Welcome to HNGN's weekly top picks, where we cull 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.
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MUSIC
By Michael Lello
Gregg Allman Live: Back to Macon, GA (Rounder)
Legendary Allman Brothers Band vocalist and organist Gregg Allman went back to where the ABB got its start – Macon, Ga. – for a special show at the Grand Opera House, now available on CD and DVD. Backed by his 8-piece band, it's the first live release for Allman outside of the ABB, which called it a career after its annual run of shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York City last October.
Check out Allman's loose-limbed, horn-flavored take on his 1997 solo hit "I'm No Angel" from the Macon live release below:
Dr. Dre: Compton (Aftermath/Interscope)
During the making of "Straight Outta Compton," the new film about rap icons N.W.A., Dr. Dre says he found himself so inspired by the proceedings that he began recording a soundtrack to the film. As is the case in most high-profile hip-hop projects, the guest list is star-studded, with former N.W.A. mate Ice Cube as well as Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and Jill Scott all lending their talents. Released exclusively on Apple Music and iTunes.
Mac DeMarco: Another One (Captured Tracks)
The 25-year-old Canada-born critically lauded singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist returns with "Another One," an 8-song mini LP. DeMarco, who now makes his home in New York, has been hailed as a slacker rock hero thanks in part to his public image, but don't let that fool you. Songs like "Another Heart" (listen below) might have a breezy, laid-back vibe, but they take some serious songwriting chops to pull off.
Bon Jovi: Burning Bridges (Mercury)
Will 13 be the lucky number for Bon Jovi? Next week, Jon Bon Jovi and company will release "Burning Bridges," the New Jersey rockers' 13th studio album and the first since the departure of original guitarist Richie Sambora.
Check out the lyric video for the new track "We Don't Run," which if not for JBJ's voice might be mistaken for a modern radio rock song with its chorus of anthemic "whoa whoas" and over-the-top production.
MOVIES
By Cal Setar
The Gift (STX Entertainment)
After a miscarriage, Simon and Robyn move back to Simon's hometown in the hopes of reinvigorating their marriage. However, the reappearance of one of Simon's old "friends," Gordo, throws their world into flux and brings up even greater questions between Robyn and the husband she thought she knew.
Ricki and the Flash (Sony Pictures Entertainment)
Meryl Streep stars in this heartfelt film as an aging rocker, Ricki Rendazzo, forced to return home after her daughter is abandoned by the man she loves. Ricki has made many mistakes throughout her life as she sought both fame and fortune on the road, but through her daughter's loss, she is afforded a new shot at redemption and an opportunity to make things right with her family.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Director Guy Ritchie is back, this time with a fresh take on the massively popular '60s television series "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." At the height of the Cold War, Napoleon Solo, aka "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," is forced to put aside his deep-seated hostilities against the KGB and join forces with Russian agent Ilya Kuryakin in order to stop a mysterious international criminal organization bent on destabilizing the world's fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Straight Outta Compton (Universal Pictures)
Five young men took their brutal experiences growing up on the streets of Compton, Calif., and turned it into honest, gritty lyrics and hard, edgy beats that together transformed the landscape of popular music for decades to come. The film chronicles the rap group N.W.A.'s meteoric rise and unceremonious fall, paying homage to a group of inner city kids who revolutionized pop culture and challenged issues of race and authority.
TECH
By John Nassivera
OnePlus 2
Kevin Pollak gathered more than 60 of his fellow funny people for this documentary asking whether a person must be miserable to be funny.
His guests include everyone from "The Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon to two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks as well as stand-up comedians Amy Schumer, Jim Gaffigan and Bob Saget.
Amazon will have the film available for streaming on Aug. 16.
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
• Strike Back: Season 3
• The Knick: Season 1
• Shameless: Season 5
• Homeland: Season 4 (available Aug. 17)
• Aloha
• Cop Car (available Aug. 14)
• Amnesiac (available Aug. 14)
• Air (available Aug. 14)
• Tom at the Farm (available Aug. 14)
• People, Places, Things (available Aug. 14)
• Final Girl (available Aug. 14)
• Two Days, One Night
• Where Hope Grows
• Hunting Elephants
• Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films
• Stations of the Cross
• Alpha and Omega: Family Vacation
• The Salvation
• The Last Survivors
• The Dead Lands
• Do You Believe?
• Little Boy
• One Spy Too Many (1966)
• The Karate Killers (1967)
• The Runner
• Antboy: Revenge of the Red Fury
• Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem
• Wander Over Yonder: Vol. 3
• Power Rangers Super Megaforce: The Legendary Battle
Amazon
• Curb Your Enthusiasm: Seasons 1-8
• In the Line of Fire
• My Best Friend's Wedding
• A Most Violent Year
• Gett: Trial of Viviane Amsalen
• If I Stay
