Neko Case schedules "Cyclone" for March (Reuters)
Reuters - Neko Case will follow 2006's "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood," the best-selling album of her career, with "Middle Cyclone."

Akon 'fan tossing' trial postponed (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - The trial of Akon, which was scheduled to begin yesterday (December 1) in Fishkill, NY, has been postponed until December 17.

U2 scrap Rick Rubin tracks on new album (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - U2 have shelved a host of tracks recorded with Rick Rubin on their forthcoming 12th studio album.

Christian rockers Red guided by "Instinct" (Reuters)
Reuters - In an interesting clash of inspiration that combines "The Divine Comedy" and a highway accident, Red's sophomore album, "Innocence & Instinct," echoes the emotional ups and downs the Grammy Award-nominated rock act has experienced over the last two years.

Civil rights beacon, folk singer Odetta, dead at 77 (Reuters)

Reuters - Odetta, the deep-voiced folk singer whose ballads and songs became for many a sound track to the American civil rights movement, has died aged 77, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

Keith Urban plans North American tour (Reuters)

Reuters - Keith Urban will tour North America next spring in support of his as-yet-untitled new album.

Fonda, Nicholson to join California Hall of Fame (AP)

AP - Hollywood stars Jane Fonda and Jack Nicholson are among the latest notable figures being inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

Paris Hilton completes Kylie Minogue-influenced second album (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - Paris Hilton has confirmed that she has completed her new album--despite not knowing which label will release it.

Brandy breaks 4-year recording hiatus (Reuters)

Reuters - You can't blame Brandy for being a little nervous stepping back into the recording studio. Four years have elapsed since the release of the R&B/pop singer's fourth album, "Afrodisiac." And it has been just two years since her headline-making car accident in which another driver died.

American folk music legend Odetta dies at 77 (AP)

AP - Odetta, the folk singer with the powerful voice who moved audiences and influenced fellow musicians for a half-century, has died. She was 77.