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 each week for more of-the-moment goodness. -Editing by Michael Lello
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MUSIC
By Michael Lello
Diana Krall: Wallflower (Verve Music Group)
The smoky, sultry jazz songstress and pianist is back – and with a twist: this time the 5-time Grammy winner, with the assistance of legendary producer David Foster (16 Grammies for him, if you're counting), tackles tunes from other artists.
On her new album "Wallflower" (the title track is a relatively obscure Bob Dylan song), she takes on everyone from the Mamas and the Papas ("California Dreaming") and Crowded House ("Don't Dream It's Over") to Elton John ("Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word") and The Eagles ("Desperado"). There's also a brand new song by Paul McCartney called "If I Take You Home Tonight."
Check out this clip of Krall's version of the Crowded House track interspersed with an interview about the new album, out Feb. 3.
Ne-Yo: Non-Fiction (Motown)
R&B star Ne-Yo's "Non-Fiction" is his first album in nearly three years, and it features guest shots from T.I., Juicy J and Pitbull.
The album's title is no coincidence, as "every song on 'Non-Fiction' is derived from a true story," according to a press release; some are his "own personal tales," while others were submitted by fans via social media platforms.
Gov't Mule featuring John Scofield: Sco-Mule (Evil Teen Records)
Southern jam rockers Gov't Mule (led by Warren Haynes, known to many for his long run with the Allman Brothers Band) teamed with jazz guitar genius John Scofield for a pair of shows in Georgia 1999. Now there's an official release to document the collaboration. "Sco-Mule" features original Mule (and one-time Allmans) bass player Allen Woody, who passed away in 2000.
You can stream the entire album below.
2Cellos: Celloverse (Portrait)
Two guys playing pop and rock songs on cellos? Just crazy enough to work for Croatians Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, whose 2001 cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" attracted more than 20 million YouTube views.
On their third album "Celloverse," I'm partial to their re-imagining of Iron Maiden's "The Trooper" and AC/DC's "Thunderstruck." See for yourself below in the "Thunderstruck" video (AC/DC fans should start to recognize the song around the 1:12 mark.)
DVD & BLU-RAY
Fury,FBy Emily Morgan
DVD/Blu-ray Releases
Fury (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
Plantronics's BackBeat Fit headphones are available now for anyone looking for a better listening experience while working out. The Bluetooth-connected gadget, which debuted at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, comes with powerful speakers and a Neoprene armband that can make sure your smartphone stays safe will also storing headphones. The headphones are made out of a material that lights up when light hits it, and its battery lasts 10 hours on a single charge. You can get the blue or green version of the BackBeat Fit at Amazon now for $109.
Garmin Forerunner 220
Garmin's Forerunner 220 is designed to help athletes meet their goals with its GPS tracking system, monitoring factors like distance and pace. The timer on the device pauses and resumes based on how fast the user is going, and users will receive an update when they achieve personal goals. The tracker, which works with Garmin Connect, will also let users share their achievements with their friends on different forms of social media. You can get the black and red or white and violet version of the Garmin Forerunner 220 on Amazon for $224, but act fast, as only eight units are currently available on the site.
Sony Smartwatch 3 (Stainless Steel Version)
Sony is set to sell a new stainless steel version of its Smartwatch 3. The device comes with the same features as the original black plastic version, such as the 320 x 320 Pixel Transflective Display, waterproof design and compatibility with Android Wear. Other features include an accelerometer, built-in microphone, GPS and gyroscope. Sony plans on releasing the stainless steel Smartwatch 3 sometime in February, so smartwatch fans won't have to wait long for the gadget.
