Lou Reed, innovator and influencer, rocker extraordinaire, New Yorker par excellence, has died at age 71 from liver failure. He leaves a huge legacy from the Velvet Underground to his solo work, from “Waiting for the Man” to “Walk on the Wild Side” to “September Song” and beyond. He leaves his wife, the versatile musician Laurie Anderson, and millions of grieving fans. A huge loss for the music world. Lou Reed was a great original.
So many videos. Here’s a few:
Quincy Jones produced “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.” Michael Jackson fans like to think the King of Pop did everything himself, but Q made those albums what they are. He produced all the tracks, shaped them, arranged them. Now he’s suing Jackson’s estate and Sony for all the remixes and reissues they’ve done since Michael died. Jones claims in the lawsuit, filed Friday night, that he had very solid contracts detailing how his permission was needed to do anything. And neither Sony nor the Estate, he says, ever consulted him.
This was brewing for a long time. Despite Quincy putting on a good face during Michael’s memorial service and funeral, the famed producer was not happy. It had been a long time since he’d seen or spoken to Michael. And Jackson was not one to share credit. In the 90s and 2000s Jackson seemingly excised Quincy from his history as he himself believed in the King of Pop nickname.
The issue will be over permission to alter Quincy’s famous tracks, and how much money he is owed for that. In the lawsuit. Jones is alleging that Sony and MJJ Productions (aka The Jackson Estate) set up a “secret” company so that Quincy could not keep track of what was going on. The complaint details “Disguised Royalties” and “Clandestine Agreements.”
At the heart of the issue are post-death projects like the “This is It” movie and the Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas. Songs from all three albums that Quincy produced with Michael are used, reworked, and mixed up to make them seem new and different. Those three albums constitute the heart of Jackson’s moneymaking, with most of his hits coming from them. Subsequent albums like “Dangerous,” “HIStory,” and “Invincible” simply are not on that plane.
Jones’s complaint eyeballs his losses at $10 million or more. Stay tuned because there’s more to come. This could get interesting. Much as the Jackson executors have done a very good job with Michael’s estate, Quincy Jones wouldn’t be filing such a lawsuit unless there was some validity to his claim.
Britney Spears has handwritten a note to her fans. This is because she’s about to release a new album called “Britney Jean” and has no idea if anyone cares. I’m not sure anyone does. Britney writes to the fans: “I am funny! I am your friend!”
I do feel kind of bad for her at this point. Britney is lost in the music business. She’s already headed for Vegas before the age of 30. She has a limited catalog. You just feel like she’s going to be a windup doll until she can’t be anymore. She’s like the main character in a Jacqueline Susann novel.
The big news is that B.J. has inherited William Orbit from Madonna. That means a lot of droning electronics and few hooks. Both Britney and Justin Bieber have the worst songwriters and producers in pop. Why can’t they do anything approaching Pink or Timberlake? Even some of Miley Cyrus’s stuff is pretty well done.
October 25, 2013
Letter from Britney Jean
Dear Fans,
I haven’t sat down to write you guys in SUCH a long time. Long overdue! We’re all so used to getting our thoughts out in 140 characters, but sometimes its nice to take time to sit down and write something a little longer and more personal. I am putting the finishing touches on my new album, “Britney Jean” over the next few days and I am so excited for you to hear it. I poured my heart and soul into this album and it’s been an incredible journey. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and as I am finishing, I am reminded of the incredible foundation that has supported me for the last 15 years. Thank you all for continuing to follow me on this journey and for allowing me to do what I love to do. I can’t believe this is my eighth studio album and I know I keep telling you that it is my most personal record yet, but its true and I’m really proud of that.
I have been through a lot in the past few years and it has really inspired me to dig deeper and write songs that I think everyone can relate to. Working with people like Sia, William Orbit, and of course Will.i.am has been an amazing experience. They have listened to all of my ideas and helped me bring them to life. There are a lot of really fun, upbeat dance songs, but it was important to me that I show my strength, and my attitude, and my vulnerability. Of course, I also have some surprises for you guys ;)
I want to show you the different sides of Britney Spears. I am a performer. I am a Mom. I am funny. I am your friend! I am Britney Jean.
Hope you love my labor of love!
EXCLUSIVE The Grammy Awards will come earlier than usual in 2014, and will have something extra special. Ringo Starr confirmed for me tonight that The Beatles will likely be celebrated twice–once during the Grammy Awards, and then again the next night. The plan right now is for a special Beatles segment during the Grammys on January 26th to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their arrival in America on February 7. 1964.
Then, on January 27, the Monday night after the Grammys, there will be a special Beatles show in Los Angeles at the Convention Center. Right now it’s supposed to entail a lot of different acts playing Beatles songs. Ringo says that so far he and Paul McCartney have discussed only the “possibility” of their participation. “It’s not like we’re not going to do it,” he told me. “But it might be cool to have all these other bands doing our stuff, and we’re watching.”
Knowing Paul and Ringo, though, it might be hard to keep them off the stage. And for a true Beatles anniversary celebration, it would be cool to have Dhani Harrison, Sean and Julian Lennon, James McCartney, and Zak Starkey all on stage.
All of this news explains why Grammy producer extraordinaire Ken Ehrlich was hanging out yesterday at Ringo’s press conference for his All Starr Band tour in South America and his beautiful new book of Beatles pix called “Photograph.” You can look it over at http://www.genesis-publications.com/photograph-ringo-starr/#.UmnHLhDCZqUÂ Ehrlich is producing the Monday night show as well.
An ebook version of “Photograph” is already on iTunes for $12.99.
What a weekend if this all comes together: on Friday night MusiCares honors Carole King; Saturday night is the NARAS Clive Davis dinner and show; Sunday would bring the Grammys with lots of Timberlake, Thicke, and (hopefully) Elton John; and then Monday the Beatles. Tuesday January 28th will have to be declared a national holiday!
George Clooney’s “Monuments Men” has been moved to an opening date of February 7, 2014. I’m told there’s a great likelihood it could open the Berlin Film Festival on February 6th. Certainly that makes sense from a marketing point of view. “Monuments Men” should have big international appeal. And there’s no place better to launch it for the world– especially Europe– than Berlin. Imagine the press in Germany’s most forward thinking city. So stay tuned, and remember you heard it here first. Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bob Balaban, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, and Bill Murray co-star/ Now there’s a red carpet!
Do you think Meryl Streep lights up a screen? Watch her rock out in Paul McCartney’s new video for “Queenie Eye.” The centerpiece song from his “New” album has a star studded video that also features former lovers Johnny Depp and Kate Moss, as well as James Corden a slew of other stars including “Star Trek” actors Chris Pine and Alice Eve. I’m sorry, but Meryl–on the verge of another Oscar nomination–just glows. She’s radiant. The video made at Abbey Road, of course.
Also featured: Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Jeremy Irons, Tracey Ullmann.
Here’s the video:
And watch the Making of:
The great and legendary Janis Joplin was just 27 when she died in 1971. That was FORTY TWO years ago. I guess in that time no one thought to give her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Now, at long last, she’s getting one. Janis will be honored on November 4th. Her siblings, Laura and Michael Joplin, will accept the award. Kris Kristofferson will be there, and he’ll play “Me and Bobby McGee”– the song he wrote with which Janis hit number 1. Clive Davis, who signed Janis to Columbia, and memorably rocked out to her live performance in DA Pennebaker’s “Monterey Pop,” will also be on hand.
Janis Joplin did not have a clothing line or an endorsement deal, by the way. She didn’t pose naked on a wrecking ball, dress like a meat sandwich, or desecrate historical landmarks like the Anne Frank house.
Do you think any of the women on the charts now can do this? Nope.
12 Years a Slave and Inside Llewyn Davis scored Best Picture nominations this morning for the Gotham Awards. But the big story is that among the best actors nominees is Isaiah Washington for Blue Caprice, a very indie movie. Washington was made into the town pariah five years ago after an incident on his TV series “Grey’s Anatomy.” A fine actor, but his career looked like it was ruined. Nice to see him back. Of the Best Picture noms, I don’t really get “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints.” which sank without a trace, or the little known “Upstream Color.” But why not? In Breakthrough Actor and Director, I say Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler for “Fruitvale Station,” which should have been nominated for Best Picture.
Best Feature
12 Years a Slave
Steve McQueen, director; Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Bill Pohlad, Steve McQueen, Arnon
Milchan, Anthony Katagas, producers. (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Ain’t Them Bodies Saints
David Lowery, director; Tony Halbrooks, James M. Johnston, Jay Van Hoy, Lars Knudsen, Amy Kaufman,
Cassian Elwes, producers (IFC Films)
Before Midnight
Richard Linklater, director; Richard Linklater, Christos V. Konstantakopoulos, Sara Woodhatch, producers
(Sony Pictures Classics)
Inside Llewyn Davis
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, directors; Scott Rudin, Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, producers (CBS Films)
Upstream Color
Shane Carruth, director; Shane Carruth, Casey Gooden, Ben LeClair, producers. (erbp)
Best Documentary
The Act of Killing
Joshua Oppenheimer, director; Signe Byrge, Joshua Oppenheimer, producers (Drafthouse Films)
The Crash Reel
Lucy Walker, director; Julian Cautherly, Lucy Walker, producers (HBO Documentary Films)
First Cousin Once Removed
Alan Berliner, director and producer (HBO Documentary Films)
Let the Fire Burn
Jason Osder, director and producer (Zeitgeist Films)
Our Nixon
Penny Lane, director; Brian L. Frye, Penny Lane, producers (Cinedigm and CNN Films)
Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award
Ryan Coogler for Fruitvale Station (The Weinstein Company)
Adam Leon for Gimme the Loot (Sundance Selects)
Alexandre Moors for Blue Caprice (Sundance Selects)
Stacie Passon for Concussion (RADiUS-TWC)
Amy Seimetz for Sun Don’t Shine (Factory 25)
Best Actor
Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Oscar Isaac in Inside Llewyn Davis (CBS Films)
Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club (Focus Features)
Robert Redford in All Is Lost (Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions)
Isaiah Washington in Blue Caprice (Sundance Selects)
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine (Sony Pictures Classics)
Scarlett Johansson in Don Jon (Relativity Media)
Brie Larson in Short Term 12 (Cinedigm)
Amy Seimetz in Upstream Color (erbp)
Shailene Woodley in The Spectacular Now (A24)
Breakthrough Actor
Dane DeHaan in Kill Your Darlings (Sony Pictures Classics)
Kathryn Hahn in Afternoon Delight (The Film Arcade and Cinedigm)
Michael B. Jordan in Fruitvale Station (The Weinstein Company)
Lupita Nyong’o in 12 Years a Slave (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Robin Weigert in Concussion (RADiUS-TWC)
Fifteen writers, critics and programmers participated in the nomination process, considering 203 eligible
submissions. The Nominating Committees for the 2013 Gotham Independent Film Awards were:
Nominating Committee for Best Feature and Breakthrough Director:
Scott Foundas, Lead Film Critic, Variety
Eric Kohn, Lead Film Critic, Indiewire
Christy Lemire, Film Critic, ChristyLemire.com and co-host, What the Flick?!
Andrew O’Hehir, Film Critic, Salon.com
Dana Stevens, Movie Critic, Slate
Nominating Committee for Best Actor, Best Actress, and Breakthrough Actor:
Justin Chang, Senior Film Critic, Variety
Noah Cowan, Artistic Director, TIFF Bell Lightbox
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post Film and Theater Film Critic
David Rooney, Film & Theater Critic, The Hollywood Reporter
Leah Rozen, freelance entertainment writer
Nominating Committee for Best Documentary:
Charlotte Cook, Director of Programming, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
Ben Fowlie, Founder & Executive Director, Camden International Film Festival
Cynthia Fuchs, Film-TV Editor, PopMatters
Mike Maggiore, Programmer and Publicist, Film Forum
Sky Sitney, Festival Director, AFI Docs
Spotlight on Women Filmmakers ‘Live the Dream’ Grant
Tonight, the only charity associated with money making teen machine Justin Bieber throws its annual fundraiser. Pencils of Promise will salute, among others, newly elected New Jersey senator Cory Booker. Bieber’s huge increase earnings is tied directly to the sudden rise in income of Pencils of Promise.
The charity was founded in 2008 by Adam Braun, brother of Bieber’s manager Scooter Braun. But it’s only in the last two years that Pencils for Promise has real assets– over $2.2 million according to its most recent tax filing for 2011.
Of that money, almost $585,000 was spent on salaries. By contrast, only $159,167 was given in grants.
The Bieber difference has meant a lot to Adam Braun: an increase in his own official salary (included in that $585K total) from 2010 to 2011 from $59,100 to $99,500 for example. Contributions to the charity rose by almost a million dollars from 2010 to 2011. (The 2012 tax filing has not been published yet.) The charity finished 2011 in fine form: $1.8 million in assets, up a whopping $800,000 from the previous year. That’s thanks to having portions of tickets from Bieber concerts thrown into the till.
Pencils of Promise focuses on “giving every child” an education in three countries: Laos, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. They build schools, or rather classrooms, and there’s lots of evidence they’ve done just that. They were recently praised for investing $33,000 in schools in Ghana: http://allafrica.com/stories/201309251534.html
But their costs were high: $89,601 seems like a lot for travel considering Braun is the main staffer. Pencils of Promise also spent $76,864 on advertising and $40,000 on office expenses.
Meantime, PoP, as it’s called, has so far attracted little interest from A list celebrities other than Bieber-Braun friends Usher and Jaden Smith. Tonight’s event will be emceed by Sophia Bush, TV star of “One Tree Hill.”
The new star of “50 Shades of Grey” is several steps down from Charlie Hunnam, the actor who resigned the post two weeks ago. Jamie Dornan is famous for being a Calvin Klein underwear model and the face of Dior cologne. His resume is pretty thin– just bit parts on minor TV shows. So there’s no place to go but up. Of course, Mark Wahlberg turned his Calvin Klein career into life as a respected actor and producer.
Will lightning strike twice? It remains to be seen. But now the “50 Shades” movie is shaping up as a true translation of the so called book from which it hails. If this doesn’t meet the standards of “Showgirls,” “Glitter,” and other notable guffaw fests, I’d be mighty surprised. Dornan’s best known role is boyfriend for two years of Keira Knightley.
And now: ten months of tabloid items goosing the public’s appetite for what will be much ado about nothing.
PS to Charlie Hunnam: you dodged a bullet.