News & Views

News …

UK radio station listeners pick Robert Plant for rock’s best voice – Glasgow Daily Record U.K.

Is 2009 the year for a Goth / Folk revolution? – The Times Online U.K.

Or will 2009 mark the return of the album? – New York Post

Internet radio without a computer? Sanyo has it – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Get ready for the auction of the year (so far) as Big Bopper’s casket is prepped for eBay glory – Beaumont Enterprise

Views …

The Flaming Lips in Oklahoma City – ” … as about 11,000 fans seemed to agree, having the Flaming Lips ring in 2009 was the ultimate good luck charm.” – The Oklahoman / NewsOK.com

Chris Brown in Nottingham – “He’s still only in his teens, but R&B’s latest and hottest superstar has come a long way since making his UK chart debut, almost exactly three years ago.” – Evening Post U.K. / ThisIsNottingham.co.uk

Billy Joel in Hollywood, Florida – “This was the Joel of ‘Angry Young Man,’ ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ and ‘Movin’ Out.’ It was not the Joel of ‘She’s Got a Way’ and ‘Captain Jack.'” – South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Paquito D’Rivera in NYC – “He is a complicated performer: a virtuoso, a scholar and a gold-plated ham in equal parts.” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Lil’ Wayne in Cleveland – ” … is one of the sharpest rappers of his generation, specializing in off-kilter (and sometimes off-color) wordplay delivered in an unusual yet instantly recognizable voice. No wonder his nickname is ‘Weezy.'” – The Plain Dealer

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

George “Funky” Brown (Kool & The Gang) is 60
Chris Stein (Blondie) is 59
Iris Dement is 48
Kate Schellenbach (Luscious Jackson) is 43

Marilyn Manson is 40