dsmith2904
ONE love, blood, life
Pick Six
A half-dozen cool things in the world of music, from two points of view
Bono, 2005. Not only was he named Time's co-person of the year for all the big things he does to fight poverty, debt and disease, but he does little things like showing up at Boston Globe critic Steve Morse's retirement party at a bar, jumping on a table and toasting Morse for candid critiques that "kicked us in the arse."
Notesmyth, James J. Hill Mansion. The acoustically superb Music Room was perfect for an evening of Victorian Christmas carols by this joyful octet and fine harpist Catherine Victorsen.
"Saturday Night Live," Dec. 17. The music made the show: Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg's hip-hop spoof, "The Chronic of Narnia," Robert Smigel's animated ditty about Christmastime for Jews and the serious music of Neil Young doing a piano ballad and "He Was the King" about Elvis.
JON BREAM, Star Tribune
"20 Years of Figgy Pudding: Hamre-Keller Christmas Vol. XX." Twenty years ago, Minneapolis writer-publicist Martin Keller began making a mix-tape of holiday music for friends. With spouse Susan Hamre, the tradition has continued and this year's two-CD gem includes a 20-year retrospective and a generous sampling from this year's seasonal music.
The First Avenue stage crew. They never get the recognition they deserve, but an event such as the First Avenue 35th Anniversary Party makes one really appreciate the fine job these people do. Conrad Sverkerson & Co. kept the music from multiple bands flowing on schedule.
Brave Combo, Cedar Cultural Center. On a frigid December night, the happy wanderers from Denton, Texas, heated up the spacious dance floor with their unique blend of cumbias, cha-chas, and, of course, polka after polka.
TOM JOHNSON, MINNEAPOLIS
--Star Tribune
A half-dozen cool things in the world of music, from two points of view
Bono, 2005. Not only was he named Time's co-person of the year for all the big things he does to fight poverty, debt and disease, but he does little things like showing up at Boston Globe critic Steve Morse's retirement party at a bar, jumping on a table and toasting Morse for candid critiques that "kicked us in the arse."
Notesmyth, James J. Hill Mansion. The acoustically superb Music Room was perfect for an evening of Victorian Christmas carols by this joyful octet and fine harpist Catherine Victorsen.
"Saturday Night Live," Dec. 17. The music made the show: Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg's hip-hop spoof, "The Chronic of Narnia," Robert Smigel's animated ditty about Christmastime for Jews and the serious music of Neil Young doing a piano ballad and "He Was the King" about Elvis.
JON BREAM, Star Tribune
"20 Years of Figgy Pudding: Hamre-Keller Christmas Vol. XX." Twenty years ago, Minneapolis writer-publicist Martin Keller began making a mix-tape of holiday music for friends. With spouse Susan Hamre, the tradition has continued and this year's two-CD gem includes a 20-year retrospective and a generous sampling from this year's seasonal music.
The First Avenue stage crew. They never get the recognition they deserve, but an event such as the First Avenue 35th Anniversary Party makes one really appreciate the fine job these people do. Conrad Sverkerson & Co. kept the music from multiple bands flowing on schedule.
Brave Combo, Cedar Cultural Center. On a frigid December night, the happy wanderers from Denton, Texas, heated up the spacious dance floor with their unique blend of cumbias, cha-chas, and, of course, polka after polka.
TOM JOHNSON, MINNEAPOLIS
--Star Tribune
that's my paper! 
