News …

Paul McCartney and Amy Winehouse top the lineup at tonight’s Brit Awards – The Times Online U.K.

O2 Wireless Festival in Leeds scrapped – Yorkshire Evening Post

Madonna, Monroe, what’s the dif? At least the guy didn’t mistake either one for Lindsay Lohan – Associated Press

MySpace talking to labels about advertising-supported free music – Reuters

Beyonce to play Etta James in new movie – ITN

Huh? One half of Pink Floyd playing in a … a … pub? – BBC News

Views …

The Divine Ms. M in Vegas – “‘Oh my God, I’m exhausted,’ she said in a mock collapse. ‘See, that’s what happens when you do your own singing.'” – Associated Press

The Chieftains in Fort Worth – “But it was all shamrocks and Guinness last night as the venerable ensemble – this is its 46th year – delivered an evening of songs in the key of Irish.” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Corb Lund in Victoria – “What’s refreshing about Corb Lund is that he doesn’t give a hoot about being fashionable.” – Times Colonist

New York Dolls in Buffalo – “It was worth the trip, as Sylvain and fellow guitarist (former Buffalonian) Steve Conte powered through the material with verve and as Johansen shouted out lyrics with a smile and a wink that invited the audience to have fun.” – The Buffalo News

Chrisette Michele at UNC – “Personal strength and self-confidence were dominant themes for the Grammy-nominated artist during her hour-long concert Tuesday evening, which repeatedly had the audience on its feet and swaying with the beat.” – The Daily Tar Heel

Tokio Hotel in NYC – “… a German act that scrambles musical categories in a way that feels ideally suited to the current era. ” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

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

Jazz and soul singer Nancy Wilson is 71

Buffy Sainte-Marie is 67

J. Geils is 62

Walter Becker (Steely Dan) is 58

Kathie Baillie (Baillie & The Boys) is 57

Sebastian Steinberg (Soul Coughing) is 49

Ian Brown (Stone Roses) is 45

Brian Littrell (Backstreet Boys) is 33

Rihanna is 20