Nick Barat blogs at Catchdubs.

Bob Geldof can't reunite the Police? What kind of Live Aid is this?

Objectively speaking, London "wins" on sheer starpower alone, but for my money, that lineup is snooze inducing. My personal choice would be Philadelphia, solely for Jay-Z being on the bill; there's no way he could do a Philly show and not bring hometown heroes State Property onstage with him. This means Freeway and Peedi Crakk playing Live 8. Freeway and Peedi Crakk! The only thing that could top that is Free and Peedi getting on the Concorde with Phil Collins to play all the other Live 8 dates around the globe. State Prop at the Circus Maximus, the mind boggles.

Aaron Wherry blogs at Pop (all love).

1) Who would you have asked to be in the concerts?
I suppose there aren't a lot of names I immediately think should be added (Radiohead is one), but there does seem to be a need to even things out. Look at the city-by-city breakdown. While Hyde Park is stacked, Philadelphia gets the MOR trio of Rob Thomas, Sarah McLachlan and Dave Matthews. Paris gets Craig David, Jamiroquai and Placebo (confirming, at least, that all three do still exist). Germany gets Lauryn Hill, Brian Wilson and Crosby, Stills and Nash (arguably the most psychologically unbalanced lineup since the abbreviated '88 Broadway run of Liza Minnelli and Adam Ant's salute to Norwegian Death Metal). While Rome gets Tim McGraw, with wife, but without his true partner in life, Nelly.

2) Who would you drop from the current lineup?
Some, but not all, of the above. Also: Elton John. Seriously, dude. You're like the Sally Struthers of pop music now. It's tremendously noble. But getting to be cliché.

3) If you could choose any one of these concerts to go to, which would it be?
Well, London, of course. But there is chatter among the igloos here, as we chew whale blubber round the family dinner table with our neighbor, a deserting American soldier, that our Northern outpost might be in line for its own concert. Seems Bono, a good friend of Sir Bob, is good friends with our prime minister. There are plenty of cringe-worthy names being bandied about, but we would like to submit that a Canadian concert serve as the stage for the long-awaited reunion of the Northern Lights -- the Great White North's answer to all those '80s all-star charity singles. Joni Mitchell! Neil Young! Gordon Lightfoot! Geddy Lee! Not to mention: Corey Hart, Paul Shaffer, Eugene Levy and (AND!) Mike Reno! (See -- Warning! Blatant self-promotion ahead! -- here for full lineup.)

Other thoughts?
It's generally nothing but messy to get into debates over such things when it comes to cheesy pop star charity initiatives, but this stew could certainly use a touch more hip-hop. At least outside Philly. Also, just a thought: Seeing as the goal is awareness of Africa, each show would seem to need a few artists who could actually speak of such stuff firsthand, no?

Glenn Peoples blogs at Coolfer.

1) Who would you have asked to be in the concerts?
The Flaming Lips, to add some eccentriciy to the event.
New York Dolls. These shows need danger.
Cesaria Evora, although I know she was recently hospitalized and probably couldn't perform.
Femi Kuti, Orchestra Baobab, Wapaputsi, Super Rail Band.
How about some Africans on the bills? This would be a fine time to introduce some African artists to the world, erase the horrible ignorance about Africa that exists in the States and show people the continent has more to offer than civil wars and famine. I've been fortunate enough to spend time in Kenya and Ethiopia, the latter being vastly different than the stereotype that for many originated with the Live Aid. I think it's of terrible importance that the Western world gets to know these countries and their people.

2) Who would you drop from the current lineup?
The Kaiser Chiefs, who should at the very most play in a country that actually cares about them. P Diddy, because he's a much better producer and entrepreneur than he is musician and performer. Sir Elton John, because a man who spends money so recklessly should do absolutely nothing to raise awareness for the poor of third-world countries. He could have fed a few million Africans for life with all the money he's wasted over the years.

3) If you could choose any one of these concerts to go to, which would it be?
Berlin. The fewer acts on the bill, the better -- less chance of error. The London gig has some great artists, but there are more than a few that would drive me to stand in the beer line or head for the exits.

Alan Williamson blogs at Sixeyes.

1) Who would you have asked to be in the concerts?
Spoon. Radiohead. Tom Waits. Antony & the Johnsons. Arcade Fire. The Wrens. The New Pornographers. A.C. Newman

2) Who would you drop from the current lineup?
All the old-timers (McCartney, Wonder, Wilson, et al.) and a number of the new major label names like: Joss Stone, Maroon 5, P. Diddy, Sarah McLachlan, Rob Thomas, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.

3) If you could choose any one of these concerts to go to, which would it be?
Definitely Hyde Park, London.

Other thoughts?
The lineup looks like a playlist from classic rock radio and current top 40 ... ugh! Jeez, I know they are trying to raise money, but they seem to be ignoring the more artistic and creative artists out there who would bring some fire to the cause and the concerts. Faded stars like Elton John, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Crosby Stills and Nash, and Brian Wilson should just write a check and sit this one out, leaving room for grass-roots artists to grab the spotlight and do their part. As for the accusations of excluding black artists at the Hyde Park event, I would tend to believe that Geldof sought out black musicians as he claims, seeing as there are some huge major label black performers who would have added more money to the event's coffers.

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