A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:
Against Me! "Transgender Dysphoria Blues." The first album released since lead singer Laura Jane Grace came out as transgender in May 2012, it fearlessly addresses issues surrounding the struggles of being transgender while sticking to the band's punk metal roots.
Hunter Hayes, "Invisible." This new single hits home with powerful lyrics and an even more powerful voice. "Invisible," first performed on the Grammys, is an antibullying anthem that shows the younger generation that they're not "invisible."
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Super Bowl halftime. They've still got it. Sort of. They made a guest appearance during Bruno Mars' halftime show. Even though they were miming to a prerecorded track of their hit "Give it Away," the funk group proved that they don't need live music — or shirts — to put on a good show.
Zoe DiCicco, Minneapolis
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The Guardian touts Rhymesayers. One of the most widely read newspapers in England raved about the Twin Cities hip-hop label last week: "Rhymesayers in Minneapolis is arguably the finest independent rap imprint in the world. It has been consistently better – for consistently longer – than any of the competition." It ain't braggadocio if it's true.
Vintage Trouble, "Tonight Show With Jay Leno." That an exciting young band was one of Leno's last musical guests says something about these retro soul-rockers from Los Angeles. And the quartet delivered with an electrifyingly funky performance of "Strike Your Light" (due on a sophomore album this year). Ty Taylor is not only a soul shouter in the classic tradition, but he's a thrilling entertainer for any era.
