No Section

Pick Six: Praise for Red Hot Chili Peppers, 311, Dave Matthews, Pharrell Williams, Mike Phillips, Terry Walsh

Pick Six is a half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view.

January 28, 2017 at 6:13AM

Josh Shelton of Lakeville:

1 Red Hot Chili Peppers, Target Center. Still on point after 35 years, they kept an entire arena energized throughout the night. In addition to the lovable hits, they also brought along a handful of new gems from their latest album, "The Getaway."

2 311, "Transistor." A newly reissued two-LP pressing of the album's initial release 20 years ago, this 22-song journey takes listeners through a mind-bending galaxy worth of genres.

3 Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds tour. Matthews announced a summer acoustic tour featuring just him and his longtime guitarist Tim Reynolds. The Dave Matthews Band will be on its first summer touring hiatus after 25 years.

Contribute: popmusic@startribune.com.

Jon Bream of the Star Tribune:

1 "Hidden Figures" soundtrack. Pharrell Williams has created first-rate original material in various styles that's perfect for early '60s soul and gospel music.

2 Mike Phillips' "Star Spangled Banner," NFC Championship Game. The saxophonist, who has worked with Stevie Wonder, Prince and Nachito Herrera, offered a definitive instrumental version of the national anthem.

3 Terry Walsh as Van Morrison at "Last Waltz," the Cabooze. Once again, from the moment he opened his mouth, Walsh became Van the Man, belting with unbridled passion and soul.