Morning Music Notes – Everyone Descended on London This Weekend

Jay-Z, Rihanna Join Coldplay at Paralympic Closing Ceremonies

Last night, the Paralympics came to a close, including fireworks off of Tower Bridge that I watched from my kitchen window. What I didn’t see from my kitchen window was Jay-Z and Rihanna joining Coldplay in their performances. Rihanna joined the band for Princess of China, then Chris Martin then guested on Rihanna and Jay-Z’s Run this Town. Coldplay also performanced Paradise from Mylo Xyloto, which featured a rap verse from Jay-Z – check out the separate video below. The flames must’ve been bright, as both Jay and RiRi needed their shades. I also like Rihanna being hidden in a cloak on an airship around the stadium, like Han Solo before his attempted execution by Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi. How is that for a wordy analogy? Check out all the madness below.

Coldplay – Paradise (live at London’s Paralympic Closing Ceremonies)

Jay-Z raps with Coldplay – Paradise (live at London’s Paralympic Closing Ceremonies)

Coldplay – Princess of China (with Rihanna, live at London’s Paralympic Closing Ceremonies)

Jay-Z, Rihanna, Chris Martin – Run This Town (live at London’s Paralympic Closing Ceremonies)

Paul McCartney Makes Surprise Appearance at Africa Express Tour

Who needs Rihanna and Jay-Z when you have Sir Paul? Damon Albarn’s Africa Express train tour of UK and African musicians came to a close this weekend at the same place where young magicians head away to Hogwarts – Kings Cross station in London. And there was magic in the air (yup, I went there) – Sir Paul McCartney joined the gang (via Consequence of Sound). He was backed by an impressive band that included Damon Albarn, John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin (and Them Crooked Vultures), drummer Tony Allen, Gruff Rhys (Super Fury Animals), and others. They played some Wings songs Coming Up and Goodnight Tonight for some bizarre reason. Check out some fan footage (with not-so-great audio) below.

Paul McCartney with Africa Express – Goodnight Tonight (Live in London September 8, 2012)

The Black Keys are Recording the Follow Up to El Camino

The Black Keys never seem to stop working, despite increasing popularity and bigger tours. The Akron, Ohio boys have stated that they hit a studio in Nashville for a week to lay down some ideas for their new album (via NME). They have more touring this fall, so likely won’t finish it until March 2013. Singer Dan Auerbach hasn’t confirmed if super producer Danger Mouse will be back, saying “Not sure who we’re gonna work with or if we’re going to [produce] it ourselves. We haven’t planned it out yet.” Drummer Patrick Carney recently produced Tennis’ album, and knows a thing or two about producing (but he’s no Danger Mouse).

Spotify to Launch Browser-Based Service

Good news for people who aren’t allowed to install programs at work – online music streaming service Spotify is planning the launch of a browser-based service (via Tech Crunch). There are also rumours of lower costs for a mobile subscription, and a slight shift to music discovery via your friends also using the program. Note to self: make some friends.

G.O.O.D. Music Tracklist Revealed

There’s been a lot of talk about Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music compilation coming out this year, but no one knows exactly what the heck is on it. Would it include the excellent Clique we heard this past week? The answer is Yes, as you’ll see in the full tracklist outlined below (via Stereogum). Fans of Kanye will be happy to know that he features in 7 of the 12 tracks. The Cruel Summer album is out next week.

01 Kanye West – “To The World” (Feat. R. Kelly)
02 Kanye West – “Clique” (Feat. Jay-Z, Big Sean)
03 Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz – “Mercy”
04 Kanye West – “New God Flow” (Feat. Pusha T, Ghostface Killah)
05 Raekwon, Pusha T, Common, 2 Chainz, CyHi Da Prynce, Kid Cudi & D’Banj – “The Morning”
06 Kanye West & DJ Khaled – “Cold”
07 The-Dream, Pusha T & Ma$e – “Higher”
08 John Legend, Travi $ Scott, Teyana Taylor, CyHi Da Prynce & Malik Yusef – “Sin City”
09 Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 Chainz & Marsha Ambrosius – “The One”
10 Kid Cudi – “Creepers”
11 John Legend & Teyana Taylor – “Bliss”
12 Kanye West, Chief Keef, Pusha T, Big Sean & Jadakiss – “Don’t Like (Remix)”