Headlines!

Well folks, it's been awhile since I've been on the blog, so some of today's headlines may not have happened today. For example, did you know that John Frusciante quit Red Hot Chili Peppers? Man, I had no idea. I hope they don't replace him with Dave Navarro again. That "One Hot Minute" album they made was not good. And it followed "Blood Sugar Sex Magik," so it was even more of a disappointment.

Anyway, I digress. On to other important music news, followed by entries on today's mail, today in rock history and today's music birthdays.

• Paste's "Listen Up" blog addresses all the people that hate on every year-end list. It's a really well-written and funny post. Most of the lists (including mine) are based on personal opinion, so it's kinda hard to read a list that you absolutely agree with. I don't really like a single one that I've seen aside from my own.

• Spike Lee is directing a new video for Michael Jackson. I wonder how much unreleased material the guy had sitting around.

• Trent Reznor says he's going to make more NIN music and "something else" next year. I thought NIN did a farewell tour. Or was it a "we're not going to tour any more" tour? Who knows? Is anyone else sick of musicians "retiring" or "going on hiatus" only to show up again (Reznor, Jay-Z, Garth Brooks)? I sure am. Just make an album or don't.

• Mark your calendars, folks. The Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards will be on Jan. 24.

• Writer Andy Whitman explores his personal journey through music in the aughts.

• Glenn Kotche of Wilco told us his top 10 albums of 2009. Fellow Wilco-er Nels Cline's album takes one spot. Wilco's isn't on there, but one would assume he took himself out of the running.

• Vic Chestnutt died at 45.

• Gene Simmons is being sued by folks that say he assaulted them.

• Jimmy Fallon was joined by the Muppets to sing the 12 Days of Christmas, quite similar to the furry puppets' version with John Denver. My favorite part is Fozzie (also my favorite Muppet) forgetting all the lines.

• Stereogum lists their favorite late night TV performances.

• Apparently Radiohead is going to head back into the studio. This is after Thom Yorke crashed the climate summit with a press pass.

Today's Mail: Hamilton Loomis, "Live in England;" Mudvayne's new self-titled disc and a Christmas card from local group Fortnight (they're recording a new album).

Today in rock history: 45-rpm prices jumped from $1.68 to $1.98 in 1981. Founding member and drummer for the Beach Boys, Dennis Wilson, drowned in 1983.

Birthdays: Alex Chilton, guitarist, songwriter and namesake for The Replacements song, turns 59 today.