Pick six: Half a dozen cool things in music

Last update: February 8, 2008 - 5:07 PM

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

Minneapoliscast.com. There is a new song from a Twin Cities artist every day in February, counting down from No. 29 to No. 1. If "Follow" by Gawker Slowdown is only No. 26, I cannot wait for the rest of the list.

"A Day in the Life of First Avenue," Star Tribune. Nice to read some of the happenings the many hours before and after one of the many great shows there. More than three years since it closed for three weeks, First Ave seems to be going strong.

"U2 3D," Minnesota Zoo. Even casual U2 fans should love this Imax experience. The huge 3D screen puts you right in the crowd. As close as you can get to actually being at the show without going -- and they even sell Summit beer!

SCOTT MOE, BURNSVILLE

TO CONTRIBUTE: POPMUSIC@STARTRIBUNE.COM

Judging Paula Abdul's single, Entertainment Weekly. A three-judge panel -- a vocal coach, a psychologist and an English professor -- dissect Abdul's new single -- "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," her first release in 12 years -- with more depth and insight than it deserves. No need to ask Simon Cowell (or Randy Jackson, who produced it).

Matchbox Twenty live USB wristband. At its Xcel Center concert and website, MB20 sold "wristbands" containing a flash drive that enables you to play back the concert on your computer or MP3 player. It's a cool keepsake with good but not great sound. However, $35 seems a little dear.

Mika, First Avenue. When you mix helium, cotton candy, confetti, a cartoon sensibility and a relentless disco beat, you get a giddy high. Mika may be a big pop star in his native England, but he's perfect high-end, bar-mitzvah party entertainment for the States. What frivolous fun!

JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE