News …

China cancels music festival on short notice – The Guardian U.K.

Phil Collins casually announces his retirement – The Times Online U.K.

Attorneys for James Brown’s estate take aim at Morgan Stanley – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Elton John on his motivation – “”I was always trying to please my father, but he really never got what I wanted to be and disapproved of it completely.” – New York Daily News

Student-run Boston club draws raves from musicians – The Boston Globe

A few minutes with Mudcrutch – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Views …

Paul Simon (and friends) in Brooklyn – “In an evening with many guest stars and some excellent performances, the focus never strayed from his wry and searching narrative voice.” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Colin Meloy in Madison – ” … charmed a modest but enraptured crowd at the Barrymore Theater Wednesday night with his quirk, his humor and his unbelievable solo chops.” – Wisconsin State Journal

Northern State in New England – ” … delivered an engaging show fit for hip-hoppers, hipsters and indie rockers, and they treated fans like old friends.” – Boston Herald

EPMD in St. Louis – ” … people responded to the authentic old-school vibe.” – Riverfront Times

Joe Jackson in the Windy City – “As one of rock’s famously cantankerous characters and esoteric minds, Jackson, 57, appeared completely at ease, even cheery …” –Chicago Sun-Times

Tony Bennett in the Lone Star State – “…put on one of those shows that audience members will be talking about for years.” – The Dallas Morning News

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

Jerry Leiber is 75

Stu Cook (Creedence Clearwater Revisited) is 63

Bjorn Ulvaeus (ABBA) is 63

Michael Brown (The Left Banke) is 59

Rob Crosby is 54

Andy Bell (Erasure) is 44

Eric Avery (Jane’s Addiction) is 43

Jacob Underwood (O-Town) is 28