One of the saddest moments in the history of music just happened, as French electronic duo Daft Punk have split up according to their publicist Kathryn Frazier and a report by Pitchfork.
The duo, known for their hits "Around The World", "Da Funk", "One More Time", "Digital Love", and "Get Lucky" among many others, have decided to go their separate ways... And this happens during the 10th anniversary of one of their hit albums "Discovery" -- which served as the songs for their anime collaboration with legendary anime and mangaka artist Leiji Matsumoto in "Interstella 5555".
Here is their final video presenting the duo together in "Epilogue". Thank you so much, Daft Punk.
He is undoubtedly one of the Jazz world's finest voices... And now he has joined the lord up above in the heavens and singing alongside the angels.
Sad news hit the world, as Alwin Lopez Jarreau, better known to the music industry as "Al Jarreau", passed away last Sunday at the age of 76. The Grammy award winning singer, best known for hits like "Mornin'", "We're In This Love Together", and the intro theme to the 1985 drama comedy series "Moonlighting" that starred Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepherd, had a career that spanned for five decades, and was beloved by many peers and fans worldwide.
"It is with the deepest of sadness that we inform you Al Jarreau passed away this morning, at about 6:00am LA time. He was in the hospital, and kept comfortable by his wife, son, and a few of his family and friends. A small, private service is planned, for immediate family only. No public service is planned yet this time."
Following that and a request for contributions to the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music, Team Jarreau wrote this post in honor of Al:
Rest In Peace Al Jarreau. Your voice touched millions of fans worldwide and you are indeed a true gem in music that will never be forgotten.
After initially playing coy and mysterious as to who would be singing the official theme for the next James Bond film this year, the official 007 Facebook page has announced that English songwriter and singer Sam Smith has recorded the song "Writing's On The Wall" - which will act as the official theme to "Spectre" coming out this October. The new track will be released online starting September 25.
Spectre will be released in theaters starting in the UK on October 26.
It's been a long and somewhat unpredictable 2013... And while much of it has brought its fair share of ups and downs, there's no denying that plenty of things in the popculture category that happened and need to be reviewed and listed as per annual tradition!
So before we welcome the big 2014, let's see what happened back in the year before us...
Looks like next year's Super Bowl will be bringing a true gem and "Treasure"to perform for the Half-Time show!
Announced at his official Facebook page and several other news sites, pop singer, songwriter, and musician Bruno Mars will be present at Super Bowl XLVIII, on Sunday, February 2, 2014. The official press release was released in websites like Coming Soon, and Mars will be joining the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Prince, and The Rolling Stones in the great list of performers who have graced the show.
Bruno Mars - Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show Announcement
Of course, it'll be great to hear some of Bruno's signature hits played, including "Treasure", "Locked Out Of Heaven", "The Lazy Song", "Grenade", and "Just The Way You Are". Let's see how it goes next year. For more on the story, visit the source post at Coming Soon.
Just learned from my friend and fellow music buddy Caz Edmunds that another musical prodigy and legend in the world of Jazz, R & B, and Soul has left us.
As a fan of his music and legacy to soul and Jazz, I'm saddened by his passing, yet his music will surely live on in the minds and hearts of listeners worldwide.
As a tribute and remembrance, here's "Shine On" by the man himself.
GEORGE DUKE Shine On
R.I.P George Duke (1946-2013), you will be missed good sir.
Today marks the 5th year since we lost a true icon and presence in the music world. He's been honored and remembered by many... And even if he's gone, his music continues to live on in the hearts and minds of everyone around the world.
This live performance of "Human Nature" is but one of many legendary performances that'll always be treasured.
Michael Jackson - Human Nature
R.I.P Michael Jackson, and everyone thanks you for being the moonwalking legend you are.
Since the release of his album "Unorthodox Jukebox"last December, Bruno Mars has been gaining a lot of hits with the numerous songs and singles in the compilation, with "Locked Out Of Heaven" and "When I Was Your Man" being the most memorable tracks thus far being played on the radio and topping the music charts. His latest single, due to be released this month, is arguably a pretty cool track that caters to fans of Disco and Funk, and the newly released music video shows that the young Hawaiian/ Filipino singer is not shy to dish out some groove "Michael Jackson" style.
Take a look at the new MV for Bruno Mars' "Treasure".
Bruno Mars - Treasure
Definitely reminds me of a younger MJ. Keep it up, Bruno Mars!
I don't know how I missed this excellent parody that combines Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z's "Suit & Tie" with Iron Man 3... But here it is, and it's pretty witty and catchy! Imagine everything that makes the Iron Man movies awesome with Robert Downey Jr., spliced with one of the coolest songs of 2013 and from Timberlake's The 20/20 Experiece!
Anyone who listens to Pop & Music nowadays knows Bruno Mars, and he's smooth and riding the wave like thunder!
Since he rose to popularity with hit songs like "Just The Way You Are" and "Grenade" with his debut studio album "Doo-Wops & Hooligans", Bruno Mars has just about been everywhere off the Billboard and Music charts. The Hawaiian born Pop-Soul and Reggae singer has a lot of Elvis and Michael Jackson influence in him, and plays around with various genres of music to develop sounds that catch the attention of millions worldwide. His music videos also remain catchy and amusing to watch, like the alternate version of "The Lazy Song", which legendary Spock actor Leonard Nimoy starred in.
The singer's latest album, "Unorthodox Jukebox", is already on record stores and is making noise through the radio and netsphere with its first single "Locked Out Of Heaven". It's only fitting that coming from listening to his sophomore release that I truly dig another song off the album - "Treasure".
It's got groove and funk written all over it, and anyone who likes to dance should take note of the beat, and it feels like one of the late King of Pop's classic songs, "Pretty Young Thing".
Here's the Jimmy Kimmel Live version uploaded in the show's official YouTube account, which shows how exciting and exuberant things get with live performances like these!
Bruno Mars Performs "Treasure"
Listen to more Bruno Mars stuff from Unorthodox Jukebox!
Time for another year in review post... This time for the year 2012~! It's been a stellar year for movies, comics, games, and yes even music, and there's a lot I'd like to nominate from the circle of great choices that have made this a memorable time for all things popculture.
Now, before we sign off 2012 and get to the picks, here's a Happy New Year greeting to you all!
COMICS: Batman - Death of the Family
Still ongoing at the moment but promising to spiral down into a story Batfans will never forget, Scott Snyder has followed up on his epic "Court of Owls" run of The New 52 Batman series with the return of The Dark Knight's epic nemesis The Joker in a very sinister and gruesome form. Last seen in the pages of last year's relaunch of Detective Comics #1, the Clown Prince of Crime had his face removed and has finally returned... Targeting Batman and his allies in a way that will change them forever when all is said and done. This is sure to be a classic fans will never forget!
MOVIES:The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises
This is a tie, certainly because one ushered in the BIGGEST blockbuster superhero team-up movie ever and the FINAL CHAPTER of Christopher Nolan's epic Dark Knight Trilogy! Both movies took in a lot of Box Office Returns for 2012, but The Avengers clearly stood out on top between the two thanks to the sheer number of heroes gathered in the film.
On the other hand, The Dark Knight Rises also wrapped up the trilogy pretty well... A feat rarely accomplished by most superhero movies. The tale of Bruce Wayne's journey was weaved together well by Nolan and his team, and it will certainly go down as one of the best superhero movie adaptations ever based on realism and detail.
ANIMATED MOVIE: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part I
Long awaited and highly anticipated an animated adaptation, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part I certainly gave comic book fans who remember Frank Miller's seminal work a good treat of finally seeing an aged Batman returning from a 10 year self-imposed retirement to fight crime once more. It's missing some of the dialogue from the books that made it noteworthy but it's still fun as heck, especially with casting legendary Robocop actor Peter Weller as Bruce Wayne/ Batman! January will see Part II out in the market, and if you get a chance to pick this up in home video, do so.
GAMES: The Walkind Dead: The Game
Nominated as "Game of the Year" at this year's Spike TV Video Game Awards, I only recently played and finished the retail edition of The Walking Dead: The Game, and I can totally see why it earned that award hook, line, and sinker. Telltale games has crafted a compelling tale that tests your choices, your humanity, and how you can survive the zombie apocalypse with a band of other survivors and a little girl under your care. It's worth checking out, and very easy to play at that. In fact, the first episode that makes up this 5 episode season is free for the iOS and Xbox Live Marketplace.
TV SERIES: The Walking Dead - Season 3 and Arrow
Still at its mid-season hiatus, The newest season of The Walking Dead has proven that it has comeback strong and hard in presenting an action-packed drama full of zombies and humanity going head-to-head amidst the apocalypse. Rick Grimes and crew face tougher choices this season, and it's sure to be a memorable ride once it returns this February.
Arrow, the CW's newest superhero show based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow, feels a lot like Smallville and Batman Begins meets Lost, with Oliver Queen coming back to his hometown of Starling City and cleaning up crime based on a list his father gave to him. It's also on mid-season break til January, and is chalk full of guest appearances by other DC Characters that make this a good comic book show to check out.
MUSIC: Gangnam Style by PSY
Gangnam Style - PSY
I think it's pretty much self-explanatory why this became the music pick of 2012... PSY has exploded everywhere... A billion hits in YouTube!
And that wraps up what I like about 2012! Happy New Year, and looking forward to 2013!
It saddened me when I heard the unfortunate news that Whitney Houston, one of R&B, Soul, and music's finest talents and legends, had passed away. Her exceptional and beautiful voice was her distinguish trait, and it made her one of the most iconic pop and dance singers of all time. Her time with Bobby Brown literally brought her image down, and she tried to rebound from her past drug problems by separating from her estranged ex-husband and restarting her career. Now, at the eve of the 2012 Grammy Music Awards, a sad shadow has been cast on the night meant for celebrating the music industry, as it has lost one of its remarkable gems for a point in its history.
Surely everyone born and fortunate to experience he fabulous voice has their favorite Whitney Houston song, and I don't blame them if they have multiple ones like I do. From experiencing the peak of her career in music in the 90's, I'll always remember Whitney for the song "I'll Always Love You", which was part of the official soundtrack of The Bodyguard, a film she co-starred in with Kevin Costner. It's probably fitting to play now in a time the world loses one of it's greatest and most gifted individuals.
Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You
And like the namesake of this article, another favorite of mine was Whitney's rendition of the Chaka Khan classic "I'm Every Woman", which was also featured in the line up of "The Bodyguard" OST"
Whitney Houston- I'm Every Woman
Whether it uplifted you, made you happy or sad, Whitney Houston was a truly remarkable woman. I truly hope she is in a better place, and lending her voice to the heavens with the same resounding magnitude it had in life. Rest in peace Whitney, and thank you for being
It's no secret to peeps that know me that I'm a big fan of the British Jazz Funk group Jamiroquai. Ever since I first listened to their brand of Acid Jazz music with 1995's "Virtual Insanity" from their third album "Travelling Without Moving", the group's been on my listening radar through and through. Over the years, the band has seen various changes to their style of music and even new members in their roster, but their vocalist and leader Jay Kay still remains a constant in the group. Recently, the band has released a new free downloadable single called "Smile" via SoundCloud. The new track harkens back to their days playing slow and smooth Acid Jazz tracks. It's readily available to listen to and download via this link, but you can also check out the song via this embedded video courtesy of You Tube!
Iron Man 2 is just around the corner, but we can't move into the movie without talking about this! Who doesn't enjoy music? It's an energetic and emotional experience that takes your mind somewhere else beyond the realm we know as reality. I'm sure there's a certain song or band out there that catches your mood or puts you in an all time high that never seems to fade out until the beat stops completely. Yes, music is awesome, and if it didn't exist, I think life wouldn't be as thrilling as it is. That's exactly how I see legendary Austalian rock band AC/DC - a totally energetic and thrilling experience. I've been a fan of the group for some years now, and if you haven't heard about them, they're a rock n' roll group that has been in existence for over four decades, beginning their career in 1973 and still going strong to this day thanks to the release of several classic tunes that many people of all ages have enjoyed over the years. Recently, the group found a resurgence in their popularity thanks to the inclusion of many of their infamous tracks in Jon Favreau's Iron Man movies. The director/ actor, who enjoys the music the band performs, incorporated the band's songs into the superhero movie's trailers and key moments, perfectly illustrating that rock n' roll can blend well with heroics given the right opportunity. In light of this union and to promote the Iron Man sequel, label Columbia Records has commissioned the release of a new studio album, aptly dubbed as "AC/DC Iron Man 2". The record officially went on sale last April 19, 2010, and I got my copy just last week when it arrived on our local shores and retail stores. As a promotional item for the movie and another AC/DC release, this album compliments both mediums and allows a younger audience to experience what the band - comprised of Lead Guitarist Angus Young, Rhythm Guitarist Malcolm Young, Bassist Cliff Williams, Drummer Phil Rudd, and Vocalist Brian Johnson, have given so many people and fans over years - a total adrenaline rush full of excitement and win.
Here you see the standard edition of the album, which includes a CD containing 15 tracks of songs, and an accompanying pamphlet/ artbook with images from the movie and the group's stellar moments in history.
To call this a "Greatest Hits" compilation is not necessarily a proper way to describe AC/DC Iron Man 2. Sure, most of the famous tracks like "Shoot To Thrill", "Back In Black", "Thunderstruck" and "Highway To Hell" are in the list, but there are other songs in the album that include the performances of former members, including AC/DC's first vocalist, the late Bon Scott, Bassist Mark Evans, and Drummer Chris Slade. Most people won't recognize "Rock N' Roll Damnation", "Cold Hearted Man", or "The Razor's Edge", but it goes without saying that if you like AC/DC, you'll get a charge out of the other classics, one form or the other. One of their recent songs, "War Machine", coincidentally shares its name with James "Rhodey" Rhodes alter ego, who's the other armored hero set to appear in Iron Man 2. Listening to that track will put you on the warpath guaranteed, and like the rest of the songs in the bundle, everything is loud and hard, the perfect compliment to Marvel Comics armored avenging hero, Iron Man. Recommended? You bet your horses it is! Just take a look at of the official music videos below and find out for yourselves how to rock n' roll in style!
AC/DC - Shoot To Thrill "Iron Man 2" Music Video
That was AC/DC's "Shoot To Thrill", the same song used in the scene where Iron Man takes a skydive off a military cargo plane to make a flashy entrance to the Stark Expo 2010!
AC/DC - Highway To Hell "Iron Man 2" Music Video
This is "Highway to Hell", another classic and memorable tune from the group used in several motion pictures in the past. Now, it represents Iron Man's adventures by being packed together in this illustrious album!
Did you feel the excitement and strut around like a metal hero after listening to these? If you did, then go out and grab this piece of awesome music in stores now! Also, Iron Man 2 officially premieres tomorrow, so don't miss it!
For those living in the Luzon area, Tropical Storm Ondoy poured out rain like crazy and made its mark, literally crippling vehicles on roads, flooding various houses, and stranding people everywhere around the metro and beyond. I'm currently tuned to the news, and its not a pretty sight to see people evacuating their homes, with water levels so high that they've been forced to stay on rooftops and high places. One picture a friend of mine took saw an entire underpass flooded... a creepy scenario. For the whole story on this, you can check this news link.
Batman NES - Stage 3 Music
This piece of 8-bit sound came to my mind when I thought of the rain and the severe rainwater. It's old stuff, but given the watery situation we're all facing, I can think of nothing more appropriate that fits the wet mood we all have. I sure hope rescue efforts and attempts to cull flooded areas were successful. Rain's stopped now as of this post thankfully, but what we just witnessed today was no joke. Not one bit.
