News …

Ticketmaster acquires ticket reseller Tickets Now – PRNewswire / press release

EMI cuts could save label 200 million pounds ($392 million U.S.) – The Times Online

Justin Timberlake to hawk Pepsi / Amazon MP3 promotion during Super Bowl – Associated Press

Britney makes “drive-by” court appearance. Still can’t see kids – The Washington Post / Associated Press

Will “American Idol” “produce a music legend in the making, or just another reality TV trophy-holder?” – ABC News

Yet another Glastonbury headline rumor, but this time it’s about Jay-Z – Melbourne Herald Sun

“Australian Idol” runner-up Shannon Noll is coming to America (again) – The Daily Telegraph

Views …

Wu-Tang Clan is “worth the wait” in Worcester – The Boston Globe

The Von Bondies’ “upbeat dynamics” – The Lantern

Blue Rodeo “still charms, soothes and moves with its jangly roots-rock” – Times Colonist

Johnny Mathis – “layers of sweet, sweet sound” – Naples Daily News

George Strait in Little Rock – “two hours of no-nonsense entertainment” – Arkansas Democrat Gazette

NYC Globalfest 2008 gives audience the world in five hours – The New York Times (registration may be required)

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

Captain Beefheart is 67

Martha Davis (Motels) is 57

Lisa Lisa is 41