News …

Boy George pleads not guilty to false imprisonment charge – Associated Press

Police look into Britney drugging allegations – Associated Press

Radiohead’s Thom Yorke launches campaign to convince governments to cut greenhouse gas emissions – The Times Online U.K.

On saving the record labels – Fortune

Big Head Todd & The Monsters “give away the milk” – New York Post

Steve Earle talks about … everything – Boston Herald

Views …

Blue Man Group in Syracuse – “the three men in blue were once again the focal point of walloping music, dazzling lights and more than a dash of humor. ” – Syracuse Post-Standard

Wilco in DC – “The Wilco sound of old was in residence, the kind of small, alt-folk music reminiscent of the band’s second album, Being There.” – Express from the Washington Post

Backstreet Boys in Malaysia – “Even the possibility of a huge storm couldn’t stop the 10,000 strong crowd from showing up …” – Malaysia Star

Missy Higgins in L.A. – ” … has that radiance performers exude just as their stars begin to ascend.” – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Jim White in NYC – “Onstage Mr. White is entirely his own combination of philosopher and raconteur, country boy and intellectual.” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Karen Akers in London – “Your average rapper would not think twice about urging an audience to ‘grind your behind,’ but it is odd to hear the words coming from the lips of Karen Akers, a singer renowned for her demure, Garbo-like poise.” – The Times Online U.K.

k.d. lang in Boston – “The singer was backed by a crack new band, and their inventive, low-register arrangements infused everything with a burnished glow” – The Boston Globe

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

Joe South is 66

Donnie Iris is 65

Bernadette Peters is 60

Randy Jackson (Zebra) is 53

Cindy Wilson (The B-52’s) is 51

Ian Stanley (formerly of Tears For Fears) is 51