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.
“I like to call it a ‘barely there’ makeup look,” Bartlett told HNGN. “The eyes are amplified. It’s just something that makes you look wide awake and beautiful.”
GLAMSQUAD will have you ready for job interviews, dinner parties, bridal showers and weddings. Prices start at $35 for nails, $50 for hair and $75 for makeup applications, an affordable luxury.
“Anything that we can do to make ourselves feel better and prepare ourselves for our day, I think is really important,” Bartlett said.
Murad Clarifying Toner
Another age-related revelation is that my skin seems to get oilier, which I am convinced is karma getting me back for having laughed at Proactiv commercials because I had such clear skin as a teen. These days I'm investing in Murad’s highly rated $22 Clarifying Toner, a blend of witch hazel, vitamin E and grape seed extract that tightens pores and keeps sebum (oil) secretion under control. After applying the toner with a cotton ball I can actually feel it, leaving my skin cool and refreshed.
Murad also offers an additional toner for hydration and a vitamin C-based version for repairing environmental damage.
Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask
This little beauty has changed my life because it delivers a penetrating blast of moisture protection unlike any other lip balm – especially the ones that sit on top of my skin, failing to do the job. It’s an anti-chapping lip potion made with medical grade lanolin, organic agave nectar, honeysuckle flower extract and vanilla extract.
Bite’s $26 lip mask is also made with resveratrol, which – rumor has it – contains the same amount of antioxidants as 15 glasses of wine. Like alcohol, I find the mask is best used in moderation. Only a tiny amount, less than the surface of your pinky, is required.
SoBeautiful App
The So Beautiful App is an innovative source for fashion and makeup advice that caters to women of color. Think of it along the lines of HNGN's Coveted but in app form. There are “how to” videos from experts on hair care, tips on maintaining chip-free manicures and advice on achieving celebrity looks like the sleek hair look Taraji P. Henson’s rocked at this year’s Met Gala.
Users can also celebrate their own beauty by uploading selfies to the app. “The more selfies the better!” says Editorial Director Leigh Davenport. The new app, sponsored by model-turned-businesswoman Iman, is free and suitable for iPhones and Androids.
MOVIES
By Jordan Webb
Hot Pursuit (Warner Bros.)
Crooked law enforcement and deadly hit men pursue a straight-laced cop and the spunky widow of a drug dealer whom she’s in charge of protecting. Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara star in this action comedy from “Step Up” and “The Proposal” director Anne Fletcher.
The D Train (IFC Films)
Dan is a dweeb who believes he can achieve popularity if he brings along the most popular guy from his high school, who’s now a famous model, to their class reunion. To do so, the determined Dan must lie and con his former classmate into agreeing to attend. Jack Black and James Marsden star in this outrageous comedy.
5 Flights Up (Focus World)
The times have changed and a once sketchy part of Brooklyn is now hip and trendy, making the apartment owned by a longtime married couple now worth a small fortune. When the couple (Morgan Freeman, Diane Keaton) finally decides to put it on the market, they’re forced to deal with the mixed emotions that comes with leaving the place they've called home for so long.
SPRING CLEANING ESSENTIALS
By Amanda Bernocco
Shower Scrubber (Scotch-Brite) ($9.80)
Your arms will thank you for this life-changing shower scrubber. This cleaning tool comes with an extendable handle to clean the most hard-to-reach places where there always seems to be extra soap scum and buildup. The scrubber uses non-scratch replaceable scrubbing heads to preserve the surface of the shower. Get it here.
Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser ($4)
This strong cleanser gently removes stains and rust from almost any surface – including stainless steel. This must-have cleaning agent will make your spring cleaning quicker and easier than ever before. The product can even remove embedded dirt in the anti-slip coating on a bathtub. Get it here.
Pet Perfect Cordless Hand Vac (Shark) ($59.99)
Pet owner needs can do themselves a huge favor by picking up this handy hand vacuum that does an amazing job of sucking up pet hair. The device is packed with a crevice tool, dusting brush and a direct suction option, which makes vaccuming any surface an easy task. Get it here.
Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner with Refill Pod (CleanPath ) ($3.58)
This nifty cleaning product is the best way to clean and go green at the same time. Most cleaning products are 90 percent water, so this cleaning bottle uses a refill system that lets you use your own water from home mixed with the provided chemicals. This system effectively cleans multiple surfaces, saves money, and reduces waste. Get it here.
Toilet Cleaning System Disposable Refills (Scotch-Brite ) ($7.65)
Finally you can stop getting so up-close-and-personal with your toilet when it’s time to clean the bathroom. This uniquely designed toilet cleaning scrubber is small enough to clean under the rim without scratching the toilet. Once you’re done cleaning you can toss the scrubber and use a fresh one next time. Get it here.
TECH
By John Nassivera
Ring ZERO Matte (Black and White)
Logbar is making its high-tech ring available to people who want to control their gadgets using a different device. The Ring ZERO gives users the ability to control lights and post on Twitter and Facebook, using features that include touch sensors. The device also sports Bluetooth connectivity, and its battery will last two to three days, or 18 hours of continuous use. It's available in three sizes (small, medium and large) and in black and white. Get the ring now on Amazon and on Logbar's website for $150.
Monoprice MHD 2.0 Action Camera
Monoprice has upgraded its 1080p MHD Action camera with a new version that comes with full, 1920 x 1080p high-definition resolution. Users can also shoot at 1280 x 960p at 30 frames per second. Features include a mini-HDMI, a mini-USB port, a microSDHC card slot and a switch for changing the resolution. The device is waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freezeproof, and is functional underwater to a depth of 30 feet. The Monoprice MHD 2.0 Action Camera is available now on Amazon for $131 and the company's website for $75.
3D Robotics Iris+ Quadcopter
3D Robotics is treating drone lovers to its new Iris+ quadcopter, which will work with a GoPro HD Hero camera to record footage while in the air. The machine comes with four tall legs, a battery, a charger, a flight battery, a controller and a ground station radio. The drone can fly autonomously for about 16 to 22 minutes on a single charge, and you can use the Droid Planner app for Android to give assing it a fly route. 3D Robotics is making the Iris+ available now on Amazon for $690.
DVD/BLU-RAY
By Emily Morgan
The Wedding Ringer (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
The odd couple pairing of Josh Gad and Kevin Hart proves hilarious in this wedding romp also starring Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting.
Doug Harris (Gad) is a socially awkward man who has found the girl of his dreams in Cuoco-Sweeting’s character, Gretchen Palmer. Set to marry, he runs into one slight problem – he has no friends to be his groomsmen. Fortunately for him, there’s a service that provides stand-in groomsmen, run by Jimmy Callahan (Hart). Doug and Jimmy need to pull off their ruse through the wedding day, but as Doug gets to know his new “friends,” he realizes he may have found a best friend in Jimmy.
Special features on the Blu-ray/DVD include audio commentary with director Jeremy Garelick and Gad, deleted scenes, outtakes, an interview with the cast and crew about their real life weddings and a music video for Aloe Blacc’s “Can You Do This.”
The Last Five Years (Anchor Bay)
As you await the arrival of “Pitch Perfect 2,” watch Anna Kendrick sing her heart out in this musical adaptation from Tony winner Jason Robert Brown’s musical. She co-stars with Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan.
The movie tells the love story of Jamie Wallerstein (Jeremy Jordan) and Cathy Hiatt (Kendrick) almost completely through song. The story spans over five years, from the couple’s early love affair to the end of the marriage.
The characters’ stories are told through opposite ends of their relationship: Cathy’s songs all come at the end of the marriage and Jamie’s at the beginning. The meet in the middle when Jamie proposes.
Special features on the Blu-ray/DVD include sing-along subtitles and an interview with the composer-lyricist Jason Robert Brown.
Parenthood: Season 6 (Universal Studios)
The Braverman saga comes to an end in the sixth and final season. The close-knit family must lean on each other at patriarch Zeek faces serious health concerns.
The final season makes several time jumps as relationships are tested and others are forged for better or worse. The family members also take on new ventures like Adam and Kristina’s charter school.
Special features on the Blu-ray/DVD include a retrospective of the complete series.
Other Movies and TV Shows Available on Blu-Ray and DVD include:
Paddington (Anchor Bay); The Boy Next Door (Universal Studios); The Gambler (Paramount); Inherent Vice (Warner Home Video); Selma (Paramount); Black or White (20th Century Fox); Spare Parts (Lionsgate); Mr. Turner (Sony Pictures); Fifty Shades of Grey (Universal Studios); The Pyramid (20th Century Fox); Black Sea (Universal Studios); Lost River (Warner Home Video); Against the Sun (Anchor Bay); 50 to 1 (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment); Mommy (Lionsgate); Accidental Love (Alchemy); Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of (FilmRise); The Barber (Arc Entertainment); Love Rosie (Paramount); Miss Julie (Lionsgate); Murder of a Cat; Superfast (Ketchup); The Frontier (Virgil Films and Entertainment); Covert Affairs: Season 5 (Universal Studios); Royal Pains: Season 6 (Universal Studios); Suits: Season 4 (Universal Studios); The Mentalist: Season 7 (Warner Home Video); Halt and Catch Fire: Season 1 (Anchor Bay); Masters Of Sex: Season 2 (Sony Pictures); White Collar: Season 6 (20th Century Fox); DCI Banks: Season 3 (BBC Home Entertainment); Scott & Bailey: Season 3 (BBC Home Entertainment)
Movies and TV Streaming Online
Grace and Frankie
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)
