Lisa Dahlseid of Robbinsdale:
1 Green Day, "American Music Awards." A "Bang Bang" performance gave way to a chant of "No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA," a variation of the band MDC's lyrics from the early '80s. When it comes to revolution, some things never change.
2 Leonard Cohen, "You Want It Darker." No, we don't, but this masterwork from Cohen, released three weeks before his passing on Nov. 7, lends a blessed night light as winter closes in.
3 "Sanctus: A Journey Through Music History," Orchestra Hall. About 600 Robbinsdale students participated in this annual fall music festival. A beginning plainchant progressed to a soul-calling gospel conclusion. The voices of our future.
Contribute: popmusic@startribune.com.
Jon Bream of the Star Tribune:
1 Tedeschi Trucks Band, the Orpheum. One of the best concerts of the year was the perfect musical salve during election week. Susan Tedeschi's voice has grown more deeply Southern and her guitar work more assertive. Derek Trucks continues to be a guitar marvel in front of this deeply talented and versatile band.
2 Mary J. Blige and Maxwell, Memphis. In this co-headlining arena show, Blige performed for the fans, with an earthy passion and BFF patter, while Maxwell performed for himself, with an artful style and self-aggrandizing talk, save for his comment that he can't wait for four more years and Michelle Obama to run for the White House.
