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‘The State’ and Rashida Jones

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UNDERRATED

‘The State’: Bring up this ‘90s sketch series and chances are you’ll get blank looks, but reference the work its alumni have since created -- such as “Role Models,” “Reno 911!” and “Michael & Michael Have Issues” -- and it all becomes clear: This was MTV’s “Kids in the Hall.” It’s finally been released on DVD. Licensing may have changed the show’s music, but the inventive absurdity remains intact.

Rashida Jones: We first grew familiar with her work from “The Office” and the otherwise-middling “I Love You, Man,” but after watching her roll with Craig Ferguson’s lunacy on the “Late Late Show” this summer we’re convinced of her comedy chops. Between the developing “Parks and Recreation” and an appearance in the upcoming “Brief Interviews With Hideous Men,” we’re eager to see more.

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OVERRATED

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Another year, another round of hand wringing about who’s getting snubbed. Isn’t it better to ask why rock ‘n’ roll needed a museum in the first place? All due respect to its Cleveland home (not that the museum regards the city with any; all of its ceremonies are held in New York), but don’t most people start bands to rebel against these kinds of institutions?

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Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros: Upon first hearing this band fronted by glam-pop refugee Alex Ebert (formerly of Ima Robot) we loved its commune-ready exuberance. But after seeing them live, the aggressively faux-hemian look overwhelmed the music. It’s OK to dress like an acid flashback, but we’re much more engaged when it doesn’t just feel like a fashion statement.

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