Pick Six is a half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view.
Cyn Collins, Minneapolis music writer:
1 Annie and the Bang Bang, "Loveland." Their riveting new rock album is rich with Annie Enneking's sultry, strong vocals soaring and diving into raw emotional depths, equally compelling with her at times wryly witty, at other times darkly mysterious Southern Gothic storytelling style lyrics.
2 "The Claw" soundtrack. Director Phil Harder cleverly choreographed themes and beats of crusher songs by punk rockers to the wrestling action and storytelling in this doc about Baron von Raschke. Featured are the Novas, Suicide Commandos, Breaking Circus, Rifle Sport, Babes in Toyland, Afghan Whigs and the Bad Man plus dramatic music by David Salmela and Low.
3 Products, "Pink Puma." I love this mind-blowingly fantastic album of an eclectic mix of wiry, exciting, high energy songs reminiscent of late '70s/early '80s post-punk yet with a fresh futuristic sound, brilliant, playful lyrics and cool sound effects — and surprising twists and transitions.
Jon Bream, Star Tribune critic:
1 Allison Russell, "Outside Child." With her gorgeously soulful and often sad voice, this singer-songwriter by way of Montreal and Nashville confronts the trauma of her abusive upbringing. Whether sung in French, with a light twang or as southern soul, the songs are deeply emotional and righteously liberating. Maybe the best album of 2021 so far.
2 Miranda Lambert, "They've Closed Down the Honky Tonks." Featured in the recent "The Marfa Tapes" film (not on the album), this acoustic ballad laments the lack of places to perform in the pandemic. "There ain't nothin' sadder than coverin' Haggard and nobody singin' along," she moans. "Damn that ain't right."
