News …

Tone Loc plans shows for bars swindled by fake manager – Associated Press

Phil Spector’s legal defense team won’t be ready for trial until September at the earliest – Associated Press

Hanging with R.E.M. – The Times Online U.K.

Ray Davies on working a few kinks out – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Push Play make their own rules – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Miley Cyrus wins two Kids Choice Awards – BBC News

Views …

Split Enz in New Zealand – “This reunion was a celebration, and who says history never repeats?” – The New Zealand Herald

My Chemical Romance in Tucson – “Live, My Chemical Romance turns almost every one of its cartoonishly dark hard rock songs into lung-clearing anthems.” – Arizona Daily Star

X in Portland, OR – “Everyone in the band sounded great and had enough personality to create an action-figure version of themselves.” – The Oregonian

Natalie MacMaster in Duluth – “MacMaster is truly entrancing as she brings her Cape Breton music out into the world.” – Duluth News Tribune

Buddy Guy at The Falls – – “He tickled his tan Stratocaster with fiery fingertips.” – The Buffalo News

Billy Ray Cyrus in Worcester, MA – “‘Y’all wanna party?’” – Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Crystal Castles in Toronto – “Kath’s bobbing head kept things under control at the back, but it was Glass’s performance – man, she’s like Toronto’s electro messiah – that made you want to see them again.” – National Post

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

John D. Loudermilk is 74

Herb Alpert is 73

Angus Young of (AC/DC) is 53

Tony Yayo is 30