News …

Big Media lobbies legislators with free Kanye West concert in Denver – ABC News

Radiohead streams final U.S. tour performance – Macworld U.K.

What’s “more diffuse, raucous, and energetic than ever?” It’s the latest folk music revival – Christian Science Monitor

Don’t look now, but bagpipes are back. Oh, go ahead and look. But don’t say we didn’t warn you – The Times Online U.K.

Saying such music negatively influences youth, Malaysia’s northern state of Kedah bans rock, reggae, pop and Indonesian ‘dangdut’ music concerts” – NDTV / Indo-Asian News Service

Catching up with Marc Almond – Blackpool Citizen U.K.

Views …

Sheryl Crow in Nampa, Idaho – “She made her seamless blend of pop, rock, country and blues look easy Wednesday night at the Idaho Center Amphitheater, and even tossed in a few lines of rap, while playing acoustic, electric and bass guitars” – Idaho Statesman

The Avett Brothers in Seattle – “And, oh! Susanna, what a ride the Avetts gave the ZooTunes crowd.” – Seattle Post-Intelligencer

American Idols Live in Oklahoma City – “Everyone on the Ford Center stage had degrees of strong talent, but as the three-hour concert pressed forward and the Jumbotron counted down to the winner, it was clear why some went home earlier than others.” – The Oklahoman / NewsOK.com

Rodney Atkins in Canton, Ohio – “Atkins has a lot of fun story-songs up his sleeve. And he kept the fair crowd of about 3,000 people well-entertained for about 90 minutes.” – Canton Repository (registration may be required)

Toby Keith in Syracuse – “The big cowboy from Oklahoma can flash a pretty intense sensitive side. The right mood, super stage set and voice-at-its-best added up to one special concert.” – The Post-Standard

Styx in Rockford, Illinois – ” … puts on ‘Grand’ show” – Rockford Register Star

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

Dan Truman (Diamond Rio) is 52

Michael Jackson is 50

Meshell Ndegeocello is 39

Carl Martin (Shai) is 38

Kyle Cook (matchbox twenty) is 33

David Desrosiers (Simple Plan) is 28