A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:
The music on HBO's "True Detective." The Handsome Family set the tone perfectly with its theme song for the TV-noir series. Songs from Bob Dylan, Black Angels and the Melvins added to the atmosphere.
"Farewell Transmission: The Music of Jason Molina." A fantastic collection of recordings of songs by Molina, who died tragically young. My Morning Jacket handles the title track, and there are several locals, including Ben Lubeck, Gabriel Douglas, Fathom Lane and Enemy Planes.
Minnesota Zoo music. This is one of the strongest schedules in years. I'm most looking forward to the Hold Steady, Steve Earle, John Hiatt and Trombone Shorty.
Jason Nagel, K-TWIN DJ, Twin Cities
To contribute, e-mail popmusic@startribune.com.
Two Pauls, two stadiums. Paul McCartney announced his show at Target Field in Minneapolis for Aug. 2 and Paul Westerberg announced the Replacements' homecoming gig for Midway Stadium in St. Paul for Sept. 13. Despite the disparate venues and résumés, our Paul is just as much a major leaguer as Sir Paul.
José James, the Cedar. The Minneapolis-reared genre blender impressed on new and old material but stood out on his vocal scratching, especially "Al Green Remix." A major talent.
Bobby McFerrin, Orchestra Hall. Singing words (not merely sounds) from spirituals and rock hits, the vocalist extraordinaire delivered his most conventional show here, but it was still special. Loved his singing with three women from the audience, making up songs on the spot and answering questions from fans.
Jon Bream, Star Tribune
