News & Views

News …

Apple fans the world over rejoice after an Obama representative puts to rest those nasty Zune rumors and confirms the president-elect is an iPod man – PC World

Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner wants you to know he’s “absolutely delighted” that the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame is in Cleveland, despite early remarks that may make one think he wished it was in New York City – Cleveland Plain Dealer

What’s that? You say you still don’t get Trans-Siberian Orchestra? Then check out this interview with the production’s co-founder, Paul O’Neill – Schenectady Gazette

Flobots make the Q&A look easy – St. Petersburg Times

Views …

Neil Young in Toronto – “Just the sight of him walking on stage in a paint-dripped blazer, t-shirt, jeans, and runners with those fuzzy, grey sideburns more evident than ever with his long hair slicked back, was enough to make you smile before he even played a note.” – Toronto Sun

Simply Red in London – “Gearing up for a mammoth farewell tour in the spring after 25 years and 50 million album sales, Mick Hucknall gave a relaxed and confident performance in London on Wednesday.” – The Times Online U.K.

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings in Madison, Wisconsin – “The Dap-Kings surrounded her in a semicircle, soloing and breaking it down on Jones’ command, beefing the tunes up with conga drums, alto and baritone sax.” – Decider Madison

Vampire Weekend in DC – ” … the perfect example of a band that is simply very pleasant.” The Washington Post / Post Rock

Carrie Underwood in Wisconsin – ” … the singer displayed an energy and stage presence of a seasoned veteran.” – Wisconsin State Journal

David Byrne in Wilmington, Delaware – “Byrne’s six-foot-plus frame glided along the stage with ease as he sang and strummed. With the drums pounding behind him, he looked like a proud peacock strutting his stuff, that white tuft of hair leading the way.” – The News Journal / Spark

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

Little Richard is 76

J.J. Cale is 70
Jim Messina is 61
Ty England is 45
John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls) is 43
Gary Allan is 41
Margaret Cho is 40
Regina Zernay (Cowboy Mouth) is 36