News …

Wu-Tang Clan unveils online chess network for hip hop fans – The Guardian U.K.

MTV fined for offensive language airing on some of its Euro channels – BBC

A few minutes with Sevendust’s Lajon Witherspoon – Great Falls Tribune

Internet radio service Pandora debuts desktop application – CNET / News.com / The Social

Vox amp signed by Paul McCartney to be auctioned on eBay for charity benefit – miPRO U.K.

Michael Feinstein’s collection of rare American song artifacts moving from Los Angeles to Carmel, Indiana – The Chicago Tribune / Associated Press

Views …

Eric Clapton in Connecticut – “By keeping stage patter to a bare minimum Monday night at Mohegan Sun, Clapton left plenty of room for his trademark black Fender Stratocaster to hold forth. It had a lot to say.” – Hartford Courant

Adele in the Twin Cities – ” … delivered a knockout performance of acoustic R&B-tinged pop, one of those tiny shows that will become legendary years from now when she’s a star.” – Minneapolis Star Tribune

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in Toronto – ” … the singer and guitarist meandered through his song book at an easy pace.” – The Toronto Star

James Taylor in Ohio – “At 60, however, Taylor isn’t set in his ways. He proved it Tuesday night at Blossom Music Center, where the script didn’t stick to guaranteed crowd-pleasers.” – The Plain Dealer

The Raconteurs in Boston – “The title track of their new and second album roared like a beast that broke its chain: snarling, swaggering and exploding like, well, like a highly combustible Zeppelin.” – Boston Herald / The Edge

Foo Fighters in Manchester, England – “This was a functional, populist, feel-good stadium rock show.” – The Times Online U.K.

Dethklok in Portland, Oregon – “Hit fast, keep it brutal, and don’t let up.” – The Oregonian

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

Michelle Phillips (The Mamas and The Papas) is 64

Gordon Waller (Peter & Gordon) is 63

El DeBarge is 47

Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band) is 34

JoJo Garza (Los Lonely Boys) is 28

Zac Farro (Paramore) is 18