News & Views

News …

Atlantic Records reaches a milestone – the first major label to sell more music in digital form than on CDs – The New York Times (registration may be required)

MySpace music has a prez – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Does the Zune Phone cometh? – The Industry Standard

Early ’60s photos of The Rolling Stones set to go on display in galleries across England – Birmingham Mail U.K.

Views …

Usher in Dallas – “Whether stripping to his underwear, not-so-subtly simulating sex or simply throwing a knowing glance over his sunglasses, Usher kept the ladies enthralled from first note to last.” – The Dallas Morning News

Billy Bragg in Exeter, England – “His crew cut may be a little greyer, but otherwise his rudimentary guitar playing and foghorn vocal delivery have changed little in two decades.” – The Times Online U.K.

Nine Inch Nails in the Minneapolis – “Where most hard-rock bands would be resting on their laurels two decades in, these guys continue to put on challenging but rewarding, innovative shows.” – Minneapolis Star Tribune

Billy Joel in Adelaide – “He started sweating from the second verse of the opening song, and was bouncing and teetering on his stool as he played, stretching around to look at the band – complete with sweeping 80s saxophone breaks, further enhanced by the sometimes-blinding lighting.” – The Advertiser / AdelaideNow

AC/DC in Denver – “AC/DC definitely has the formula down, but it never feels rote. For fans, it was a treat to see these once-prolific tourers finally lapping the U.S. once again.” – Rocky Mountain News

Madonna in Atlanta – “The almost eerily taut singer proves yet again that she’s still an evolving, all-around force.” – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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

Tina Turner is 69

John McVie is 63
Linda Davis is 46
Bernard Allison is 43
Joe Nichols is 32
Natasha Bedingfield is 27
Lil Fizz is 23
Aubrey Collins is 21