News …

EMI pursues pensions buyout – The Times Online U.K.

Vanilla Ice skates on domestic battery charge as authorities decline to prosecute – Associated Press

Forget the ol’ Q&A. Sir Paul McCartney does only the “A” – The Liverpool Echo

Is Jack Johnson the “most mellow man in music?” BBC thinks so – BBC

Bruce Springsteen’s moving eulogy to bandmate Danny Federici – BruceSpringsteen.net

Every day on Tom Morello’s “Justice Tour” includes daring deeds of social activism – Chicago Sun-Times (registration may be required)

Another chapter in the comeback of vinyl – Entereprise News

Views …

Duran Duran in Vancouver – “… a tight pop outfit that has more than enough snappy, clap-happy material to keep fans entertained for more than two hours. ” – The Vancouver Sun

Megadeth’s “Gigantour” in Montreal – ” … thrives on relentless rock-out heroics, neverending solos and a general anger directed toward the powers that be.” – Montreal Gazette

Dolly Parton in Fairfax, VA – “And though her personality is as responsible for her limitless appeal as her music, the songs shone brightest. Backed by a tight eight-piece band and three back-up singers, Dolly was in gloriously full voice.” – Washington Blade

Randy Newman in Lafayette, LA – ” … proved last night that he’s still a force to be reckoned with.” – The Independent Weekly

Pat Green in Chicago – “A show like his takes stamina, spirit and a love of the Texas fringe sound. And the capacity crowd at Green’s Saturday gig at Joe’s Bar had it all.” – The Chicago Tribune

Eddie Izzard in Boston – ” … took the stage at a sold-out Orpheum on Monday and announced in his charming accent, ‘I thought tonight I’d talk about everything.’ He proceeded to do just that.” – Boston Herald

Sheryl Crow in Clearwater, FL – “Backed by a tight eight-piece band well-versed in her preferred dive-bar boogie, Crow’s bewhiskeyed wail, a finely aged instrument, got stronger and stronger with each song …” – St. Petersburg Times

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

Willie Nelson is 75

Bobby Vee is 65

Merrill Osmond (The Osmonds) is 55

Turbo B (Snap) is 41

Clark Vogeler (Toadies) is 39

Chris Henderson (3 Doors Down) is 37

Carolyn Dawn Johnson is 37

J.R. Richards (Dishwalla) is 36

Akon is 35

Jeff Timmons (98 Degrees) is 35

Lloyd Banks is 26

Tyler Wilkinson (The Wilkinsons) is 24