KDWB's Jingle Ball, set for Dec. 15 at Xcel Energy Center, has its most appealing lineup in years: Rihanna, T.I., David Archuleta, Lady GaGa, Boys Like Girls and Shontelle. ... Akon's "Freedom," which arrives Dec. 2, features T-Pain, Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne. ... Maroon 5's remix CD, "Call and Response," due Dec. 9, has contributions from Paul Oakenfold, Pharrell Williams, Cut Copy, Of Montreal, David Banner and Mark Ronson. ... The Bad Plus' "For All I Care," out Feb. 3, includes covers of Nirvana's "Lithium," the Bee Gees' "How Deep Is Your Love," Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" and Heart's "Barracuda," plus vocals by Wendy Lewis. ... Lionel Richie's "Just Go," out on Feb. 17, features Ne-Yo, Akon and the-Dream. ... The Hold Steady's Franz Nicolay's solo debut, "Major General," is due Jan. 13. ... Keri Hilson's debut, "In a Perfect World," is delayed until 2009. ... Andre Rieu performs at Target Center May 23. ... Bruce Springsteen may release a CD early next year featuring the Barack Obama rally tune "Workin' on a Dream," according to backstreets.com. ... The Kinks are writing for a possible reunion CD and tour, Ray Davies told BBC News. The band hasn't worked together since 1996; guitarist Dave Davies is recovering from a stroke.
JON BREAM
