Move over New Kids On The Block, the real boy band’s back! Jermaine Jackson has confirmed a Jackson 5 reunion in 2009, according to the Australian AP. Sister Janet plans to be their opener, while Mikey is iffy. Even so, it’s a sweet way to end one of the longest boy band droughts of my lifetime (I’m an 80s kid, what can I say).

But Mr. Luscious Lips (Ladies Love Cool J) ain’t helping Janet at all. After rescheduling dates due to a bout of vertigo, Janet is facing more tour trouble as her opener, LL Cool J, has dropped out of all future dates of the “Rock Witchu” gigs. No word yet on who’s taking his place (you don’t need him anyway, the Ladies Love Janet).

The J5 aren’t the only old-timers makin’ big news. AC/DC’s Black Ice debuted at No. 1 this week, selling a whopping 784,000 copies with the second biggest sales frame this year. Do I have to mention who was first?  Still, the living legends accomplished a tough feat, given that the album was released exclusively through Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, and AC/DC’s Web site only.

MTV has redeemed itself by a decent fraction. The music-turned-trashy reality network has launched a music video archive site where anyone can search, post, or embed their favorite music videos, interviews, and live performances. After doing a little searching of my own, I’m impressed over its quality (better than YouTube) and database. I’ve found a few of my own nuggets here, here, and here.

Led Zep reunion without Robert Plant? There has been a slew of unfavorable fan reactions to the band’s announcement of a tour without the founding singer of the band, who refused to be part of the plans. They continue to search for a new singer, but insist that they are not trying to replace Plant. He is, after all, irreplaceable.

Is hip hop (not radio rap) making a comeback? Eh, maybe. Q-Tip and the Cool Kids are going on tour, Common has a firm date set for Universal Mind Control, the Beastie Boys are getting “highly wordy and political,” and Wu-Tang is planning a reunion tour.

Last, but not least. We would like to send our deepest condolences to Oscar-winning actress and accomplished singer Jennifer Hudson, and hope that the ongoing investigation will lead to answers to the tragedy.

Tags: ac/dc, black ice, ll cool j, music news you can use