Martin Keller of Minneapolis:
1 "Bang! The Bert Berns Story." Cheekily narrated by Steve Van Zandt, this is an electrifying music doc about an obscure guy who wrote and produced a slew of big hits.
2 KBEM on Saturdays. Is there a better full day of weekend radio programming? This enriching mix includes "Bluegrass Saturday Morning" and the chatty, jazzy "Radio Deluxe."
3 Dan Auerbach, "Waiting on a Song." I hope this album shows up on a bunch of 2017 Best of's.
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Jon Bream of the Star Tribune:
1 Stokley, the Ordway. In his first hometown solo show, the Mint Condition frontman proved to be supremely talented and deeply musical.
2 Steve Brantseg, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," First Avenue. During Curtiss A's John Lennon tribute, Brantseg killed it on this George Harrison classic. Amazing guitar work.
3 Wee Willie Walker, "After a While." Our hometown soul man made this vintage-sounding Memphis soul album with Anthony Paule's Bay Area horn band. Timeless and terrific.