News …

Travis says being an unsigned band with a fan base “is liberating” – The Sun U.K.

More debt problems for Michael Jackson – Associated Press

Roots music in the Big Apple – “The sound is rural, the setting urban” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

On being Moby – The Guardian U.K.

Calling all Zombies! – The Times Online U.K.

When it comes to Sia and her music, “hearing is believing” – Chicago Sun-Times (registration may be required)

Views …

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band in Hartford – “Then the music started, the lights came up on ‘So Young and in Love’ and he was the Boss once more, swinging around his microphone stand like it was a lamp post on a warm summer night.” – The Hartford Courant

Billy Joel in Denver – “Joel’s relaxed presence endeared him and his six-piece band to the crowd immediately.” – The Denver Post

Josh Turner in Florida – “When the first sound you hear is the cry of a pedal steel guitar, it’s a fair bet you’re about to hear some real country music.” – The Tampa Tribune

Celine Dion in South Africa – “… had 25,000 fans eating out of her hands as she rocked the crowd with her phenomenal voice during her concert at the Eastern Province Rugby Union Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday night.” – Daily Dispatch Online

Wyclef Jean in Montreal – “He preached peace, decried racism, and kept the festivities going at all costs.” – The Montreal Gazette

Foo Fighters in Iowa – “The Foos pummeled eardrums with a blistering set of guitar-rock spanning the band’s 13-year career.” – Omaha World-Herald

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

Gretchen Christopher (The Fleetwoods) is 68

Ja Rule is 32