News …

Opening statements scheduled for today as second Phil Spector trial gets underway – Associated Press

MTV VMA award host Russell Brand facing a whole lotta trouble in Britain over radio insults. Heck, even the Prime Minister has chimed in – The Times Online U.K.

Are there bargains galore for music fans. That is, music fans who still purchase CDs? – Newsday / Backstage Pass

Talk about “hard rock” (as well as Mozart and bossa nova) as percussionists create music while trashing an automobile – Spiegel Online

Who will save Christmas? Simon Cowell steps up to the plate, offers to take on the “Top Of The Pops” Christmas special – The Sun U.K.

Longtime Bob Dylan chronicler Greil Marcus does the Q&A – MinnPost.com

Views …

AC/DC in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania – ” … returned to town Tuesday night before a sold-out audience of 8,500 people at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza and made it their business to rip the place apart.” – The Scranton Times

The Last Shadow Puppets in London – “Although their music is firmly rooted in the orchestral pop style of the late 1950s and 1960s, this was much more than a slavish revival.” – The Times Online U.K.

Al Green in Birmingham, England – “Rev Green can still hit the high notes with ease and could not resist showing off his dance moves with each number.” – The Birmingham Mail U.K.

Chris Cornell in Anaheim – “The hoarseness of just a few years ago is long gone, his high notes clear as just-struck chimes.” – The Orange County Register

Beastie Boys at “Get Out The Vote” concert in Richmond, Virginia – “Though members of the New York trio have all passed the 40-year-old mark, age hasn’t quashed their spirit.” – Richmond Times-Dispatch / innrich.com

Bono and B.B. King in Hollywood – “Invite Bono and the Edge to a night celebrating B.B. King and odds are pretty good there will be some “Rattle and Hum” in the air.” – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

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

Sonny Osborne (The Osborne Brothers) is 71

Lee Clayton is 66

Denny Laine is 64

Melba Moore is 63

Peter Green is 62

Steve Kellough (Wild Horses) is 51

Peter Timmins (Cowboy Junkies) is 43

Paris is 41

SA Martinez (311) is 39

Chris Baio (Vampire Weekend) is 24