News …

Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Dave Berg and Rachel Thibodeau among the winners at this year’s ASCAP Country Music Awards – Associated Press

Man arrested at London’s Heathrow Airport after mixing it up with Spice Girls’ Mel B Meanwhile, reporters ponder whether this news story would get more coverage if it was Posh instead of Melanie – South Wales Evening Post

Katy Perry to host MTV Europe Awards – People

Just in time for Christmas! Introducing the cardboard boombox! – SmartPlanet.com

Speaking of Xmas; what do you get for that special someone who has already mastered Rock Band? How about the Rock Band Stage Kit, complete with strobe and smoke device? – I4U.com

Reggae pioneer Alton Ellis passes at 70 – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Views …

Queen + Paul Rodgers in Nottingham – “A hit-packed marathon stretching to two and a half hours, this show could have been billed as ‘An Evening Without Freddie.’ Except that the singer was there in spirit and, more importantly, on video. – The Times Online U.K.

Death Cab For Cutie in St. Louis – “As Monday’s fantastic, well-paced set proved, the quartet has come a long way in the last decade.” – Riverfront Times

“Change Rocks” in State College, Pennsylvania – “The members of the Grateful Dead, singer-guitarist Bob Weir, bassist Phil Lesh and drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, who haven’t played together since 2004, performed a spiritual, satisfying and often vocal-less set.” – The Daily Collegian

Angelique Kidjo in Anchorage – “She moved as if friction didn’t apply to her, fusing dance styles in an exuberant, effortless display of physicality.” – Anchorage Daily News

Luis Miguel in Houston – “The Puerto Rican-born, Mexican-raised crooner was backed by a 12-piece band, and he often directed them with a flick of his hand.” – The Houston Chronicle

Fleet Foxes in Chicago – “Attached to pop melodies, and with a colossal backbeat borrowed from old Motown records, the songs were easy to sing along with but also to get lost inside.” – Chicago Sun-Times (registration may be required)

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

Melba Montgomery is 70

Cliff Richard is 68

Udo Kier is 64

Justin Hayward (The Moody Blues) is 62

Thomas Dolby is 50

Karyn White is 43

Doug Virden is 38

Natalie Maines (Dixie Chicks) is 34

Shaznay Lewis (All Saints) is 33

Usher is 30