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Today’s Music News: Prince is cool with selfies, just not everybodyelsies

by Staff

November 13, 2014

Prince is cool with selfies—he even shared one he took himself using a camera and a mirror. He's just not cool with cell phones at Paisley Park because people can't stop taking pics of—well, him. "We ban their usage anywhere around Us," he told the Huffington Post via his publicist, "because We're allergic 2 lithium and 'Everybodyelsies.'" (Billboard)

Though Taylor Swift plays pop music instead of country these days, some high-profile country musicians are following her lead and pulling their music from Spotify. The wildly popular country star Jason Aldean has pulled his latest album from the service, saying "I want everyone who is involved in making my music to be paid fairly." Justin Moore and Brantley Gilbert—who are both, not coincidentally, signed to Swift's Big Machine label—have pulled their latest music too, while Garth Brooks just launched his own streaming service. Meanwhile, the head of Big Machine countered Spotify's statement that Swift was on track to earn $6 million from the service this year, saying that she earned less than $500,000 before pulling her catalog.

In the face of this turmoil surrounding one of their competitors, streaming leader YouTube is set to roll out a paid music streaming service: starting on Monday, you'll be able to pay $9.99 a month to subscribe to YouTube Music Key, allowing ad-free listening on YouTube as well as access to Google Play Music. (Billboard)

David Bowie released a new video for his single "Sue (Or In a Season of Crime)."

Jimi Hendrix has posthumously joined the ranks of artists who will have special vinyl releases made available the day after Thanksgiving ("Black Friday," in retail parlance). The double-LP vinyl set Hear My Music will feature 11 instrumental recordings from 1969. Among the tracks will be two versions of "Valleys of Neptune," one with Hendrix on guitar and one where he plays piano. (Rolling Stone)

On Tuesday night the Who celebrated their 50th birthday as a band with a star-studded London concert featuring appearances by guest vocalists Eddie VedderLiam Gallagher, and several others; as well as video greetings from Paul McCartney and Iggy Pop. (Rolling Stone)

Bruce Springsteen's performance of "Fortunate Son" at the Veterans Day Concert for Valor had its critics, but the song's author is not among them. "As an American and a songwriter I am proud that the song still has resonance," said John Fogerty in a statement. "I do believe that its meaning gets misinterpreted and even usurped by various factions wishing to make their own case. As a man who was drafted and served his country during those times, I have ultimate respect for the men and women who protect us today and demand that they receive the respect that they deserve." (Consequence of Sound)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0mlntv-Pys

Anne Hathaway appeared in Jenny Lewis's "Just One of the Guys" music video, and now Lewis is scoring another Hathaway film: Song One, a love story set for release on Jan. 23. Lewis and her collaborator (and boyfriend) Johnathan Rice are contributing a set of original songs to the film as Jenny and Johnny; and writing the score with Nathaniel Walcott of Bright Eyes. (Pitchfork)

In music terms, what will 2014 be remembered as "the year of"? Billboard is certain this is "the Year of Booty"; while Pitchfork is deeming it "the Year of the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," citing songs by Taylor Swift ("Blank Space"), Iggy Azalea ("Black Widow"), FKA Twigs ("Two Weeks"), Sharon Van Etten ("Your Love is Killing Me"), and Lykke Li ("Love Me Like I'm Not Made of Stone").

Speaking of booty, what does Kanye West think of his wife Kim Kardashian baring all for Paper Magazine? Suffice it to say he's cool with it. (Billboard)

Listen to the Morning Show’s music news roundup on the Current every weekday at 9:00 a.m. to hear our hosts discuss the latest music news.

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