Pick Six

Updated: February 27, 2010 - 4:14 PM

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

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Phantogram, 7th St. Entry. After exposure in Starbucks and on NPR, the DIY duo from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., finally made it to Minneapolis for a sold-out show. The crowd went crazy for "Mouthful of Diamonds," which is apparently ABC News reporter Dan Harris' favorite tune of 2009.

www.reviler.org. This music blog covers the best in Twin Cities music. Great reviews, great focus and, best of all, absolutely stunning photography of recent shows, including El Perro Del Mar, Bowerbirds and Retribution Gospel Choir.

"ODDSAC." Animal Collective's experimental, psychedelic film features some new material. Four years in the making and recently premiered at Sundance, it will be screened at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis on March 20.

JON SCHOBER, MUSIC DIRECTOR, RADIO K, TWIN CITIES

To contribute: popmusic@startribune.com

Rob Fusari Q&A on billboard.com. A songwriter of Destiny's Child's "Bootylicious" and Will Smith's "Wild Wild West" who discovered (and named) Lady Gaga, this producer/writer talks about their first meeting, her evolution and how they are now "professional acquaintances." With all the tales of rudeness from record-label execs, managers and Gaga herself, this strikingly candid interview provides an insightful look into the not-so-pretty business side of the music biz.

Rihanna's video for "Rude Boy." Of course, it's high-concept -- and mesmerizingly colorful, with a 1980s vibe and Pop art inspirations from Keith Haring and Andy Warhol.

Mad Ripple's "Her Tattoos Could Sail Ships" CD release party, Sauce. Ripple frontman Jim Walsh had the right spirit, some thoughtful songs and several younger female backup singers who made up for his mad vocals. Good times.

JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE