U2 have it Apple

If the title of this post doesn't ring a bell, then all Apple iPhone users better check their music albums. The reason for this is that Apple has recently downloaded U2's new album, Songs of Innocence, to every apple iPhone user for free. The free album includes the band U2's newest 11 songs. The deal between Apple and U2 is rumored to have cost 100 million dollars, along with the band playing their first single “The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)” in front of the room full of people waiting for the new release of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.  This deal has arguably set U2 to have achieved the biggest launch in music history.

            The new album, Songs of Innocence, has been in the making for five years. Five years is the longest amount of time the band hasn't released any new material.

In regard to the Apple users' receiving the free downloaded album: is it causing more problems than it’s worth? There are reportedly many people who are angry about the new download. While some are thrilled at the no-cost debut, others are saying, "it is an album without ideas. Its textures are flat, its melodies are graceless, and its guitar parts are criminally short on that sparkle-vroom thing that only Edge can do” and “it’s a waste of space and I think of it as a bad move.”

Many believe the reasoning behind the new deal isn't at all because of the relationship between Apple and U2. Apple gets you to create an iTunes account (if you don’t have one already), and it gets more subscribers and publicity.

Have you experienced the newest Apple download? If so, how do you feel? Is it a waste of space or a bonus for you?

VMA's or BeyMA's?

The Video Music Awards were recently held on August 24th, 2014. Performers from Taylor Swift to Nicki Minaj were there along with other actors and actresses. I personally was waiting for Taylor Swift to give Harry Styles another "shout out" like last year, but sadly, she didn't.

Miley Cyrus’s announcement really shocked us all I believe. We all know her as the queen of twerk, but this was a total surprise. I think we all choked up a little when she did.

Jesse’s (Miley’s date) speech and more on Miley’s awareness and fund raising opportunities:  http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mtv-vma-miley-cyrus-lets-a-former-homeless-man-accept-her-award/

I’m sure everyone heard Taylor when she said; “people get bitten by snakes” during her performance of “Shake it Off” when she was going to “jump”. What was she talking about? Nicki Minaj’s performance of “Anaconda” speaks for itself, but what does it say for the dancers? One of the dancers performing “Anaconda” was bitten by a snake during practice, and still performed. The show must go on I suppose.

 Recently, there has been a lot of talk of a possible split between Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Queen Bey seems to be putting those rumors to rest through social media without addressing the problem directly, but watching Jay-Z and Blue Ivy award Beyoncé the annual Video Vanguard Award was absolutely adorable. This cute family sure knows how to wrench out the hearts of many, because everyone’s heart was in the moment along with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and little Blue.

Speaking of Beyoncé, I think it’s safe to say the VMA’s were more of a Beyoncé concert than an award show. Beyoncé performed for about 17 minutes straight at the “VMA’s” unlike any other performer. She performed an excerpt of each song on her new album and the audience whether watching it at home or being there live, loved it. Beyoncé says it best, “Bow down”. During the show, we saw many performers sporting the leotard look but as always, Bey wore it best. The rainbow jewel encrusted leotard put everyone else to shame in my opinion.

What was your favorite part of the Video Music Awards 2014? Favorite artist? Favorite song? Favorite outfit?  Let me know!