News …

Independent concert promoter Jon Stoll dies after extended illness – Palm Beach Post

Music stars named in Albany steroids investigation – Albany Times Union

When Bjork attacks – AFP

No fooling! New R.E.M. album due out April 1st – Marketwire / press release

Christina Aguilera latest hit? A 6 pound, 2 ounces baby boy – Associated Press

Shelby Lynne’s country spirit – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Emerson Drive’s great way to start a year – Edmonton Sun

Views …

George Strait “knows how to wow an audience” – The Oklahoman

Lupe Fiasco lives up to his rep as the “savior of the troubled hip-hop genre” – Contra Costa Times (registration may be required)

“A real cosy gig” for James Blunt – Manchester Evening News

Michael Buble sounding “clear and sweet as a bell” in Vancouver – The Vancouver Sun

Barry Manilow keeps it fresh – The Chicago Tribune

The symphonic Bobby McFerrin – OC Register

They Say It’s Their Birthday … (Or so says Associated Press)

Clarence Carter is 72

Billie Joe Spears is 71

Allen Toussaint is 70

Jack Jones is 70

T-Bone Burnett is 60

Slick Rick is 43

Zakk Wylde is 41

Rapper LL Cool J is 40

Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) is 39