This just in:

http://www.nilslofgren.com/NotesDates07.html

Two new hips for Mr Lofgren - I blame the trampolines...

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/ar...

Reading the John Lennon cover story in the new issue I was reminded of something that's caused me to raise a metaphorical eyebrow over the years.

Back in 1965, John's estranged father Alf released a single called "That's My Life"; John allegedly hated it & tried to have it suppressed.

Here's the thing though: it sounds just like "Imagine", well the intro anyway.

What kind of psychological hell is this?

Isaac, now Jerry; sad week.

Here's the fantastic letter Wexler wrote to the New York Times a few years back...

To the Editor:

Kudos to Jody Rosen for his article on the current state of pop and R & B singing [''The State of American Singing as Heard on 'I-I-I-I-I-I-Idol,' '' May 18], especially his take on the gratuitous and confected melisma so much in vogue these days. His references to the truth- and soul-fueled note turns and bendings by Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin were especially perceptive.

Time and again I have found that flagrantly artificial attempts at melisma are either a substitute for real fire and passion or a cover-up for not knowing the melody. I have encountered this frequently in the studio and coined the term ''oversouling'' to bring the offending performer back to reality. Please, learn the song first, and then sing it from the heart.

JERRY WEXLER
Sarasota, Fla.

...but I want one. After all, how often do you get the chance to see Mickey Mouse channeling Paul Simonon?

http://www.forbiddenplanet.com/products/23890/Mickey_Mouse_Guitar_Mickey...