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

Soundset 2009, Canterbury Park. Cool concept (even if it was in a parking lot). Plenty of terrific local hip-hop (Brother Ali, Atmosphere, P.O.S.). Nice diversions with the low-rider cars, live graffiti painting and break-dancing tent. Perfect weather. Sweet after-party. Great event.

Sarah McLachlan, "Tonight Show With Jay Leno." As part of Leno's swan-song week, she sang "I Will Remember You" with the right blend of wistfulness and urgency.

Elvis Costello, "Secret, Profane and Sugarcane." A student of many styles of music, he crafts some wonderful classic-country plaints on this collection produced by T Bone Burnett. Costello has become a more effective singer since his last country effort, 1981's "Almost Blue." Out Tuesday.

JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE

"American Idol" 2009. After working in TV for more than 15 years, I'm skeptical about reality shows, and I've never been an "Idol" fan. However, this year proved different; the contestants actually were talented. Even though he didn't win, I believe that Adam Lambert will go far.

Bruce Springsteen, Xcel Energy Center. My first Boss show was one of the best concerts I've been to in ages. The band showed that it can still kick it after all these years, and when Jay Weinberg was on the drums, it was even better .

Will Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney finally do a project together? Rolling Stone's recent interview with Dylan has him claiming he would love to do something with the Beatle. Reportedly, www. independent.co.uk then contacted McCartney's people, who said they were delighted to hear that. Here's hoping their paths will cross soon.

SANDI THOMPSON, INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

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