Music Blogs

It's getting to be that time of year: Those of us old enough to remember rockers Fleetwood Mac playing onstage at one of Bill Clinton's inaugural parties know that politics and pop music regularly coincide every four years or so--when artists from every genre embrace their presidential candidate of choice, photo opportunities abound, and those who think politics and music should never intersect stay at home, pull the shades down and play with their Xboxes!

And so it is that country star John Rich of Nashville duo Big And Rich has thrown his full support behind presumed Republican presidential candidate John McCain, this week announcing his new composition "Raising McCain"--which focuses on the Arizona senator's five years-plus spent as a prisoner of war in Vietnam during 1967-73. "He stayed strong, stayed extra long til they let all the other boys out," go the lyrics. "Now we've got a real man with an American plan, we're going to put him in the big White House." Since Rich's partner Kenny "Big Kenny" Alphin has reportedly contributed $2,300 to the campaign of presumed Democratic candidate Barack Obama in recent months, band meetings must be more fun than ever at Big & Rich headquarters!

Meanwhile, Dem prez hopeful Obama had to offer a subtle thanks-but-no-thanks to the Ludacris camp this week, as the Atlanta-based rapper's pro-Obama missive--reportedly titled either "Politics (Obama Is Here)" or "Politics As Usual"--seemed a tad less tasteful than any polite candidate might hope for. Among the more diplomatic lyrics, here addressed to current president George W. Bush: "You the worst of all 43 presidents." According to an Obama spokesman: "Ludacris is a talented individual, but he should be ashamed of these lyrics." No truth to conflicting rumors that said spokesman was a music critic or grammar teacher prior to the campaign!

In a less relevant but no less amusing realm, Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton this week announced that proposed new, stricter anti-paparazzi laws may no longer be necessary in his fair town now that the "usual suspects" all suddenly seem to be on their best behavior. In a priceless quote to KNBC-TV, the respected public official confided: "If you notice, since Britney started wearing clothes and behaving, Paris is out of town not bothering anybody anymore, thank God, and evidently, Lindsay Lohan has gone gay, we don't seem to have much of an issue." Apparently the town suffered a serious earthquake this week, but since when was that newsworthy?

One performer whose behavior has never been less than exemplary was also in the news this week--and that would be pretty, vivacious, talented, all-around loved-by-all-human-beings Alicia Keys, who made headlines on two separate counts. Apparently miffed that a planned Indonesian concert appearance was being promoted conspicuously by Philip Morris's intriguingly named A Mild cigarette brand--like, what do they call their Ultralights, right?--she demanded that all related billboards and posters be yanked down immediately. "I am an unyielding advocate for the well-being of children around the world and do not condone or endorse smoking," noted Alicia. Interestingly, the show was being billed as a "A Mild Live Production" before it even happened!

But wait, there's more! Alicia and Detroit's own Jack White--of White Stripes and Raconteurs fame--have been selected to record the new theme song to the upcoming James Bond flick Quantum Of Solace--and with a title that rolls off the tongue that easily, it's sure to be heard by trillions! Other artists who had reportedly been considered to sing the track--an honorable tradition by any standard--include Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Leona Lewis and undoubtedly other popular performers who might bring in "the kids." The film bows Stateside in November, and will likely be seen in theaters as well!

And in news that might seem puzzling to some, fab teenstar Miley Cyrus announced in an interview that she had no plans to share an onstage "smooch" with current "I Kissed A Girl" hitmaker Katy Perry at this Sunday‘s Teen Choice Awards--despite the latter's expressed desire to do so in a recent interview. Though such a gesture would of course be reminiscent of the well-known, televised Madonna-Britney kiss of 2003, the act's sheer lack of spontaneity--not to mention its depressingly headline-seeking nature-- would be distasteful to enlightened viewers everywhere! Additionally, suggest some, it would probably be "icky." Significantly, Cyrus did not deny rumors that she might take the entire audience out for laser-tag and ice cream in Sherman Oaks after the show! See you there!

THIS WEEK'S TOP 10 STORIES:

1) Now That's Rich--Big And Rich dude pens a pro-John McCain anthem.

2) Now That's Ludacris--The Obama crew receives an "outrageously offensive" potential theme song.

3) No Problem--LA Police chief notes Britney's "good behavior" problem.

4) Hey, We Ripped That Off! - Black Crowes accuse Gretchen Wilson of stealing their song.

5) Where There's Smoke--Alicia Keys just says no to smoking hot posters.

6) A Bond Between Them--Alicia Keys and Jack White slotted to sing new 007 theme.

7) Oh You Kid--Kid Rock assault accusers file new lawsuit.

8) Her Brilliant Career--Fergie to play woman of questionable morals in Nine.

9) Thanks But No Thanks--Miley and Katy Perry's Teen Choice!

10) Beatles For Sale--New Beatles tape surfaces for auction! Again!