The eyes of pop music fans grew wide when it was announced this week that nearly six hours of recordings featuring both Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury would be released soon. NME provided a list of other big-name compilations that haven't seen the light in an official release yet. Some are good ideas, some are bad ideas, and we, over-opinionated aggregation journalists, have decided to let you know which is which.
GOOD IDEAS
Bob Dylan and George Harrison: Just think about it. Dylan already has a few writing credits on Harrison's excellent "All Things Shall Pass," a record that battles John Lennon's "Imagine" for best Beatles solo record. Plus the duo paired up in the Traveling Wilburys, so there had to be some chemistry. This sounds like potential songwriting gold.
MC Hammer and Tupac Shakur: Okay, so MC Hammer has not aged well. But Tupac attempted to revitalize the other's career with a Death Row record, and reportedly appeared on several tracks. We're cool with any new Tupac tracks being released. Plus, MC Hammer can probably use the royalty checks.
OKAY IDEA
Lady Gaga and Cher: Two of the biggest divas and most glamor-obsessed performers in recent years, the two could either get on very well, or very badly. But this recording session was for Gaga's upcoming album "ARTPOP," so there's no reason to believe the track won't be released in a future deluxe edition.
BAD IDEA
Led Zeppelin with Phil Collins: With no offense meant to the former Genesis drummer, he just doesn't live up to John Bonham. Collins is solid, but Bonham draws "best-ever" references. The two sides performed together at Live Aid and Jimmy Page apparently wasn't happy, calling Collins "under-rehearsed." So why release the footage when Bonham-era live recordings exist?
