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

Andrew Bird at St. Mark's Cathedral. These newly announced and incredibly intimate (and mostly instrumental) gigs in December are destined to be among the more memorable shows of the year.

The Hold Steady, St. Olaf College. The "best bar band in America" invaded a dry college campus, and the results were no less raucous than its usual bar shows. I just wonder what exactly was in those Diet Coke cans and Perrier bottles?

Mumford & Sons, "Sigh No More." This fledgling U.K. folk act played the 400 Bar in September 2008, opening for U.K. folk youngster Laura Marling. Comparing the maturity of its full-length debut with the live show, I found it sort of hard to believe it was the same band. Certainly a band to watch in 2010.

KYLE MATTESON, WWW.MORECOWBELL.NET

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Rodrigo y Gabriela, Pantages. This Mexican duo may play acoustic guitar instrumentals, but this was totally a rock concert. From Rodrigo telling the crowd to go bleeping crazy to the fast, furious riffing to his rock-hero poses, this dude is a rock star. Don't underestimate Gabriela's role as percussionist (beating on her guitar) and rhythm machine. Enrapturing, heady stuff.

Gaslight Anthem, Cabooze. The sounds of early Springsteen, the spirit of punk and soul and youthful enthusiasm fueled these exhilarating Jersey rockers, who thrilled with derivative but potent originals.

Corinne Bailey Rae to release second album Feb. 2. Four years after the release of her remarkable debut and two years after the death of her saxophonist husband, she returns with "The Sea," featuring a new group of musicians. What heartening news.

JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE