News …

Evidently giving gamers the ability to mimic rock stars isn’t enough as “Guitar Hero World Tour” will give them the chance to actually create real music using faux instruments – CNN

Scarlett Johansson brings the sexy to this year’s Nobel Peace Prize Concert – Associated Press

Still no verdict in Britney driving-without-a-license case. Monday ended with the jury in deadlock. Where’s King Solomon when you need him? – Chicago Sun-Times / Associated Press

Will music from the cloud help save Lala.com? – The Washington Post / TechCrunch

Of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes gets his freak on – The Buffalo News

Getting up-to-speed on Gang Gang Dance – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Views …

Fleet Foxes in Seattle – “It seems the world is ready for a mellow, folk-influenced, laid-back band of singer-musicians whose words and music conjure Northwest wildlife and wilderness, from fragrant springtimes and warm summers to snowy winters when you have to bundle up.’ – The Seattle Times

Coldplay in Ottawa – ” … kicked off the North American leg of their world tour at Scotiabank Place last night, and it sure didn’t take long to turn into a joyous sing-along as the four band members were caught up in a swell of about 13,000 voices.” – Ottawa Citizen / Canada.com

Glen Campbell in London – “‘Gentle on my Mind’ and ‘By the Time I Get to Phoenix’ showcased his still sweet, utterly effortless vocals and a mighty ‘Galveston’ his great guitar playing.” – The Times Online U.K.

Lindsey Buckingham in Boston – “The 59-year-old singer-songwriter offered fresh interpretations of his well-known Fleetwood Mac material and reveled in a solo catalog that has encompassed everything from pure pop to off-the-wall experimentation.” – The Boston Globe

Celine Dion in Vancouver – ” … a seamless run-through of her career highlights and picks from Taking Chances in a blinding extravaganza of dance and a blizzard of video screens, which fold into various screens throughout the show.” – The Vancouver Sun / Canada.com

Randy Newman in Santa Barbara – “Truly a great American storyteller, his satirical and often hysterical approaches to world problems made for a comedic and lighthearted evening at the Lobero.” – Santa Barbara Independent

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

Manfred Mann is 68

Steve Cropper (Booker T. & the MG’s) is 67

Elvin Bishop is 66

Lee Loughnane (Chicago) is 62

Charlotte Caffey (Go-Go’s) is 55

Julian Cope is 51

Steve Lukather (Toto) is 51

Nick Oliveri (Mondo Generator) is 37

Charlie Lowell (Jars of Clay) is 35