A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:
The Morning Benders, "Excuses" (Yours Truly session), YouTube video. Performing a special version of "Excuses" with their friends in San Francisco, they created an environment full of sound and chilling vocal harmonies.
Arcade Fire's secret pre-Grammy show. This dynamic group plays at some of the largest music festivals in the world. For it to play in a small venue with a capacity of 500 demonstrates that Arcade Fire truly plays for the love of music.
White Stripes breakup. While this news wasn't surprising, as they've been on hiatus for around four years, it still means the end of a great band. Cheers to the Stripes for making such great music, and we're wishing for a reunion tour in the future!
SAMU Miller, Mankato
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Lady Gaga interview, Billboard. She tries to explain herself, her deal with Target, her new album, her "egg" entrance at the Grammys, her Gaga-ness. My favorite line: "I exist at all times halfway between reality and fantasy. That's the way I was born."
Lizz Wright, Dakota. It was like going to church without a minister, Bible or any rituals. It was merely a spiritual cleansing made possible by the Georgia vocalist with a contagiously radiant face (with eyes closed), gloriously soulful deep voice and churchy organist (who regularly plays with the folk group Ollabelle). Highlight: A hymn-like reading of "Presence of the Lord," the rock chestnut by Blind Faith.
