News & Views

News …

Owner of small ISP says RIAA will have to pay if it wants help from ISPs to stem music piracy – CNET

The most memorable pop music moments of 2008? – Los Angeles Times / Pop & Hiss (registration may be required)

New study indicates that out of 13 million tracks available online, 10 million remain unsold – Daily Mail U.K.

Owning your own jukebox is like having “a high-maintenance mistress” – The Times Online U.K.

Views …

Labelle in NYC – “Labelle sang, as groups did in the utopian years of 1970s funk, about both lusty desires and a social conscience.” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Lil’ Wayne in Dallas – “Literally exploding onto the stage through a trapdoor, Lil Wayne raced through a muscular, hyperactive 80-minute performance, touching on all phases of his career but leaning most heavily on the critically acclaimed Tha Carter III.” – The Dallas Morning News

Fall Out Boy in San Diego – “And once the show started, you could tell the Chicago area band felt comfortable playing in a small club, without the light show and huge video screens it usually brings on tour.” – San Diego Union Tribune / Street

AC/DC in St. Pete – “If you’re of the opinion that the best rock ‘n’ roll is something between a Three Stooges routine and a child’s temper tantrum, you probably were among the 17,181 who packed the Forum.” – The Tampa Tribune

The Pogues in London – “The more Shane MacGowan messed things up, the more the audience seemed to enjoy his antics – and his great songs” – The Times Online U.K.

Metallica in Oakland – “Metallica followed their recent release of “Death Magnetic,” the band’s least commercial and hardest rocking album in 20 years, with a furious and rewarding set Saturday night at Oracle Arena in Oakland.” – San Francisco Chronicle

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

Red Steagall is 70
Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) is 62

Robin Gibb is 59
Luther Campbell is 48 (2 Live Crew)
Chuck Mead (BR549) is 48
Lori McKenna is 40
Jordin Sparks is 19