News …

Kanye West says hip-hop is too easy – The Guardian U.K.

Speaking of Mr. West. Rap mogul Suge Knight has sued the singer, saying West was responsible for Knight’s getting shot at a party three years ago – ABC Action News

Cliff Richard reaches another milestone – the only artist to appear at London’s Wembley Arena five decades in a row – Mail On Sunday U.K.

Meet the folks who created the “Now That’s What I Call Music” compilation series – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Does Axl Rose hold the secret to long-lasting longevity? – The Guardian U.K.

Is Yes the only legendary rock band that fans need a scorecard to keep track of the members? – The Columbus Dispatch

Views …

David “Honeyboy” Edwards in NYC – “Even when Mr. Edwards strained to emit certain syllables, his singing remained rich and unself-conscious.” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Eagles in Tulsa – ” … didn’t need an opening act, flashy stage production or bombastic opening number to thrill an estimated 14,000 fans Tuesday night at the BOK Center – The Oklahoman / NewsOK.com

New Kids On The Block in St. Louis – “The Boston boy-band obliged its adoring fans – and then some – with a two-hour-plus set of old faves and new jams.” – Riverfront Times

Madonna in Denver – ” … was dynamic and effervescent on Tuesday, playing to the capacity crowd with every trick in her long and playful book.” The Denver Post

Brian Wilson in Nashville – ” … seemed invigorated by the crowd response, often shouting out spirited instructions to his audience and chuckling with a supportive backing band.” – Razorlight in Exeter, England – ” … Borrell played the part of the beat poet, romantic hero and all-round rock’n’roll icon to the hilt, and some of his lyrics were a definite cut above the competition.” – The Times Online U.K.

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

Ruby Nash Curtis (Ruby and the Romantics) is 69

Brian Hyland is 65

Jimmy Hayes (The Persuasions) is 65

Booker T. Jones (Booker T. & The MG’s) is 64

Neil Young is 63

Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser (Blue Oyster Cult) is 61

Barbara Fairchild is 58

David Ellefson is 44

Tevin Campbell is 32

Chris Huffman is 28

Omarion is 24