News …

Madonna and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – New York Daily News

Pegi Young’s turn to shine – The Times Online U.K.

Are you a “Guitar Hero” addict? – The Grand Rapids Press

Welsh singer Duffy reunited with twin – Daily Post U.K.

Brit scientists study link between Beatles and memories – Reuters U.K.

Q&A with Chris Thile – San Francisco Chronicle

Views …

R.E.M. at the Langerado Music Festival – “One of Stipe’s strengths as a front man is his sincerity, which at its best is imbued with a humor and some playfulness.” – Palm Beach Post

Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood in Denver – “It wasn’t just putting on a killer show for a reasonable price.” – Rocky Mountain News

David Gray in Grimsby, U.K. – “A packed hall applauded rapturously as he stepped on to the stage, accompanied by just his guitar and one light as he performed his first single, ‘Shine.'” – Grimsby Telegraph

Levon Helm Band in NYC – “On Friday night, starting a two-night stand at the Beacon Theater, the Levon Helm Band’s show was a romping rock-R&B-country-blues revue.” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

The Zombies in London – “Emotions ran high as the four surviving members of the Zombies were reunited at the weekend for an anniversary waltz with the past.”- The Times Online U.K.

Linton Kwesi Johnson in London – “As a performance, it was a very special, charged show from a master and creator of his form at the top of his game and thoroughly deserved the spontaneous standing ovation it received.” – The Evening Standard U.K.

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

Ralph Emery is 75

Dean Torrence is 68

Tom Scholz (Boston) is 61

Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam) is 45

Edie Brickell is 42

Daryle Singletary is 37

Timbaland is 36

Robin Thicke is 31

Carrie Underwood is 25