News …

Malaysia moves to protect its citizens from Avril Lavigne, cancels upcoming concert, saying the artist is “too sexy.” – Associated Press

Japan warns of iPod nano fire risk after two players reportedly overheat and cause minor fires – AFP

Muxtape shuts down so it can “sort out a problem with the RIAA” – The Industry Standard

Gary Glitter out of prison, headed to London – Reuters

Method Man says the best hip-hop decade was the ’90s – The Press Association

Original Spinners member Pervis Jackson dies just days after being diagnosed with liver and brain cancer. He was 70. – The Detroit News

Views …

Nine Inch Nails in Dallas – “Someone call Boone Pickens. Instead of promoting wind as an alternative to fossil fuels, he might try harnessing the energy of Trent Reznor …” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Neil Diamond in Pittsburgh – ” … kicked the night off barreling through “Holly Holy,” “Beautiful Noise” and “Street Life” with such professional polish and showmanship you forgot that this guy started his career as a Tin-Pan Alley songwriter and is pushing 70 years old.” – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Chaka Khan in Providence – ” … still the miracle voice of pop” – The Providence Journal

The Gaslight Anthem in in NYC – “There were songs about wasted nights and the girls they’re wasted with, about dead-end jobs and their consequences. Characters were generally identified by first name, creating an intimacy that managed to feel universal.” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Linkin Park in Indiana – “… played all 16 of its singles from its three studio albums – 2000’s Hybrid Theory, 2003’s Meteora and 2007’s Minutes to Midnight.” – Noblesville Daily Times

Bon Iver in the Twin Cities – “Soulful, intimate and gracious from start to finish, Bon Iver entertained a sold-out crowd of 1,500 on Friday night at First Avenue.” – Leader-Telegram

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

Ginger Baker is 69

Johnny Nash is 68

Billy J. Kramer is 65

Eddy Raven is 64

Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) is 63

John Deacon (Queen) is 57

Gary Chapman is 51

Ivan Neville is 49

Lee Ann Womack is 42

Nate Dogg is 39

Clay Walker is 39

Fat Joe is 38

Karli Osborn (SheDaisy) is 24

Romeo is 19