Pick six: A half-dozen cool things in music

Last update: August 15, 2009 - 9:58 PM

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

Bat for Lashes, Varsity Theater. The perfect venue for British artist Natasha Kahn, who played a mystical and captivating set featuring songs from her concept CD "Two Suns."

Fleet Foxes, First Avenue. Their gorgeous harmonies had the sellout crowd quiet and paying close attention during the entire 100-minute set. Lead singer Robin Pecknold showed his sense of humor in between songs, which added spontaneity to the final show of their summer tour.

Casper and the Cookies, Nomad World Pub. This pop trio from Athens, Ga., (including ex-Of Montreal member Jason Nesmith) played a terrific, high-spirited set featuring tunes from its latest, "Modern Recordings."

DEB SKOLOS, Minneapolis

To contribute: popmusic@startribune.com

"Anjulie." The Canadian thrush of Guyanese heritage serves alluringly frothy coffeehouse soul on her self-titled CD. Part Nelly Furtado, part Corinne Bailey Rae, part Santigold, all cosmopolitan cool.

Demi Lovato, Target Center. If talent were the only criteria, this 16-year-old should move to the head of the Disney class of young pop stars. She's a strong singer, good songwriter and a fresh, spontaneous performer. And this Demi Moore look-alike worked it -- with her long, sweaty hair and rock strut.

B.J. Rolfzen obituaries, Hibbing Daily Tribune. Dan Bergan wrote about the teacher being an inspiration to many generations of English students in Hibbing, while Aaron Brown waxed about Rolfzen's impact with words and poetry on a high schooler who would become Bob Dylan. Sometimes we don't appreciate our teachers until much later.

JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE

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