A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:
The National, Roy Wilkins Auditorium. I had low expectations of how the band would sound at this ancient, cavelike venue, but I worried needlessly. It was spellbinding. I think this is the best band in America.
The Neighbourhood, "Sweater Weather." On repeat in my car. It might have something to do with our long winter, cold spring and cool summer.
Jimmy Fallon and the Roots with classroom instruments on YouTube. Most recently Robin Thicke joined them for "Blurred Lines." The uber-talented Roots, the trying-not-to-laugh Fallon and the amused singer took a pop hit and stripped it down to its bare elements — fun with a Fisher-Price xylophone!
HEATHER GRIGGS, Mahtomedi
To contribute: E-mail us at popmusic@startribune.com
Jake Bugg, Fine Line. In his too-short 55-minute set, the cute-as-One-Direction 19-year-old Brit star impressed with his love for early rock, rockabilly, British Invasion pop and Donovan-like folk — all written by him. He came on like a young John Fogerty, with an intense, passionate and often loud voice and nifty guitar work.
Amos Lee, "Tonight Show With Jay Leno." He offered "The Man Who Wants You" from his Oct. 8 album. It's a slice of swampy Southern soul, with horns, pedal steel guitar, female harmony and a hot guitar solo by Lee himself. It almost sounded like a song by the Band.
