Random Music News for July 22, 2014

What is the date of Alex Trebek’s 74th birthday?

1. Good news, Goths!  Something darker than black has been invented.
2. And someone has invented a hybrid analogue/digital synthesizer. About time.
3. Dusty Hill of ZZ Top needs kidney stone surgery.
4. Tim Alexander of Primus has undergone open heart surgery.
5. And The Who’s Kenney Jones had successful treatment for his prostate cancer.
6. Johnny Marr will have a new solo album called Playland in October.
7. Spotify has poached two Google executives.
8. How the Internet is killing the Warped Tour.\
9. A nice collection of music festival anthems through the years.  (Thanks to Stephen for the link.)
10. Planning your next winter vacation?  Here’s a list of rock-themed cruises.
11. Wait:  the song “99 Problems” is 21 years old? How can that be?
12. And what’s this? U2 is going to play the iTunes Music Festival in London in September?
13. Finally! A use for shitty old cassette tape.
14. If you’re a guitar nerd, you need to read this article on the “science of tone.“