Music News: Siren Fest Wrap, Adam Yauch of Beastie Boys Has Cancer, Scramble for Michael Jackson's Songs

News from rock to rap for this Monday...

Siren Festival: First off, I finally did make it to Coney Island's Siren Festival this year, but didn't get to the festivities until 5:30. So I missed a couple of acts I really wanted to see (Canada's Japandroids and Scotland's Frightened Rabbit), but I did get to see a bit of Grand Duchy (with Frank Black) as well as the full sets by The Raveonettes and headliners Built to Spill, which were enjoyable. I also got to catch a few songs from a band I wasn't familiar with, Brooklyn's own A Place to Bury Strangers.

Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch has Cancer: The band is delaying its forthcoming album and canceling all upcoming tour dates because Adam "MCA" Yauch has been diagnosed with cancer of the salivary glands, it was announced today in a video on the Beastie Boys' Web site. Among other things, this means that the All Points West Festival in Liberty State Park has lost its headlining act for Friday, July 31st. The good news is that the cancer was caught early, is very treatable, and does not affect Yauch's voice, and he is expected to make a full recovery.

Michael Jackson's Unreleased Songs Up for Grabs: Amid all the mysteries and unknowns surrounding Michael Jackson's untimely death, some are actually related to his music: such as what's going to happen to the estimated 150 unreleased Michael Jackson songs, says Business Week. The magazine says the material includes songs he recorded over the last decade, and a comeback album. Jackson's deal with Sony ended with the release of 2001's "Invincible" album, the article says, but it's not clear whether the Japanese firm may have rights to some of these unreleased tunes.

And speaking of Sony, it's come to light today that Sony is said to be bidding $50 million for the Michael Jackson rehearsal film for his "This Is It" tour.

Michael Jackson, King of Pop, Dies at Age 50

Michael Jackson certainly had some odd habits and an assortment of health concerns, but no one expected him to die, as he did today at the age of 50. Ironically, Jackson was preparing for a huge comeback effort that would try to restore his reputation (and his financial solvency). He was scheduled to play 50 sold-out dates at London's O2 Arena.

But the King of Pop died this afternoon in Los Angeles when he collapsed at his home and was taken to UCLA Medical Center. Paramedics found him in a coma when they were summoned to his mansion, and he died of a suspected heart attack. An autopsy may take place as early as tomorrow, and it is hoped that will clear up questions such as whether drugs (legal or otherwise) were a cause of Jackson's death.

The L.A. Times notes that celebrities offered their Michael Jackson thoughts and reactions on Twitter, and the paper's Web site offers an obituary, a timeline of his life, and Michael Jackson photos from throughout his life.

Music by Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 has been flying off the shelves at Amazon.com and other retailers. At one point, 17 of the top 25 bestsellers in music at Amazon were by one of those two artists. Among other things, the retails is selling the MP3 version of The Jackson 5's album "ABC" for $7.99.

Whatever one thinks of his personal life, Michael Jackson was one of the most talented and enduring artists of our day, and he has legions of fans throughout the world.