Though all other stories this month were rightfully set aside by the upsetting news of Michael Jackson’s death, there were still many highlights to better help remember June in a more positive light. Here are 10 of the best as chosen by Culture Bully.

Reviewing a compilation album can be a difficult thing. Who is to blame if some of the songs don’t hold their weight? The arranger? The artist? Luckily Black Rio 2, a new compilation of Brazilian samba from London’s DJ Cliffy doesn’t offer many opportunities for such schism.

Although the band was short lived, Brooklyn’s Ambulance LTD managed to release one of my all time songs in 2004…

Junkies, psycho killers, deadbeat parents; Minneapolis MC Ecid’s themes are anything but sunny and whimsical. The Minneapolis-based up and comer has a fascination with the seedier side of life, which he has documented in his recent concept album Red Beretta. Prior to leaving for a whirlwind West Coast tour Ecid discussed the new album with Culture Bully’s Jon Behm, describing the formulation of the album’s themes, the closing of Minneapolis’ Dinkytowner and the question of hip hop as a counterculture.

The group delighted their growing Twin Cities fan base this week by playing a very sold out 80 minute show to a highly appreciative audience at a sweltering Varsity Theater. The set, bookended by the two songs that are helping them reach this new audience, was a staggering success and was one of the best shows I have seen so far this year.

89.3 The Current and the Walker Art Center’s annual Rock the Garden music festival took place this past Saturday in front of a sold out crowd and a scorching sun (at least initially). And while at times the level of the music didn’t quite match up to the splendor of the day, no one could really come away disappointed from one of the best organized and curated outdoor concerts we’re likely to see all summer.

Photo coverage of Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars & SUNplug’d at Minneapolis’ Cedar Cultural Center (06/19/2009).

The Current hipped me to Swedish native Theresa Andersson the other day and I can’t seem to get one of her tunes out of my head…

Though I am generally of the opinion that instrumental music should be relegated to elevators and the Crate and Barrel PA system, occasionally I take a liking to something like Sleep Whale’s Little Brite EP…

Photo coverage of Propaghandi at Minneapolis’ Triple Rock Social Club (06/16/2009).

Levon Helm, the legendary drummer/singer from the Band, played a rousing and inspirational set that went well over two hours; a set which featured a rustic and rollicking take on the Americana genre which his band was so influential in popularizing.

Photo coverage of Bettye LaVette at Minneapolis’ Dakota Jazz Club (06/11/2009).