The Roots of the classics
New York University music students are in for a treat this spring as musical Renaissance man and The Roots drummer Questlove is reportedly on board to teach a course entitled Classic Albums. The idea for the course was partly inspired by an NPR intern’s lackluster review of Public Enemy’s seminal It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back. The NPR interns were asked to review classic albums they’d never heard before, and after writing that, given the choice, he’d rather “blast Drake’s infectiously triumphant mp3s every time,” Questlove responded saying it was his job to find out why an album is considered a classic. “He’s one of the smartest people in music, besides being a fantastic musician,” said associate professor of Recorded Music Jason King. “We thought [this class] would speak to his strengths.” The two-credit class will reportedly cover such notable albums as Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Led Zeppelin’s IV, Aretha Franklin’s Lady Soul and Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique, among others.
Gaga’s La Vie en Toes
Lady Gaga’s long-time interest in French singer Edith Piaf has taken a turn for the bizarre, as she is reportedly in talks to buy a number of items once owned by the star, such as clothes, shoes, perfume bottles, private letters and even her toenail clippings. Gaga’s people are also looking into buying footage of Piaf’s first filmed performance, as well as licensing some of her songs from EMI. The “Just Dance” singer’s love for the French star has been apparent of late; she’s been playing the icon’s music as an entrance theme at parties and has even requested a party be held at Piaf’s hometown during Paris Fashion week.
Didn’t he graduate from Degrassi?
Ontarian rapper Drake announced his latest accomplishment via twitter last Wednesday; he finally made it through high school. “97% on my final exam. 88% in the course. One of the greatest feelings in my entire life. As of tonight I have graduated high school!” Drake, 25, dropped out of high school to pursue his acting career on Degrassi: The Next Generation, but says an invite to be a guest coach for the University of Kentucky inspired him to get his diploma. “I never really got like a great school experience. And when [University of Kentucky’s] Coach Cal asked me to come here for the first Midnight Madness it just really gave me a sense of school, a sense of love, a sense of belonging to something,” said the new graduate, adding that he felt he belonged to the U of Kentucky family and was “inspired by UK, inspired by these boys right here.”
Goodbye my lover
Ladies, get your hankies. If you haven’t yet caught this English crooner’s live rendition of “You’re Beautiful,” you may have missed your chance. James Blunt revealed to a reporter at The Daily Mail over the weekend that he is officially calling it quits on the music industry. “I just want to take some time out for myself. I haven’t got any plans to do more songwriting,” said Blunt. “I have been chilling out since I finished my world tour and I’ve spent a lot of time in Ibiza, where I have a villa.” Twitter had a field day with the announcement, even Blunt joined in tweeting “I’m pretty sure Adele and James Blunt were dumped by the same man.”
“I’m pretty sure Adele and James Blunt were dumped by the same man.”
“I’m pretty sure Adele and James Blunt were dumped by the same man.”
— James Blunt (@DirtyLilBlunt) October 15, 2012
