RIP: Jay Reatard

Well, this is just confounding: news came over the wire yesterday that lo-fi rock craftsman Jay Reatard died "in his sleep" at his home, and was found at 3:30 AM by a friend. No further details have arisen yet, but at only 29, but it's more than a bit vexing, to say the least. Here's the official statement from Jay's website:

Jimmy Lee Lindsey, Jr. died in his sleep on Wednesday morning. He was 29 years old.
He is survived by his mother Devonna May, his father Jimmy Lindsey, and his sisters Leslie Lindsey, Stephanie Duncan and Gara May. He’ll be missed by music fans all over the world.
With 22 full-length albums and over 100 releases, Jay dedicated his life to music. He played nearly one thousand shows in over 20 countries around the world. He was incredibly grateful for all the support his fans gave him over the years.
Funeral arrangements are being made, and a memorial service is being planned in Memphis. Please watch this space for the announcement..

Wherever you may be, Mr. Lindsey, we hope you're doing well. Thanks for all the music.

previously: Jay Reatard on HAD

RIP: Michael Jackson Dead At Fifty

Well, by now the news is everywhere, but just in case you missed it: the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson himself, died of a heart attack in Los Angeles this afternoon. While Jackson has unquestionable had a rough decade, there can be little said to understate the magnitude and importance he has to the world of music.

For those who were around in the 80's, he was more than a dominant force: he was the definition of musical success. Even more than that, he crossed musical boundaries in such a versatile way that he simultaneously ruled rock, pop, and R&B chart.

We thought we'd include the above video because it captures Jackson at the height of his success, before things devolved, but after he had become a seasoned performer. That, and we just dig "Man In The Mirror" beyond compare.

Keep dancing and singing wherever you are Michael, you will most certainly be missed.