A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:
Pick six: Half a dozen cool things in music
March 14, 2008 at 10:44PM
The Kills, "U.R.A. Fever." Everything a great rock song should be -- raw, dirty, primal, sexual, with great lyrics. And it clocks in under three minutes. I totally relate to the line "we ain't born typical." It makes me and a special someone totally hot. My, my.
Tegan & Sara, "The Con." Yeah, I know it's been out awhile, but it's the best album of 2007 and of 2008 so far. The song "Nineteen" gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Layers of uniqueness and melody. Amazing, inspiring and moving.
Maps, "Liquid Sugar." A gorgeous, luscious soundtrack to a dream. It makes me close my eyes and sway and smile. Cool, quirky drums. This one fills me with longing and hope.
ROBERT WILKINSON,
FLAMIN' OH'S FRONTMAN, MPLS.
TO CONTRIBUTE: POPMUSIC@STARTRIBUNE.COM
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Speeches by Justin Timberlake (for Madonna) and Billy Joel (for John Mellencamp) unexpectedly made the night. The funny, feisty piano man spoke of a flag-football game and a Farm Aid encounter with the heartland hero. Timberlake was suitably suggestive and wickedly clever, talking about how Madonna gave him and music "a shot in the [butt] when we really needed it."
A Fine Frenzy, Varsity Theater. Despite a sameness to her songs, Alison Sudol showed star quality, a compelling voice, a genuineness and an almost-great hit, "Almost Lover" (seasoned by slide guitar).
Chad Kroeger, Playboy interview. The Nickelback frontman seldom gives interviews, but this one, after a couple of bottles of wine, is a doozy. He's a redneck bad boy whose life has gone from a petty teenage criminal to a wealthy star who revels in sex, drugs and bad reviews.
JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE
