exploremusic

Here’s the Deal with Michael Jackson

Here’s what I’ve discovered today.

Today is the first anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death.  In the last year, he’s made a billion dollars, not that it’s done him any good.  Nine million albums in the US, 24 million worldwide, 26.5 million downloads $5 million worth of ringtones, $392 million from TV and film rights—it goes on and on.  The ultimate total is around a billion.  You can bet that this record company has done well, too.

There’s more to come.  For example, Animal Planet in the US is running a show called Michael Jackson and Bubbles: The Untold Story.  It explores the unique relationship between monkey and man—and in the end, there’s a tearful reunion with LaToya.  Why?  It’s the only gig she could get.  

Here’s the Deal with iTunes

This is a bit weird.  Apple has changed their terms of service in iTunes.  The privacy policy now says that they have the ability to collect and store data about you and where you are.  This means if you want to download apps or music, you have to agree to the new terms and conditions.  If you refuse, you can’t download ANYTHING. 

No one would have known anything about this had someone not taken the time to read those impenetrable license agreements.  You know the ones where you always click the “agree” button without reading anything?  Yeah, I do it, too.

Apple says that this kind of geo-tracking information is necessary to “improve our products, services and advertising”—but others will see this as yet another invasion of privacy.  I think we all need to read up on this.  

Here’s the Deal with Shad

Finally, if you’re in Southern Ontario and you’re looking to get away from the G8/G20 insanity at least for a little while, may I suggest the ExploreMusic-approved S.C.E.N.E. Festival in St Catharines on Sunday.  One day with 160+ bands, 17 stages and 13 venues right downtown. 

One of the performers this year is Shad.  Our Mike Sullivan talked to him about rapping—and school. You can check out the interview here. 

Also playing at SCENE this year:  Arkells, Down with Webster, Ko, Cancer Bats, Crush Luther, The Balconies, Still Life Still, The Junction, The Johnstones, the Von Drats, Rebel Emergency and a ton more.  Details at the official site.  Maybe we’ll see you there Sunday.

ExploreMusic Playlist: The songs featured on the radio show today were:

“Pardon Me” by Jonathan Tyler and The Northern Lights
“Love Ain’t Free” by Rebel Emergency
“Gold and Warm” by Bad Veins
“Mirror In The Bathroom” by English Beat