Welcome to HNGN's top picks, where we curate the best and brightest releases in music, fashion, beauty, tech and pop culture. Come back every other week for more of-the-moment goodness. – Editing by Michael Lello and Nicholas Parco.
MUSIC
By Michael Lello
Mumford & Sons: Wilder Mind (Glassnote)
Mumford & Sons have put aside the banjo for “Wilder Mind,” the British roots rock band’s third album, an adventurous move for a band known for prominently featuring the instrument. With the addition of drums, and production by James Ford (whose worked with Arctic Monkeys and Florence and the Machine) and Aaron Dessner of indie band The National, Mumford & Sons have gone all in, abandoning – at least for now – the distinctly Americana sound that brought them fame. The concept is admirable, and the results are impressive. Have a listen to “The Wolf” for a taste.
Zac Brown Band: Jekyll + Hyde (Republic)
Pop country has rightfully drawn a lot of criticism for its blandness, which makes an act like Zac Brown Band, a crossover act if there ever was one, a breath of fresh air. Armed with the single “Heavy Is The Head,” which features Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell and landed atop the Billboard rock charts, “Jekyll + Hyde,” the ZBB’s latest album, is not a mold-breaker, but when you consider it in the context of the group’s hit-maker country peers, you might as well call them mavericks.
Check out the band and Cornell playing “Heavy Is The Head” on “Saturday Night Live”:
Josh Groban: Stages
(Reprise)
Vocalist Josh Groban takes on Broadway classics with “Stages,” an album that finds him returning to his musical theater roots. Alongside guests Kelly Clarkson, Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and trumpeter Chris Botti, Groban offers his takes on tunes from productions including “Les Miserables” and “The Phantom Of The Opera.” An early favorite among fans is Groban and Clarkon’s version of “All I Ask Of You” from “Phantom,” which you can hear below.
Eric Clapton: Forever Man
(Reprise)
Coming off a 70th birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden featuring admirers John Mayer and Derek Trucks, “Slow Hand” is gearing up to release “Forever Man,” a 51-track solo career retrospective spread over three discs, including a CD dedicated to his blues music.
FASHION & BEAUTY
By Oulimata Ba
GLAMSQUAD
I realize the older I get the longer it takes for me to get ready for anything – work, parties and even the occasional date. Ironically, however, it seems all this goes hand-in-hand with actually having less time to get ready. But I've recently figured out that GLAMSQUAD is what I need to look fierce. It’s a beauty service that brings a team of hair and makeup experts straight to you, whether you’re at work, at home or at a hotel. For now it’s only available in New York, Los Angeles and Miami.
Just book an appointment via GLAMSQUAD’s iPhone app and select from a variety of signature makeup and hairstyles, from blowouts to beach waves, based on your desired look or occasion. GLAMSQUAD Director of Makeup Artistry Kelli Bartlett says the natural “Dreamer” look is a client favorite.
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin reunite in the new Netflix comedy series, 35 years after starring in the hit movie “Nine to Five.” The actresses play two women entering their twilight years, who have to contend with their husbands (Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston) leaving them for each other.
Grace (Fonda) is a regimented, no-nonsense woman while Frankie (Tomlin) is more of a free spirit. Together, the former rivals will have to rely on each other to navigate this brave new world.
Netflix will have the full first season available for streaming on May 8.
Fifty Shades of Grey
Women across the nation and around the world devoured E.L. James’ erotic trilogy series, and that popularity has transferred over to the big screen in the first of three movies.
Dakota Johnson stars as the innocent and naïve Anastasia Steele, who takes an assignment to interview the young business tycoon Christian Grey. Despite his intimidating presence and quiet reserve, Ana finds herself strangely attracted to this beautiful man.
Christian also feels the pull between him and the young woman but will only enter into a relationship if he has full control. That includes his sexual persuasions toward BDSM, a facet of Christian’s life that Ana will hesitate to take part in before giving herself over completely.
iTunes has the film available for purchase.
Black or White
Kevin Costner and Octavia Spencer star in this family drama that highlights the struggle of raising one child in opposing cultures. The film is based on true events.
Costner plays a widower who must take care of his granddaughter after the death of her mother and his wife. He becomes entangled in a custody battle with the paternal grandmother, which leads the two families to confront their racial differences and find a co-parenting arrangement that’s best for the young girl they both love.
iTunes has the film available for purchase.
Check out our complete list of movies available for streaming on Netflix this month and see below for more options on Amazon Prime and for purchase at iTunes.
iTunes
• Black or White
• The Snow Queen
• Two Men in Town
• Fifty Shades of Grey
• Ride
• Any Day
• Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman
• A MusiCares Tribute to Paul McCartney
• The Drownsman
• The Posthuman Project
• American Ghost Hunter
• Strange Blood
• Rasputin
• The Confession (1970)
• Xiaolin Chronicles: Vol. 1
• Kill la Kill, Volume 5
• Log Horizon 2
Amazon
• Big Trouble in Little China
• Ghoulies III: Ghoulies Got to College
• Grizzly Man
• Liberty Stands Still
• Men in Black II
• Payback
• Ravenous
• The Big Empty
• The People vs. George Lucas
• The Puffy Chair
• The Real Blonde
• What’s the Worst That Could Happen?
• The Professional
• The Words
• Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas (available May 8)
• Slugterra: Slug Fu Showdown (available May 9)
