beat other artists such as Rush drummer Neil Peart at number 2, Creed frontman Scott Stapp at number 3, Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher at number 4, and Dan Fogelberg at number 5.

Even Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant (number 23) and Paul McCartney (38 for Ebony and Ivory) got in the list.

Funny how these are all hits anyway.

I mean that not as a social commentary. I mean, I guess nobody really cares, including myself. I agree though, good lyrics make a good song, but in the end, it only takes that people can relate — in any way, to a song. And that’s enough to make it a hit.

Classic rock never needed smart lyrics. Just my opinion. ;P

Technorati tags: music, blender, magazine, survey, worst lyricist, lyrics, writer, sting, rush, creed, oasis, led zeppelin, paul mccartney, police

As rumors have it, Universal Music Group, THE largest group of record labels in the music industry, won’t be renewing its contract with Apple. The contract that allows the selling/distribution of songs through iTunes.

Reportedly, it’s because of the high prices, and the idea that iTunes has monopoly, something they aren’t fully agreeing with.

That news was from over two months ago, and that was only from anonymous (but reliable) sources. They mentioned that they prefer an “at will” contract instead of an annual one.

Officially, Apple denied the rumor, saying they are “still negotiating”. Officially, UMG said that it will not sign a long-term contract with Apple, and will instead go for a month by month thing.

Officially, last month, UMG announced that they would still be selling DRM-free music through online vendors, NOT including iTunes.

Oh no…I can feel the earth trembling beneath me.

Technorati tags: apple, itunes, universal music, umg, drm, contract, new york times

Apparently he’s vowed to never return to MTV, after failing to get a single award at Sept. 9’s VMAs. He was nominated for 5 awards, but again, failed to get video of the year.

Last year, he had a meltdown, saying the VMA loses it’s credibility for not giving them the award. And last week he did it again backstage, shouting how they should give him a chance. It was a very troubling scene.

I’d share it, but yeah, it’s troubling.

“Give a black man a chance. I’m trying hard, man.”

Well, it’s especially disturbing for me because I like his music. But as always, his ego is huge, bigger than his body, bigger than his music career. It’s hard to get inside his head. I do think he’s great (I’ll leave my extra biased comments out for now), but the fact that he can’t be mature about this lowers the way I see him.

And he even made a comment against pop music. What’s up with that Kanye? I want to say I expect more from you, but I’ve got nothing to go on.

Technorati tags: kanye west, music, video music awards, vma, mtv, meltdown

Jazz legend Max Roach, arguably the best jazz drummer of all time, passed away yesterday (August 16), at the ripe age of 83.

Roach was one of those musicians who broke the rules, and yet amazed everyone when he did. Musical visionary, the man was a genius. He was given several awards by different prestigious musical associations, and was given 8 honorary doctorate degrees. May he rest in peace. Maybe next time I’ll share something of his.

Yellowcard will be coming out with a new album on July 17! They’ve released some sample music already, and so far I really like the songs. I’ve just been recently introduced to their music by a friend (who happens to have everything of theirs including liver stuff haha), but I gotta say they’re really good. I like the arrangements too, and when I say that that means I really really like their music. Haha.

Well to be honest, I used to be sorta biased against songs that are labeled as “emo”, because there are some songs that I’ve heard that aren’t really all that good, just very expressive heheh. But I gave this (and some other bands) a shot like a good citizen, and whaddaya know, I came to like these guys.

These guys seem to have a really massive fanbase. They call themselves the Underdogs, but I think their fanbase is awesome, you can really feel the love and support. And for good reason. Anyways because I wanna spread this said love, here’s one from the upcoming album. Enjoy!

Bono is now officially a knight! The U2 vocalist was awarded British knighthood yesterday at a very informal ceremony. I mean, it’s Bono, I bet they couldn’t keep things formal if they tried haha. Anyways he was awarded for his work campaigning against poverty and AIDS in Africa. He’s been really active in this matter too, and it’s really great that he got recognized for it.

He says his son was really disappointed that he didn’t get a lightsaber, because he thought he was gonna be a Jedi Knight! Haha~ now I wonder who put THAT idea in his head. *cough cough*

Still, he can’t use the title “Sir” like the other knights because he’s Irish, and the title’s reserved for citizens of the United Kingdom or British Commonwealth countries. Oh and btw, it’s just an honorary title, so there shall be no jousting involved. Go Bono!