Gary Louris, Broadway Theatre, Wabasha, Minn. He played a great mix -- early Jayhawks, solo work and songs written for the Dixie Chicks and others -- with a relaxed, friend-in-your-living-room vibe. Backed by Jayhawks Marc Perlman and Tim O'Reagan and others, Louris was simply outstanding. Storyhill, "Shade of the Trees." Storyhill's alluring harmonies and spare acoustic guitars are brought to the fore by Dan Wilson's Rick Rubinesque production. This criminally under-the- radar album is one of the best of 2010.
"Teenage Kicks" on the Current (89.3 FM). From 8 to 10 a.m. every Saturday, you can relive when indie rock was emerging as an alternative to the mainstream. Weekly themes and group spotlights are part of the history lesson.
JERRY VOLCHECK, Rochester
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P.O.S. and Doomtree, "Low Light, Low Life," Soundset. During Dessa's set, the skillfully orchestrated Doomtree delivered this potent P.O.S. tune that couldn't be drowned out by Method Man and Redman's rumble from a nearby stage.
Lady Gaga's outfit on "Larry King Live." Always the performance artist, Gaga stylishly spoofed King with a white shirt (sleeves rolled up), black cravat, fancy suspenders, slicked-back hair and oversized (sun)glasses. Fab!
"The Last Living Slut: Born in Iran, Bred Backstage" by Roxana Shirazi. Sexually abused by her grandmother's tenant in Iran, she and her mom fled to London, where she was seduced by rock 'n' roll and became a groupie. With a master's degree in English, now-feminist Shirazi offers a frank, riveting and raunchy tale. She names names (Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe et al.) on pages that ooze with pleasure and guilt.
JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE
