Well, if you don't, you should.  :)

Someone from Paolo's camp just tweeted this:

Killing time in the studio with Big Dave ...

I'm a bit late in posting this, but as it's still May 8th where I live, happy birthday, Donny Little, aka Mr. Rockstar God!  My favorite Viper turned 40 today.  Can you believe it?  (It's just irrefutable proof that some men just get even more handsome as they get older).  

Anyway, if I had more time, I'd wax poetic about how awesome and inspired Donny's guitar playing is, but I don't, so, just look at this picture and grin along with me.  :)

So, okay, we're having to wait a bit for this next album.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed it'll be here by autumn, even though at this point, I'd be happy with this year. 

But I digress.

My point of this post is to remind you of the awesomeness of Paolo - if you need proof, check this out:


( read the article here )

Yay!  If you live in Europe, you're in for a treat this summer! 

For the rest of us, we'll just dream.  (Or figure out a way to get there!)

So our friends Greg and Michele ran into Paolo tonight at Carly Connor's gig at King Tut's in Glasgow.  I'm not sure if you all remember Mary Anna and I talking about Carly - she's with Atlantic like Paolo and is managed by the same people.  We had the opportunity to see her in Italy - she opened for all Paolo's shows there in July of 2010.  Anyway, I digress. 




( Carly's 'Into the Fire' )

Anyway, Greg and Michele were already there when Paolo came in.  They chatted, and Greg asked when the new CD would be out. He said that Paolo said probably August, although his manager said it would be more like September to avoid the Olympics.  The most hopeful news (well, what made me smile, anyway) was this at the end - Greg said, and I quote, "On the upside, Paolo said they were planning a small tour in the summer to try out the new songs!"  He also mentioned that the new CD doesn't have a name yet because he [Paolo] keeps changing his mind.

Thanks to Greg and Michele for the news, and here's what you've been waiting for, I'm sure...

Okay, fellow fangirls, repeat after me:  Paolo's a grown up, and entitled to do what he wants with his life.  If he wants to write the music for a stage adaptation of the John Lennon biofilm Nowhere Boy, he can.  Right?  Right.

Now here's what I really think:   I want a new album.  It's been nearly three years.  I need a new album and a tour like I need air to breathe.  Ugh. 

You can read articles about this here and here.

EDIT:  Sorry for the freakout, fellow fans.  I didn't mean to come across so whiny!  I'm sure I'll be thrilled with whatever way Mr. Nutini chooses to express himself creatively, and be happy for it. 

As much as I adore all the Vipers and think they're all amazing, I don't think I've ever been quiet about the fact that Mr. Donny Little is my favorite.  (This is Celeste speaking, by the way.  I'm not sure who Mary Anna would pick if push came to shove, although I suspect it'd be a toss up between Seamus and Gavin).  Anyway, this post hasn't even begun and here I am digressing...

It's no secret that when the band aren't actively recording/touring, they get up to other things to support themselves, so we thought we'd share with you all what some of the band has been up to.  Donny has been playing guitar for Murray James, an up-and-coming British singer.  There's an interesting article about him here.  While there's no mistaking him for Paolo Nutini - or even comparing him, in my opinion, he's still worth a listen, and as it goes in the music industry -and in life - it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes, either. 



It's odd for me to see Donny on stage with someone other than Paolo or the Endrick Brothers or an offshoot from that band, and I can't say I'm entirely comfortable with it either.  Of course, it doesn't matter what I think, but I really prefer Donny on Paolo's side and not anyone else's. 

Check out this video from Murray's 'Stripped Sessions,' from back in September of 2011.  I've absolutely NO idea why they felt it necessary to go with a stripper in the background when it seems highly likely that his fanbase is mostly women, but who knows why promoters/marketers make the decisions they do.  And yeah - if that sounds cynical, I guess it is, because in my opinion, there's enough eye candy on the stage already and it detracts from the music.  Anyway - here it is.  You decide.



Donny's still Donny - meaning, he's still wonderfully awesome and his talent is obvious.  I think any singer would be privileged to play with him; he's just the type of musician who makes anyone look good.  And truthfully, I'd go see Donny play no matter who he was playing for.  I just hope to see him playing alongside Paolo again soon...

Also... for those of you who love Donny, here are a couple of icons my friend Jessica made for me of him.  I love to watch his hands at the beginning of Jenny.  Okay, well, quite often, but especially during 'Jenny.'  Feel free to snag!  They're too good not to share!

  

Sixto Rodriquez made a rare appearance at Sundance after watching the documentary "Searching for Sugarman" about his remarkable life. After the showing, he performed "Last Request".