A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:
Happy 70th birthday to Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney. Thank you for still creating new music and reimagining old music. Wilson's "From There to Back Again" on the Beach Boys' new "That's Why God Made the Radio" is gorgeous and haunting, bringing back memories of "Pet Sounds" and "Smile."
Glenn Frey, "After Hours." Another great reimagining with a beautiful cover of Brian Wilson's "Caroline No" and excellent covers of "Route 66" and "The Look of Love," plus the great new original title tune.
"Fifty Sides of the Beach Boys" by Mark Dillon. This book offers interesting commentary on 50 tunes -- by Dillon and one other person per tune. Included are Cameron Crowe, Al Kooper, John Sebastian, Roger McGuinn, Zooey Deschanel and Lyle Lovett.
BOB HARRIS, OAKDALE
To contribute: popmusic@startribune.com
Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Varsity Theater. If the Black Crowes deal with Robinson's love of R&B, then this side project lets him explore his Grateful Dead fix. He was in good voice and the band was trippy but could have used more variety and some dynamic covers.
Julia Dale, "Star Spangled Banner," NBA Finals. She's only 11, but night after night in Miami, she performed the national anthem with poise, confidence and style. This is what "America's got talent" means.
