Music Biz Headlines, Aug. 22, 2018

By Kerry Doole

Is it too soon to discuss Drake’s legacy?

He’s a contentious pop figure, our Drake, but whether you’re into the music or not there’s no disputing that the guy is freakin’ huge. – Ben Rayner, Toronto Star

The Eagles soar past Michael Jackson, now have the best-selling album of all-time

The Eagles’ greatest hits album has moonwalked past Michael Jackson’s Thriller to become history’s bestselling album of all-time. The RIAA reported Monday that the Eagles’ album Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is now certified 38x platinum, bumping Thriller, which is 33x platinum, to second place. – Mesfin Fekadu, Canadian Press

Sony Music begins paying artists $750M Spotify profits

The dispersal is from the profit it collected from the sale of 50% of its Spotify shares to its artists and distributed labels. – Celebrity Access

Sony Music’s $750 million Spotify ‘windfall’ leaves some lingering questions

Among the unknowns: Who's the check made out to? – Shirley Halperin, Variety

Warner Music veteran Kim Cooke talks about resurgence of Aretha Franklin’s ’30 Greatest Hits’

The Canadian industry veteran reminisces about the 1985 compilation that is back on the charts after Aretha's death. – Joe Reinartz, Celebrity Access

Rating the MTV V.M.A.s: Event producers give 2018 show a C+

Industry experts provided their thoughts on moments such as the tribute, as well as the event’s futuristic set design, the order of performances, lack of a host, use of different New York institutions, and augmented-reality tie-ins. – Ian Zelaya, BizBash

Madonna says speech at VMAs was not intended to be Aretha Franklin tribute

The singer said she was asked to present the award for video of the year at the VMAs and told to "share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin." But she did "not intend to do a tribute to her," according to a post the singer shared on Instagram. – Sandra Gonzalez, CNN

We owe Sinead O’Connor an apology - she spoke the truth about church child abuse

Her declaration back in 1992 that the Catholic Church was rotten to its core and pedophile priests and their enablers were the real enemy was true. – Niall O'Dowd,  Irish Central

Tom Waits attends Jack White concert in San Francisco, steals White’s watch

Waits "made all the musicians in the band confirm and pay testament to their love of the religion of music." – Alex Young, CoS

Lana Del Rey defends decision to perform in Israel: 'Music is universal'

American singer says she does not necessarily support governments in countries in which she performs. – Ben Beaumont-Thomas, The Guardian

Patti Smith to stage three-night off-Broadway run for Amazon’s Audible

Patti Smith: Words and Music will be presented by Audible at the Minetta Lane in NYC,  Sept. 22-24.  – Greg Evans, deadline.com

Drinkers stunned as Liam Gallagher joins them in pub for Sunday lunch

Punters at a Staffordshire pub were left star struck when Liam Gallagher popped in for his Sunday lunch - the day after playing the biggest gig of his solo career. – Rachael Grealish, ladbible.com

Vancouver's 604 Records riding the comedy resurgence

Shirley Gnome is one of a number of comics whose work is being released by noted label 604 Records.  – Stuart Derdeyn, Vancouver Sun

Mitski's Be The Cowboy is a bold exploration of loneliness

The indie singer/songwriter takes risks on the genre-defying album and it pays off in a big way.  – Sarah MacDonald, NOW

Birdman accuses Lil Wayne of swindling him out of Drake royalties

Back when Wayne was suing the Cash Money Records, Drake’s catalogue was a major aspect of the case against Cash Money and Birdman. – The Source

Rhyme time for Wordburglar

Halifax ex-pat rapper returns home to kick off his coast-to-coast release tour—and the Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival. – Brandon Young, The Coast

Soft Cell release Northern Lights, first new song in 15 years

Northern soul-inspired single is exclusively available first on the Guardian, as synthpop duo prepares for a farewell concert. –  Ben Beaumont-Thomas, The Guardian

AC/DC sightings lead to raves from Vancouver drum ace

You may have heard that several members of AC/DC have been spotted at Vancouver’s Warehouse Studio, leading to speculation that they’re recording a new album here. One fan thrilled at the possibility is Pat Steward of Odds.  – Steve Newton, Georgia Straight

Musical Youth: How we made Pass The Dutchie

‘We met Michael Jackson’s snake, made a film with Mr T, and were the first black band to be interviewed on MTV. It was a relief to get back to school.’ – Dave Simpson, The Guardian

Republicans slam Jason Isbell, Ben Folds as 'the unhinged left' ahead of Phil Bredesen rally

The political arm of U.S. Senate Republicans accused Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Phil Bredesen of partnering with "the unhinged left" by holding a rally headlined by musicians Jason Isbell and Ben Folds in Nashville this week. – Joey Garrison, Nashville Tennessean

Ottawa Chamberfest’s variety was its strength

With a total of 80 events, Ottawa’s Chamberfest may or may not be the world’s largest chamber music festival, but it is certainly the largest of its kind in Canada. – William Littler, Toronto Star

Katy Perry lends voice to save Sydney's Luna Park

The pop star urges urging authorities in Australia to help save an iconic amusement park after finally getting the opportunity to visit the tourist attraction. – Noise11.com

On Our Radar: Fake Shark has no interest in revisiting the past in video for "Feel Alive"

The Straight has had the pleasure of sitting down with Kevvy from Fake Shark many times over the years. – Mike Usinger, Georgia Straight

Nico, 1988 a showcase for Danish actor Trine Dyrholm

Now in theatres, the documentary explores the last days of the troubled Velvet Underground chanteuse. –  Peter Howell, Toronto Star

New York Jets to partner with Def Jam Recordings this season

When the New York Jets hit the field this season, there's going to be some fresh tunes blaring out of Metlife Stadium's speakers, courtesy of the famed hip-hop label. – Michael Saponara, Billboard