6 cool issues in music embody Leonard Cohen documentary, ‘Yellowstone’ soundtrack and Pokey LaFarge

A half-dozen cool issues in music, from two factors of view:

Dan Whenesota of Inver Grove Heights:

1 The audition of the NFL Gamers Choir, “America’s Received Expertise.” Come for the preliminary efficiency of “Lean on Me.” Keep for the half the place Simon Cowell asks them, with out warning, to aim it a cappella. Its magnificence will transfer you in additional methods than one. Former Viking Bryant McKinnie is without doubt one of the singers.

2 “Story of Their Songs,” Reelz. The present is about well-liked songs versus a band’s journey from starting to finish. This summer time introduced new episodes on tunes by Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Poison, Van Halen and Alice Cooper, amongst others.

3 The music of “Yellowstone.” Andrea von Foerster is the award-winning musical supervisor of this Paramount present. Not solely does the soundtrack she chooses have as a lot coronary heart and depth because the motion on display, it typically introduces me to music I’ve by no means heard and wish to hear extra of — comparable to singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham, who additionally performs Walker on the present.

Jon Bream, Star Tribune critic:

1 “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Tune.” Half biopic and half documentary on a long-simmering tune “Hallelujah,” this movie has fascinating footage of the advanced Cohen speaking over time (however treasured little about his household life) and different individuals speaking about “Hallelujah” (John Cale, Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, Brandi Carlile and unusually Eric Church). Removed from a well-done movie, it’s nonetheless value expecting followers of Cohen and/or the “Shrek”-boosted tune.

2 “Depraved,” Orpheum Theatre. The Broadway warhorse is again with a splendid Elphaba in Lissa DeGuzman. She crushes it on the showstopper “Defying Gravity” and breaks your coronary heart on the ballad “I am Not That Woman.” She may make you neglect Idina what’s-her-name.

3 Pokey LaFarge, the Dakota. The delightfully quirky entertainer charmed together with his vintage-sounding originals, pliable voice, expressive guitar, real persona and simple humor. Highlights: Cole Porter’s “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” (together with his scatting trumpet) and galloping nation ditty “Mr. No person.”

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