Scott Browning of Minneapolis:
1 "The Replacements: Trouble Boys" by Bob Mehr. While I'll always treasure the two Jim Walsh 'Mats books and the "Color Me Obsessed" documentary, this new book is the definitive Replacements document. All the infamous stories and folklore that we've heard about are here, warts and all.
2 Cactus Blossoms, TPT Studios. I get more and more dazzled each time I see this duo live. Their singing is truly something, and the three other band members take a sweet and soulful approach to the music. I'm still playing the Blossoms' new album, "You're Dreaming," constantly.
3 Ringo Deathstarr, Turf Club. Why doesn't this Texas trio get more props? Their mix of pop/psychedelic/noisy/trippy/hypnotic music is very alluring — even more so live.
Jon Bream of the Star Tribune:
1 Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield, the Dakota. Two big talents, big personalities and big cut-ups made for a terrific tandem. I don't think I've ever laughed so much at a jazz concert — and come away musically satisfied at the same time. A sassy vocalist, Bridgewater scatted like the trumpets of Louis Armstrong and Mayfield (an expressive soloist) in this celebration of New Orleans music.
2 Bryan Bautista and Malik Heard, "It's a Man's Man's Man's World," "The Voice." This knockout duet was a battle between these two top-shelf soulful singers with different styles. There really was no loser.
3 RIP, Chip Hooper. He was a good-guy booking agent for Phish, Dave Matthews Band and other stars. He got his start in Minneapolis at Good Music Agency.
