News & Views – Tuesday, February 17

News …

Is Morrissey thinking about retiring in 5 years? He must have a bulletproof 401k – The Guardian U.K.

Remembering the troubled life that was former Ronette Estelle Bennett – The New York Times

Want an iPod external speaker that uses no power and looks absolutely fabulous in a retro kind of way? It’s gonna cost you $600 – Cult Of Mac

Got any ideas on how to sell the next Portishead album? You do? The band would like to hear from you – Portishead MySpace page

Views …

Mötley Crüe in Rockford, Illinois – ” … made their explosive, sudden entry in extraordinary fashion to begin their set. A black screen hid the band but showed their silhouettes.” – The Northern Star

Meshugga in Chicago – ” … the influential quintet demonstrated why it’s among the most technically proficient and sonically innovative groups in any genre.” – The Chicago Tribune

Grupo Fantasma in Brownsville, Texas – “The rhythms, punctuated with primal percussion, riddled with its soul-throttling horn section, and the powerful vocals of its joyously incensed musicians, invades the languid spirits of anyone who captures even a fragment of the music, reminding them of their own dormant vitality. ” – The Monitor

The Script in London – “The band looked suitably stunned, seemed honestly humbled and delivered a melody-soaked set that never let its energy drop, even during an acoustic encore.” – The Times Online U.K.

Brian McKnight in Birmingham, Alabama – “For about 90 minutes, McKnight skillfully delivered hits, fan favorites and a few deep album cuts.” – The Birmingham News
 

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

Bobby Lewis is 76
Dame Edna (AKA Barry Humphries) is 75
Johnny Bush is 74
Larry the Cable Guy is 46
Chante Moore is 42
Timothy J. Mahoney (311) is 39
Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) is 37

Jerry O’Connell is 35
Bryan White is 35