A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:
DIIV, Turf Club. The Brooklyn indie shoegazers previewed their upcoming sophomore release, "Is the Is Are." On "Dopamine," frontman Zachary Cole Smith adds new depth to the band's signature reverb-soaked sound with introspective lyrics.
Beach House, "Thank Your Lucky Stars." Victoria Legrand's vocal swoons and Alex Scally's nostalgic guitar are as celestial as ever on the Baltimore dream pop duo's sixth studio album.
Condé Nast acquires Pitchfork. The indie taste-making website will join the media company that also owns Vogue, the New Yorker and Vanity Fair. With expanded resources, what will happen to the online magazine?
peter diamond, Mpls.
E-mail popmusic@startribune.com.
"Glensheen," the History Theatre. Save for the misguided 11 o'clock tune "Torch Song," this original musical about real-life murders in a Duluth mansion in June 1977 is a cheeky triumph. Props to Chan Poling for his varied music and Wendy Lehr for her varied roles.
John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett, the State Theatre. Another thoroughly entertaining evening of top-notch songs, freewheeling humor and priceless spontaneity.
The Lone Bellow, the Varsity. Imagine Neil Diamond fronting a twangy, front-porch, gospel-loving Mumford & Daughter and you can appreciate the organic soulfulness of this Brooklyn group.
Jon Bream, Star Tribune
