West’s new album leaks amid fanfare
“Yeezus,” the highly anticipated new album from Kanye West, leaked online Friday morning, resulting in immediate Twitter trending and sending less-ethical fans all over the world to various illegal download and mirror sites to get a free copy.
The back cover of the CD has also leaked, which shows the many samples and songwriters involved in West’s newest construction. Among those sampled include Nina Simone, whose version of “Strange Fruit” gets center stage on “Blood on the Leaves.”
Collaborators include Daft Punk, Frank Ocean, Justin Vernon, Kid Cudi, Chief Keef and others.
Though the leak was inevitable, West recently brushed off any concerns he had about sales numbers for the album, his sixth solo release.
“Yeezus” officially comes out Tuesday.
Deal again leaves Pixies for Breeders
It’s happened again: Kim Deal has left the Pixies, the influential rock band she co-founded with Frank “Black Francis” Black, guitarist Joey Santiago and drummer Dave Lovering in 1986. Deal is also the co-founder, with her twin sister Kelley, of the Breeders, which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its smash debut, “Last Splash.”
In a statement posted on the Pixies’ website, the band explained the departure. “We are sad to say that Kim Deal has decided to leave the Pixies. We are very proud to have worked with her on and off over the last 25 years. Despite her decision to move on, we will always consider her a member of the Pixies, and her place will always be here for her. We wish her all the best.”
The Pixies disbanded in 1993 after tensions between bandmates exploded both onstage and off. But the four reunited in 2004 for a tour that confirmed their status as one of the most influential rock bands of the ’80s. These tours continued every few years until 2011.
Elmo puppeteer wins three Emmys
Kevin Clash, the Elmo puppeteer who resigned amid allegations that he sexually abused underage boys, won three Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on “Sesame Street.”
Clash won as outstanding performer in a children’s series at the creative arts ceremony held Friday night. He shared trophies for outstanding pre-school children’s series and directing in a children’s series, giving Clash 26 Daytime Emmys for his work on the venerable PBS show.
He played Elmo for 28 years before quitting last November. Clash’s lawyer has said that related lawsuits filed against the entertainer are without merit.
The birthday bunch
Author Joyce Carol Oates is 75. Rhythm-and-blues singer Eddie Levert is 71. Actress Joan Van Ark is 70. Actor Clifton Collins Jr. is 43. Actor John Cho is 41.