Scott Browning of Minneapolis:
1 "Jay's Longhorn." Mark Engebretson's documentary discusses the life and death of the downtown Minneapolis music club that was ground zero for the local 1970s new wave/punk scene. It's a heartfelt and soulful film with many layers of emotions and behind-the-scenes stories.
2 Mott the Hoople '74, First Avenue. Such a treat to spend an evening with the glam-rock pioneers, who hadn't been here since 1971. The show reminded us of Ian Hunter's great songs such as "All the Way From Memphis" and "Walking With a Mountain" and what an influence they had on the Clash and Sex Pistols.
3 Bob Mould, the Palace. The most moving moment came near the end when he sat on the drum riser and just soaked in the roar of the St. Paul crowd — enjoying a minute in the city where his musical career began 40 years ago.
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Jon Bream of the Star Tribune:
1 Lil Nas X, "Old Town Road." This chart-topping viral sensation has Nashville debating if this tune is country. Just because it's a hip-hop artist doesn't mean this song featuring banjo and a trap beat isn't country. To add cred, Billy Ray Cyrus came to the rescue for a remix version.
2 ESPN's report on Prince and basketball. Despite a dearth of historic visuals, ESPN managed to entertainingly explore Prince's love of hoops by interviewing a coach and teammate from Central High, Sheila E, Micki Free and others who played basketball with him. This Final Four piece was enhanced by an artist's sketches of Prince playing.
