News & Views for Wednesday, February 11

News …

Seems not all Sri Lankans are enamored with former hometown girl M.I.A. – The New York Times

Still not sure what a Live Nation / Ticketmaster merger means to you? The Chicago Tribune’s music critic lays it out for you – The Chicago Tribune

Shanghai fans conned by promoter promising Daft Punk – Shanghai Daily

Barry Manilow does the Q&A – Newsday

Views …

Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis and Norah Jones in NYC – “Some of the best teamwork came on trudging, hard-luck fare like “Busted” and “Losing Hand.” But Mr. Nelson also worked small wonders with “Unchain My Heart” and “Crying Time,” which had Ms. Jones singing harmony.” – The New York Times

Ne-Yo in Gainesville, Florida – “Members of the audience mouthed the lyrics to his songs as he smoothed his hand over his top hat and spun around, getting screams from the audience.” – The Independent Florida Alligator

VV Brown in London – “At more than 6ft and exceptionally pretty, Brown couldn’t help but be a commanding presence.” – The Times Online U.K.

Slipknot in New England – “In concert, there is a satisfying brutality to the sound of Slipknot’s bottom end that matches the metal band’s predilection for grotesque horror masks and shredded howls of nihilistic hopelessness.” – The Boston Globe

DeVotchKa in Tucson – ” … took the stage with full mariachi flair, dressed in formal black and silhouetted by an ethereal red mist.” – The Arizona Daily Wildcat

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

Gerry Goffin is 70
Sergio Mendes is 68
Otis Clay is 67
David Uosikkinen (The Hooters) is 53
Sheryl Crow is 47
D’Angelo is 35
Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park) is 32
Brandy is 30

Kelly Rowland is 28