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

Hall and Oates, State Theatre. It was fun to see a band that has been on my wish list for a long time. They have rabid fans for a good reason. They bring you back. Highlights: "Las Vegas Turnaround" and "She's Gone." A special night.

Gwyneth Paltrow on "Glee." She killed it with the song-and-dance number on the infectious Cee Lo tune "Forget You." Looking forward to her singing in the movie "Country Strong" with Tim McGraw.

"Just Kids" by Patti Smith. Her book tells the beautiful story of Smith and her special relationship with provocative artist Robert Mapplethorpe during the late '60s and '70s and beyond. It brings you into a special time for art and how that can ultimately challenge and impact someone's life.

DEB SKOLOS, MINNEAPOLIS

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Ronnie Spector, Dakota. Unexpectedly, this turned out to be the best performance by a 1960s vocal act in recent memory. Great spirit, great songs, great musicianship. Vocally, Spector had the sweetness and innocence of the Ronettes, and ex-Billy Joel drummer Liberty DeVitto put the right boom in the Wall of Sound.

"The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop" by Dan Charnas. In exhaustive detail that often slows the narrative, Charnas follows the money in hip-hop (but not the art). The stories of record labels (Russell Simmons/Rick Rubin, Puffy, Master P, Jay-Z, et al.) are more compelling than the infighting at Vibe magazine. Can't wait to see a movie version.

Furthur, Northrop. Showing a sense of place, the Bob Weir/Phil Lesh band opened and closed with a Dylan tune. In between, guitarist/singer John Kadlecik did an eerily good job of channeling Jerry Garcia.

JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE