Don't Stand For It (World)

Alicia Keys and Bono release a duet today on iTunes - Don't Give Up (Africa), a song originally performed by Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel about 20 years ago. So, if you find yourself hearing an ephemeral voice in your head singing "Don't give up" that's why. Only Kate and Peter's song was called, So, and they didn't bother to add the parenthesis at the end (what).

I find the first graph of the USAToday story to be the most loathsome.

Alicia Keys and Bono are hoping to save the lives of children through song.

Ok ok, the proceeds from the song go to charity. But let me pose this question: why iTunes exclusive then? I like iTunes and all, but if you really want to make bank (and exposure) on a song, you need Wal-Mart distribution. Say what you will about Wal-Mart, product moves in those stores. Compare that with the potential of an iTunes exclusive, and all you've really got here is good PR for Alicia and Bono.

I'm not going to poopoo celebrities who use their fame to support charities. I work for a charity, and this kind of exposure is what dreams are made of in the fundraising world. But put all the elements together: Bono + Alicia Keyes + iTunes + Bono + not bothering to write an original song + Bono = half-ass attempt to do something in time for the holidays b/c that's what you're supposed to do if you're famous and it's the holidays.