News …

China remains true-to-form about free speech, says it will be stricter with performers after Bjork’s “Tibet! Tibet!” remarks – Associated Press

Will releasing the Beatles catalog online help pay for Paul McCartney’s divorce? – The Evening Standard

Britain’s NME faces the new millennium – The Times Online U.K.

For the music lover who wants … everything! – The Chicago Tribune

Linda Perry sues WMG over James Blunt royalties – BBC News

Antigone Rising’s Cassidy sounds off about sexism in the music biz – Patriot-Ledger

Views …

Pat Metheny in Fort Worth – “…the fans who braved the wintry weather were rewarded with a white-hot concert whose energy and virtuosity chased away the chill.” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Juanes in NYC – “…Juanes delivered many of his songs with the grandeur and ambition of a U2 or a Bruce Springsteen – that is, with a sweep meant to rouse thousands.” – New York Daily News

Neil Young in London – “He may not have the most extravagant technique in the world, but this man knows how to extract pain and longing from a piece of wood.” – The Evening Standard

Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette in Los Angeles – “…the trio put on a brilliant display of all the things its members do so well together, from Jarrett’s ever-probing, often whimsical piano to Peacock’s roving bass lines to DeJohnette’s layered percussive textures.” – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

The Kooks in Liverpool – “The four-piece band from Brighton did not disappoint.” – Liverpool Daily Post

t.A.T.u. in Santa Barbara – “The moment the duo emerged from backstage, the attendees surged forward as cries of ‘you’re hot’ emanated from both sexes.” – Daily Nexus

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

Peter Wolf is 62

Matthew Fisher (Procol Harum) is 62

Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers) is 56

Wanda Sykes is 44

Taylor Dayne is 43

Randy Guss (Toad the Wet Sprocket) is 41

Sebastien Izambard (Il Divo) is 35

Hugo Ferreira (Tantric) is 34