From the late 80s until a few years ago, the recording industry rode high on explosive music sales, which many observers credited to the invention of the compact disc and the willingness of consumers to replace their vinyl libraries with CDs. All that has come to an end. Mashable Social Networking News cites new predictions by eMarketer of continued decreases in recorded music spending worldwide, with a 20% decline over the next four years. [Read more →]
The Sudanese government has jailed a British teacher who allowed a student to name a teddy bear “Muhammad,” accusing the teacher of insulting Islam and threatening her with up to 40 lashes and six months in prison (CNN news report). Her student chose the name because of his affection for the prophet and because Muhammad is his own name. Exactly how affection for the prophet can be considered insulting to Islam, the Sudanese authorities have not explained. [Read more →]
The 2005 movie “Hustle and Flow” is about a small-time Memphis drug dealer and pimp who yearns for something bigger. Being a movie about both dreams and making music, I was naturally intrigued. It’s an amazing film, even if rap isn’t your favorite musical genre, and writer/director Craig Brewer captures an emotional authenticity that keeps the story realistic and engaging. While it might sound like a typical, predictable “struggling artist realizes his dreams” movie, this is not “Krush Groove.” [Read more →]
Copyright © 2008 Song of Fire. Design by Anthony Baggett.
