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

Peder Gilham and Blake Atwell, "Already Know." From "The Art of the Game," a new documentary about video games, comes one of the more beautiful songs I've heard in a while.

Leopold and His Fiction, New York City. Lead singer Daniel James is Black Keys meets White Stripes meets '50s ultra-stylish insane asylum escape. Hope James makes his way to Minnesota soon.

Quietdrive, "Even When I'm Gone." Singer Kevin Truckenmiller was approached last year by the father of a fan — turns out the fan had died from cancer — and the father sought his daughter's favorite band to write and produce a song as a tribute. Amazing story, amazing song, amazing video.

Ryan lynch, Minneapolis

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Cassandra Wilson, the Dakota. Backed by five stellar musicians, the innovative jazz vocalist gave distinctive interpretations of songs by the four M's — Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison and the Monkees.

Nickel Creek, State. Reunited after a seven-year hiatus, the progressive bluegrass trio was in good spirits, good form and good humor. Highlight: Sara Watkins filling the pretty, sad "Where Is Love Now" with so much loneliness.

KARE-TV salutes the 30th anniversary of "Purple Rain." There was substance, depth and a little humor in this Channel 11 report as anchor Julie Nelson asked quality (and one clichéd) questions of two musicians and a few behind-the-scenes folks involved with Prince's landmark movie.

Jon Bream, Star Tribune