A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:

Heart, Jackpot Junction Casino. The Rock Hall of Famers didn't disappoint. In their 60s, Ann and Nancy Wilson looked and sounded great.

One Direction, TCF Bank Stadium. I expected the stereotypical boy-band experience but instead witnessed four talented young men who sang beautifully and connected personably with their adoring audience.

Shania Twain, Target Center. After a 12-year hiatus, she gave fans every hit they asked for. Looking gorgeous in tight outfits, but nearly unrecognizable in blond hair and uncharacteristically heavy makeup, she is every bit as fit as the three fiddles in her band.

Jason Gabbert, Plymouth

E-mail popmusic@startribune.com.

Caroline Smith, Minnesota Zoo. Opening for Black Joe Lewis, the Twin Cities singer demonstrated that she has become a full-on soul sister, full of personality, spunk and a knowing voice.

Lianne La Havas, "Blood." On her second album, the British soul-pop thrush delivers on the promise of her Prince-loved debut.

"Dylan Goes Electric: by Elijah Wald. The author digs deep into the historic and confusing 1965 Newport Folk Festival, framing it as Bob Dylan vs. Pete Seeger, folk manager Albert Grossman vs. folklorist Alan Lomax. Wald provides context, perspective and details but no easy answer.

Jon Bream, Star Tribune