Happy Wednesday!

OK, so, I know it's been a while since I posted any sort of news-y post. I've kinda missed them – have you?

Scene Now is really a solo show, so sometimes it's hard to fit in blogging with everything else on my to-do list. Some days are more laid-back, with more time to write; others are like yesterday, where I didn't even have time for a lunch break.

Still, I miss the news-related posts, so I'm going to try to start those back up.

Here's my offer: When I can, I'll write a Need to Know post, where I'll include all kinds of news (with links to the full story, as always), and links to download free music. Deal? Deal.

Need to Know, the first:

• The big news of the day is that The White Stripes have broken up. I think I'm OK with this; after all, I'm a bigger fan of The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs. And there are LOTS of bands that rip off The White Stripes, in a good way. What do you think?

• Lots of nearby Wilco dates for their May tour, including dates in New Orleans and Alabama.

• The North Mississippi Allstars' new album should be an emotionally heavy one, since it's the band's first since the death of Cody and Luther Dickinson's legendary dad, Jim.

• Check out details on Britney Spears' new album (I kinda love the album title).

• The Avett Brothers will work with Rick Rubin again for a new record.

• Here's a cool story about how Muslims are portrayed in Hollywood.

Today's free music comes from a great site called Said the Gramophone. The site lists its favorite songs of 2010, and each and every song is a free download. Even better, the site's based out of Montreal, so many of the songs are from Montreal bands. There's a good mix of the biggies, like Cee Lo and Arcade Fire, and then lots of great unknowns. Click here to check it out.