Newsic Music September 19th-25th: R.E.M., Rihanna, Lady Gaga

This week was a heavy-hitter: the top story that was the talk of every music blog on the Internet, more cray-cray projects from Lady Gaga, and an unlikely Billboard record-breaker.

R.E.M. Breaks Up

After 31 years together, rockers R.E.M. announced their breakup last Wednesday. In an official statement on their website, the band wrote, “As lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band…We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished.” The band insists they called it quits on good terms and leaves a legacy of 15 studio albums, one EP and 64 singles.

Rihanna Drops New Calvin Harris-Produced Single

Last week Rihanna announced that her next album is set for a fall release, and now she’s amping up fans with her latest single “We Found Love,” produced by Kylie Minogue collaborator Calvin Harris. The track hit Facebook and radio play last Thursday and follows this year’s electronic trend with house drops and synths galore. Rihanna’s as-yet-unnamed sixth album hits U.S. stores on November 21.

Lady Gaga Speaks (and Sings) Out Against Bullying

Lady Gaga took a stand against bullying after 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer’s suicide last week. The teen, a Gaga fan, took his life after being taunted about his sexuality by classmates. In light of his death, Gaga is pledging to make bullying a hate crime, even calling for a meeting with President Obama. She tweeted her support, writing, “This must end. Our generation has the power to end it. Trend it #MakeALawForJamey.” The “Yoü and I” singer dedicated her performance of “Hair” at last weekend’s iHeartRadio music festival in Las Vegas to Rodemeyer.

Michael Forever Tribute Adds Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Hudson

The Black Eyed Peas and Jennifer Hudson just got added to the Michael Forever bill, which also features Beyoncé, Cee Lo Green, and Christina Aguilera. The Michael Jackson tribute concert is scheduled for October 8 in Wales and will be presented by the late King of Pop’s mother and siblings. Find more information here.

Tony Bennett Sets Billboard Record

At 85 years and two months, Tony Bennett is now the oldest living artist to hit the Billboard Hot 100 with “Body and Soul,” his recently released duet with the late Amy Winehouse. The crooner’s latest album, Duets II, also features artists like Lady Gaga, Queen Latifah, and Mariah Carey. In the wake of Winehouse’s death, her studio albums, 2003’s Frank and 2006’s Back to Black, took the charts by storm, and “Body and Soul” has followed behind as another relic of her legacy.

Out This Week:

9/27 – blink-182 – Neighborhoods

9/27 – Dum Dum Girls – Only in Dreams

9/27 – Frankmusik – Do It in the AM

9/27 – Jason Derülo – Future History

9/27 – Wilco – The Whole Love

Got a juicy music news tip? Email me at nlossing@buquad.com!