News …

Neil Young honors picket line, cancels tonight’s Los Angeles gig – Los Angeles Times / Pop & Hiss (registration may be required)

Tom Jones apologizes to his wife through song on new CD – The Times Online U.K.

Politics & music – In pictures, no less! – ABC News

Joaquin Phoenix says he’s quitting acting to take up music. Hey! Maybe Joe The Plumber can give him some Nashville contacts – People

Rob Kingsley describes his journey from ordinary man to “King” of Euro Elvis tribute acts – Edinburgh Evening News

It’s Q&A time for Portugal. The Man – Detroit Free Press

Views …

Coldplay in Boston – “Martin is the backbone of Coldplay, but the quartet gets its flesh and blood from drummer Will Champion, bassist Guy Berryman, and especially lead guitarist Jonny Buckland, whose solos on ‘Green Eyes’ and ’42’ added dimension and unlikely textures.” – The Boston Globe

The Roots in NYC – ” … demonstrated the kind of dynamics and speed shifts that can’t be duplicated with a volume knob or a tempo control.” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Carrie Underwood in Tulsa – ” … proved beyond any doubt that she has arrived.” – Tulsa World

Sara Bareilles in St. Louis – “She was a Chatty Kathy throughout, but endearingly so, and introduced songs with stories, joked about the Cabbage Patch dance and promoted Eve’s Rib, an organization promoting self awareness and positive body image.” – St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Jason Mraz in Utah – ” … he was a graceful master of ceremonies, a ’70s tune musicologist, a funk and soul revivalist and heartfelt storyteller” – Deseret News

Joy Kills Sorrow in Duluth – ” … gave a crowd of more than 150 a textbook lesson in what an American string band is all about.” – Duluth News Tribune (registration may be required)

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

Grace Slick is 69

Eddie Holland is 69

Otis Williams (The Temptations) is 67

Chris Slade (Asia) is 62

Timothy B. Schmit (Eagles) is 61

T. Graham Brown is 54

Gavin Rossdale (Bush) is 41

Kassidy Osborn (SHeDAISY) is 32