CULTURE JAMMING
TOP PICK – VIDEO GAME
LittleBigPlanet 2
(Sony)
The sequel to one of the best games ever made for the PlayStation 3 is just as fun as the original. The basic concept remains the same: you explore and create levels where your environment is your springboard. But there's more of it this time — more levels, more gadgets, and more stories. There's also more customizable Sackboys, who hang around to help out or cause trouble.
CD
Gregg Allman: Low Country Blues
(Rounder)
The veteran rocker's first solo album in 14 years is produced by T Bone Burnett, who's helped revive the careers of plenty of aging rockers over the past decade. Burnett rolls in some of his usual sound sculptures here, but Low Country Blues is mostly Allman leading a band through old Bobby Bland, B.B. King, and Muddy Waters songs. And he does it with integrity.
CD
Deerhoof: Deerhoof vs. Evil
(Polyvinyl)
These occasionally noisy indie rockers from San Francisco have always been a weird bunch. And on their 11th album they overload on the fractured pop. They seem to take the whole evil theme seriously throughout, weaving a fighting spirit through the dozen songs. We're not always sure what singer Satomi Matsuzaki is going on about, but it sure sounds like she means it.
CD
Wanda Jackson: The Party Ain't Over
(Third Man/Nonesuch)
Like he did with Loretta Lynn a few years ago, Jack White gives the 73-year-old rockabilly legend a jolt of life on her first album in eight years. Jackson's early singles are still the best place to start, but this terrific album — filled with covers from the 20th century and beyond — is badass. Plus, she gives Amy Winehouse a run for her money on "You Know I'm No Good."
DVD
Piranha 3D
(Sony)
You know what's better than a giant shark menacing a beach full of summer vacationers? A bunch of little fish with big teeth chomping away at douchebag bros and hot girls in bikinis on spring break. Piranha is mindless, gory fun. In addition to several deleted scenes, the Blu-ray includes the 3D version, so you get all that bloody in-your-face action, well, in your face.
