News …

New Kids On The Block expected to make official comeback announcement on Friday’s “Today” show – The Boston Globe

With 17 number-one hits in Russia, popster Valeriya is still trying to find success in the West – Independent.ie

Radiohead announces “Nude” remix competition – Telegraph U.K.

What makes for a memorable lyric? – The Times Online U.K.

All-female mariachi bands move in on what was once a man’s world – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Kylie Minogue targets the U.S.A. – Courier Mail

Views …

Bon Jovi in Denver – “Even without the stonewashed jeans and frayed denim jacket, Bon Jovi still rocks. Hard core.” – Daily Camera

Chris Rea in London – “At 57, Rea is a musician revitalised.” – The Times Online U.K.

Justice in Vegas – “Sunday night at the House Of Blues, Justice was served, and it came in the form of two French dudes armed with the kind of full-contact disco that leaves crowds breathless and bruised.” – Las Vegas Review-Journal

Def Leppard in Florida – “Like a fine stone-washed denim, Def gets better with age.” – Naples Daily News

Jill Scott in Birmingham – “She’s your best girlfriend – at least, you wish she could be – and she thoroughly entertained the crowd with a two-hour set of songs, stories and streetwise chatter.” – The Birmingham News

Lupe Fiasco in Toronto – “It’s easy to see why Lupe earns comparisons to Mos Def and Common … ” – National Post

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

Debbie Reynolds is 76

Jim Ed Brown is 74

Rudolph Isley (The Isley Brothers) is 69

Jimmy Cliff is 60

Gil Scott-Heron is 59

Billy Currie (Ultravox) is 58

Method Man is 37