News …

Vivendi, owner of Universal Music Group, predicts income derived mobile and online distribution deals will make up for decline in CD sales – Bloomberg

John Bon Jovi among those nominated to New Jersey’s Hall Of Fame – Associated Press

New York’s Lincoln Center reaches the half-century mark – The New York Times (registration may be required)

From lowering blood pressure to reducing the number epileptic seizures, music is good for what ails you – The Sydney Morning Herald

Before the fame Van Morrison used to manage a pub. But these days he prefers a no-alcohol policy at his shows – The Telegraph U.K.

Britney’s new album, originally planned for a 2009 release, will hit stores in time for Christmas – New York Post

Views …

Metallica in London – “Any doubts about the Californian quartet’s status as the greatest heavy metal band in the world were quickly dispelled by a masterclass in the application of brute force and technical finesse.” – The Times Online U.K.

Lila Downs in New York City – “Onstage and on her own, Ms. Downs made border-hopping sound easy.” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

The Fratellis in Anaheim – “Having proven capable of whipping up jaunty readymades, the Fratellis now seem willing to stretch out and explore without sacrificing the instant appeal of three-minute tunes with killer hooks.” – The Orange County Register

Jackson Browne in Washington, DC – “The new material demonstrated that Browne, just a few weeks shy of 60, still has a terrific touch.” – The Washington Post

Neil Diamond in Edmonton – “The important thing to understand is that Neil Diamond has made a pact with the devil. How else to explain the unholy power he holds over people?” – Edmonton Sun

Journey in the Twin Cities – “Throw on a pretty strong opening set by a band that peaked around the same period, Cheap Trick, and this was a decent trip into the time machine.” – The Pioneer Press (registration may be required)

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

LaMonte McLemore (The 5th Dimension) is 69

Fee Waybill (The Tubes Feat. Fee Waybill) is 58

Rita Rudner is 55

BeBe Winans is 46

Doug E. Fresh is 42

Keith Flint (Prodigy) is 39

Vinnie (Naughty By Nature) is 38

Anastacia is 35

Marcus Sanders (Hi Five) is 35

Nona Gaye is 34

Constantine Maroulis is 33

Maile Misajon (Eden’s Crush) is 32

Stephen Cochran is 29

Chuck Comeau (Simple Plan) is 29

Desi Wasdin (3 of Hearts) is 25

Jon Walker (Panic at the Disco) is 23