News …

Phil Spector’s ex-girlfriend testifies the record producer pistol-whipped her, but also said he was easy to forgive – Associated Press

Ginger Baker promises to pull a “full Monty” in court – The Times Online U.K.

Norwegian consumer ombudsman claims iTunes DRM violates his country’s laws – PC Retail

New book details how Layne Staley of Alice In Chains could save everyone’s life but his own – Las Vegas Review-Journal

Cassandra Wilson fields a quick Q&A – Baltimore Sun

Views …

Smashing Pumpkins in Toronto – “Opening the show with the hard-driving ‘Ava Adore,’ Corgan skulked around the stage, using his lanky body in a manner recalling the now decade-old video for the song.” – National Post / The Ampersand

AC/DC in Auburn Hills, Michigan – ” … the veteran quintet provided a familiar, thumping reminder of the power in loud, no-frills rock ‘n’ roll.” – Detroit Free Press

k.d. lang in Fort Worth – “Adjective-laden volumes could be written about lang’s peerless pipes, yet not get close to describing its in-person potency.” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Crosby & Nash in St. Louis – “Some of their lesser-known works had equal impact, notably ‘Lay Me Down,’ which showed off their still exquisite harmonies, and an impassioned new song by Nash that prayed for an end to killing in God’s name.” – St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Neil Diamond in Green Bay – “The voice was impeccable, ‘The Jazz Singer’ poses endless, the black suit subdued in its sparkle and ‘Sweet Caroline’ perhaps never sweeter.” – Appleton Post Crescent / Gannett Wisconsin Media / Green Bay Press Gazette

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

Stonewall Jackson is 76

Eugene Pitt (The Jive Five) is 71

P.J. Proby is 70

Guy Clark is 67

Glenn Frey (Eagles) is 60

Rory Block is 59

Arturo Sandoval is 59

Paul Brindley (The Sundays) is 45

Corey Glover (Living Colour) is 44