A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:

The Epilogues, "The Fallout." They masterfully blend rock and electronica -- and undoubtedly make the synthesizer cool again.

Cheryl Cole, "The X Factor." The paps already love her across the the pond. The British singer-songwriter and Girls Aloud alumna was poised to become a household name stateside before being let go as a judge on Fox's upcoming show. Next move: a U.S. album, please!

Lady Gaga, The Monster Ball Tour on HBO. Soaring vocals, mastery of the piano and unparalleled songwriting are undeniable in "Yoü and I" and an a cappella "Born This Way") in Mother Monster's fashionable, dance-heavy performance. Paws up for equality!

BRENT HILL, MINNEAPOLIS

CONTRIBUTE: POPMUSIC@STARTRIBUNE.COM

Winstock, Winsted, Minn. This church-school fundraiser has turned into the little country festival that does. Well-organized, efficiently run, family-friendly, good main-stage music mix. Indelible image: Three generations of country fans singing along to "Elvira" by the Oak Ridge Boys, who were aided onstage by James Otto and the Vikings' Steve Hutchinson.

Bob Mould, Dakota. He read from his terrific autobiography, which set up solo electric songs. The evening captured the angst and essence of the book (and Mould) -- but not the humor, best exemplified in the hilarious chapter about Mould scripting pro-wrestling TV shows in 1999.

Neil Patrick Harris' closing rap, Tony Awards. His Eminem- inspired flow was not smooth, but the under-rehearsed attempt to summarize the entire show with a rap was inspired and fun.

JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE