July 28-August 4: They're Playing Our Song! Or Not!
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!
No Listen to Luda dumb B****
Yeah McCain has said what he is for you are right..."to continue the policies of George Bush" Again why does he want to be President...he and his wife are worth Hundreds of Millions of Dollars. He wants a bigger piece.
Obama's change means changing the things happening now...in case you haven;t heard
A Universal health care plan..
Getting our troops home now...
Putting Education Policies in place that increase standards instead of decreasing them.
Increasing monies for developing new and clean energy.
You need to fact check and maybe you might see that there is change involved..just because you didnt hear it doesnt mean it isnt there.
Um I've always heard someone say that a black pres needed to go in even before this election came. People really are obessed with someone's color. I go to school and I really feel sorry for the future America because the only thing they want is someone to go in because of their color. Most teenagers political views come from their parents so it makes me wonder why their parents are really wanted that person to go in. None of the teenagers at my school stick around to get the facts about the candidates its all on color. Yea it may be the age, but since i just took Civics last year its kind of hard for me to ignore the facts that most people 18- their mid 20's won't vote and if they do they make mindless choices becuz they don't stay to get the facts. I really worry about this country cuz the choice you all and my parents make will affect my life in about 2 years when I have to be an adult and do for myself.
Funny! David Letterman rolls clips every night of Bush doing the same... LOL!
7 1/2 minutes vs 8 years I suppose is not that bad.
;p
I wonder why you still keep posting your idiotic comments. Did you just say a 13 year old. Please tell me, don't you and your siblings work like ten jobs and still can't afford to pay your tution fees. Don't you have like 10 or more credit cards. Don't you live from paycheck to paycheck. And what does your dumb a** know about politics?
"He has NO experience at all!!! He is still wet behind the ears."
Points revisited [that I believe some may need to think about - regardless of your political affiliation]:
What President does [have presidential experience] unless elected to a second term?
No President does - unless by doing the above.
John McCain has just as much experience at being President than Obama does.