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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈

@rossraihala.bsky.social

2.6K followers 640 following 1.5K posts

Pop music critic at the St. Paul Pioneer Press. All shade very necessary. Former dancer at the Grind. World weary, cynical arbiter of taste. Gen X, baby.

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · Feb 18

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 1d

St. Paul native Tommy Brennan got his first significant airtime this weekend on Saturday Night Live.

And he was pretty funny!

"I look like a guy who was really good at football pre-integration"

St. Paul native Tommy Brennan makes his first big ‘SNL’ appearance

He joked about being a Minnesotan, a Catholic and suggested his milkman was actually his father.

www.twincities.com

Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 2d

The Edina Mann is a great little theater, too.

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 2d

I surprised Patric with a screening of the new Culture Club documentary. It was terrific! All four members were interviewed and they're quite candid.

Boy George & Culture Club - Twin Cities Film Fest

twincitiesfilmfest.org

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 3d

I closed out my work week tonight with a (fun!) Lainey Wilson concert. Here's my review:

Concert review: Country star Lainey Wilson impresses in arena debut

Clad in a series of colorful cowgirl outfits, Wilson commanded the stage and crowd in a manner reminiscent of Carrie Underwood or even ’90s-era Shania Twain.

www.twincities.com

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 3d

I'm at the (former) X for Lainey Wilson. When I got here, they were refusing entry to a young woman who was so drunk she could barely stand. Her boyfriend, also wasted, was trying to break it to her that they weren't getting into the concert.

Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 4d

Thanks!

Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 4d

Paul McCartney's voice isn't what it once was, but he was great tonight. Here's my review:

Concert review: Now 83, Paul McCartney maybe amazed U.S. Bank Stadium crowd

Between numbers, McCartney often chatted up the fans. At one point, he read off a pair of signs from the audience: “100 shows since 1976” and “Paul, sign my butt,” which earned a chuckle from the C…

www.twincities.com

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 4d

Waiting for Paul

Sign for Paul McCartney at US Bank Stadium

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 4d

I went to the first public performance of the new Prince "Purple Rain" musical last night. This isn't a proper review (those won't happen until official opening day on Nov. 5), but it's some observations from the evening. (gift link)

First look: Five observations from the new ‘Purple Rain’ musical

“Purple Rain” officially opens Nov. 5 and that’s when critics will weigh in on the show’s merits — but here are some observations from the first performance.

www.twincities.com

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 5d

Oh, I think it's easily the best of the solo albums

Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 5d

RIP Ace

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 8d

I like Taylor Swift, but 38 versions of the same album is !!!

The first-week sales of The Life of a Showgirl were powered by its availability across 38 versions of the album over its first week. There were 27 physical editions and 11 digital download editions. Of the physical editions, there were 16 CDs, two deluxe CD boxed sets containing branded clothing and a CD, eight vinyl LPs and one cassette.

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 10d

She really is delightful! I hate that she makes me so earnest!

Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 10d

"Wine-sipping NPR listeners have been long overdue for a new Norah Jones, right? Here’s the thing, though. Laufey built her audience through TikTok."

My review of the terrific Laufey concert tonight:

Concert review: Laufey delivers magical, jazzy pop at Target Center

The 26-year-old Icelandic-Chinese singer/songwriter built her following via TikTok.

www.twincities.com

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 10d

Laufey just told the crowd she went to the Mall of America today

"I was smiling ear to ear"

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 10d

Hey @twindependent.bsky.social, the kids are singing along with Silver Lining here at this Laufey concert

Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 10d

Laufey, Clockwork

Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 10d

I'm at the Laufey concert, which opened with an overture(!)

Reposted by Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈

Lisa Needham @snipy.bsky.social · 11d

Your regular reminder on National Coming Out Day that everyone comes out in their own way in their own time and policing that is antithetical to the entire concept. We’re all doing amazing, or at least the best we can.

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Ross Raihala (Alpha Male) 🌈 @rossraihala.bsky.social · 11d

I've seen the Jonas Brothers on every tour they've done (and some solo Nick shows as well). I've never seen them as low energy and glum as they were tonight in St. Paul. Here's my review of the show: