News …

Two key figures in Euro right-wing music scene arrested in Denmark, charged with “financing, commissioning the production of and distributing recordings that have been deemed illegal due to extremist content.” – Deutsche Welle / DW-world.de

Whoo Hoo! New Zeppelin tracks in the can – The Times Online U.K.

For those of you who like to mix music and politics, here’s a collection of video clips of various bands and artists appearing in Denver during the Democratic convention – The Denver Post

Uh? Blink-182’s Travis Barker a hip hop star? Whassup with that? – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Michael Jackson supposedly in studio recording Robert Burns poetry. Whatever … – The Guardian U.K.

He’s one Red Sox who likes to rock. From AC/DC to Harry Connick Jr., Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield talks about his love for music – Boston Herald / The Edge

Views …

Paramore in the Twin Cities – “” … shows the heart in their song.” – Pioneer Press

The Robert Cray Band and Keb’ Mo’ in Shelburne, Vermont – “The concert bill the two men shared, however, provided plenty of contrasts.” – Burlington Free Press

ZZ Top and Brooks & Dunn in Allentown, Pennsylvania – “made it work for 5,494 fans Tuesday night at the Allentown Fair Grandstand.” – The Morning Call

Bonnie Raitt in Salt Lake City – “Throughout the 90-minute, 17-song concert, Raitt’s voice was a powerhouse, clear and commanding, textured and expressive, well accompanied by her trademark wailing slide guitar.” – The Salt Lake Tribune

Robert Randolph & The Family Band in Denver – “Long known for the strange wailing behind whining cowboys or twirling hula dancers, the pedal steel takes on new meaning under the deft fingers of Randolph.” – The Denver Post

R.E.M. in Cardiff – “In between rowdy tracks from the latest R.E.M. album, Accelerate, the shiny-domed Kevin Spacey of alternative rock bantered playfully with the capacity crowd.” – The Times Online U.K.

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

Jimmy C. Newman is 81

J.D. Crowe is 71

Daryl Dragon (Captain & Tennille) is 66

Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge) is 64

Jeff Cook (Alabama) is 59

Alex Lifeson (Rush) is 55

Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) is 52

Yolanda Adams is 46

Matthew Basford (Yankee Grey) is 46

Mike Johnson (Dinosaur Jr.) is 43

Bobo (Cypress Hill) is 40

Tony Kanal (No Doubt) is 38

Mase is 31

Jon Siebels (Eve 6) is 29

Mario is 22