News …

Worldwide music sales drop to lowest level since 1985. Ironically, it was the same year Dire Straits released “Money for Nothing.” – The Times Online U.K.

Sealed documents from R. Kelly trial opened, show prosecution’s star witness claimed singer’s employee threatened her – Associated Press

Critics of Canada’s proposed copyright bill include consumers and musicians – Exchange Morning Post / IT Canada

Hasbro A.M.P. robot walks around around while blasting music. Kind of like a teenager, but with less maintenance – PC Magazine

George Carlin to receive Mark Twain Prize for American Humor – Associated Press

Famed singer / dancer / actress Cyd Charisse dies at 86 – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Views …

Tom Waits in Phoenix – ” … he mugged and mimed his way through the songs, accentuating his tortured singing with the persona of a circus ringleader or a mad televangelist.” – The Arizona Republic

Leonard Cohen in Manchester, U.K. – “Dressed in the full Guys and Dolls outfit of grey fedora and outsized double-breasted suit, he looked frail, but performed for more than two hours with wit, humility and twinkle-eyed charm.” – The Times Online U.K.

Dave Matthews Band at Darien Lake – “Matthews was in good humor, hamming it up in between songs like some twisted hybrid of Richard Nixon and Tom Waits and generally seeming to be having the time of his life.” – The Buffalo News

Chicago and Doobie Brothers in Cincinnati – ” … each of their sets met expectations during their twin-headlining performance at Riverbend on Tuesday night.” – The Cincinnati Enquirer

Death Cab For Cutie in Dallas – ” … shows how it has grown” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Police in the United Kingdom – “But the years fell away as they played for the first of two 18,000 strong crowds in Manchester last night.” – Manchester Evening News U.K.

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

Paul McCartney is 66

Alison Moyet is 47

Tim Hunt (Yankee Grey) is 41

Nathan Morris (Boyz II Men) is 37

Silkk The Shocker is 33

Blake Shelton is 32