Rumor patrol: James Taylor Carolina-bound?

Rumor has it that expatriate Tarheel James Taylor will return to his onetime home state soon to play a series of shows across North Carolina, on behalf of Barack Obama's presidential campaign -- including a performance at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh. But there's no official word on either the tour in general or the Triangle in particular. Taylor's publicist did not respond to a request for comment; and Obama spokeswoman Susan Lagana said by e-mail, "I can't confirm or deny at this point."

If it happens, it will be the biggest local political-rally show since Arcade Fire back in May. And given North Carolina's status as a key swing state this year, it probably wouldn't be the only musical October surprise coming our way this month.