Music Column: Thoughts on the Week that Was

(andPOP) - Biggest story of this week is of course Live 8. The most amazing thing about it is not that 10 concerts were held around the world to bring awareness to poverty, but that every possible big name act participated. The biggest artists in the world, in any genre, is arguably Paul McCartney, U2 and Madonna, who all performed in England. After them there could be a number of artists, perhaps Elton John, Coldplay, and a reunited Pink Floyd, who all performed. Even Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, who were not on any bill, was supposed to show up in England to perform with McCartney (though didn't make it).

The message that we are not living in a perfect world should not be lost, but ponder this: who else in the world can bring together all these A-list artists? Bob Geldof pulled off the miracle of the century (now twice).

The only problem is, was this all for nothing? Remember, there was no number being flashed across the screens to call to donate money, and tickets were free. This wasn't about money ("We want your voice, not your money," Geldof said). We'll see July 6, when the world leaders meet for the G8 conference.

The other big news was the passing of a legend, Luther Vandross. His health had deteriorated since he had a stroke in 2003. He won eight Grammys in his career, four since the stroke. Little was reported about his health over the past year, and many speculated he was improving, so it was a shock to read Friday that he died in a New Jersey hospital.

Randomosity: Get this album right now: State of Mind by Raul Midon. More on him next week? Robin Thicke, AKA Thicke, AKA Alan Thicke's son, somehow is working with Pharrell Williams on new material, even though nobody cared to buy his first album? John Mayer is now the John Mayer Trio. Hopefully they will stick with quality music as opposed to the soulless "Daughter"-type songs?

Looks like jail for Cassidy won't help his album sales. His latest album will debut with a respectable number next week, probably around 100,000, but less than his debut album released last year. So much for street cred?

The Fugees getting back together at the BET Awards was my highlight of the week. I just hope they take their time to record a new album. Rushing it would ruin their legacy. What legacy you say? There has never been a hip-hop group to have as much success both as a group and then with solo careers. Well, Pras still has a chance?

Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl is perhaps the worst song to make it onto high rotation since the Macarena. If you keep buying her album, she'll keep making music....

Last thought on Live 8: 50 Cent pulled out due to a "prior commitment." Excusable. But if you turned on your Sirius radio to the Slim Shady channel, you would have heard 50 live in studio for 4 hours...

And final thought: Congrats to Frayda and Yoni! See you in New York.