Some Stories I Missed Over The Holidays

Hey everyone. Since December was completely dedicated to my 100 Best Albums countdown, I didn't get a chance to really write any news blogs on here. So here are some stories from the past few weeks which I'm just now getting a chance to bring you.

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The Who Protested as Super Bowl Pick

Child advocacy website abusewatch.net has recently petitioned the NFL to have The Who removed from playing the Super Bowl XLIV Halftime show in Miami on February 7th.

The group objects the the band's selection due to guitarist Pete Townshend's 2003 arrest by British police for using his credit card to view child pornography online. Townshend claimed he was researching child abuse for his own autobiography. Townshend was never charged but did receive a caution and was placed on a British sex offenders' watch list until 2008.

"The Who is a great band. Pete Townshend is the only issue here," said Evin Daly, found and CEO of abusewatch.net

The NFL has released a statement standing behind their choice for The Who.

"UK police cleared him since he was doing research for a project on child abuse," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.

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John Frusciante Quits Chili Peppers

Rumors about Frusciante's departure had stemmed from reports that the rest of the Chili Peppers were in the studio working on the follow up album to 2006's hit or miss Stadium Arcadium without their long time guitar player.After a year long hiatus The Red Hot Chili Peppers have reentered the studio to begin work on another album. However they will be doing so without guitarist John Frusciante who recently took to his MySpace to tell the world he had exited the band.

"To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction," Frusciante said. He also says he quit the band over a year ago with "no drama" and that "I have to be what I am, and I have to do what I must do."

This marks the second time Frusciante has left the band doing once before after the band released their classic album Blood Sugar Sex Magik in 1991 before returning in 1999 while the band recorded Californication.

Josh Klinghoffer, who played back up guitar with the Chili Peppers on their last tour has been named Frusciante's replacement.

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Kanye West Back In The Studio - Where He Belongs

Kanye West has virtually disappeared from the

landscape of pop since he infamously rushed the stage at last year's VMAs and then had a mental breakdown the following night on The Jay Leno Show.

However a new year has found Mr. West back in the studio as he prepares to once again make headlines for his music opposed to his actions and ego.

West took to his website to post a blog where he laid out his plan for the next record.

"It's funny how so many rappers get worse as their careers stretch out but true poets get better," West said. "We will follow in the footsteps of Maya Angelou, Gill Scott Herron and Nina Simone. Their work improved with time."

West does have lofty expectations to live up to. While his last record 808s And Heartbreak was met with mixed to positive review, This first three albums were all met with universal acclaim from critics and fans alike. But I suppose that if Kanye does stumble, no one will do it in a more arrogant manner. I HAD ONE OF THE BEST CAREER BLOW UPS OF ALL TIME!

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Taylor Swift Holds On To 2009 Sales Crown - Barely

Teen princess supreme Taylor Swift held off new comer Susan Boyle to claim the highest selling album of 2009 with her second album Fearless.

Swift's sophomore effort, which was released in 2008, sold 3.1 million units barely outselling Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle by roughly 300,00 copies.