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

Adele, Theatre de la Jeune Lune. Breathtaking vocals and old-soul passion from such a young newcomer from England. I downloaded her album the minute I got home and can't stop listening.

Danny Sigelman's studio. Browsing this charming musician/DJ's vinyl collection during Art-A-Whirl was a highlight, with Shirley Horn in the background.

Kooks live in Studio C, Cities 97 (97.1 FM). I didn't see them at the Fine Line, but based on their fresh Beatlesque vibe during the radio set, I won't miss them next time.

BONNIE DICKEL HOFFMAN, GOLDEN VALLEY

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Chrisette Michele, Trocaderos. The animated, sweaty-as-Whitney-Houston R&B newbie filled the room with her strong personality and versatile voice. There were echoes of Phoebe Snow, Corinne Bailey Rae, Erykah Badu and Mary J. Blige. This girl's got it!

Al Green, "Lay It Down." With my favorite soul man working with hip producer ?uestlove of the Roots, I expected a more adventurous and modern outing -- and better material. But there are enough sweet, soulful moments, fueled by falsetto joy, B3 organ moans and happy horns, to please a Green fan.

Jim DeRogatis at R. Kelly trial. The Chicago Sun-Times rock critic, who was mailed the sex tape that led to this high-profile trial, was forced to take the stand Wednesday after the defense subpoenaed him. However, the judge allowed his request to plead the Fifth Amendment and avoid testifying.

JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE