TOP PICK
Let the Right One In
(Magnet/Magnolia)
One of last year’s best films, and one of the best vampire movies of
all time, comes to Blu-ray with a glistening elegance that heightens
the blood-soaked ambiance. A lonely 12-year-old boy falls for a new
neighbor — who just happens to be a vampire. Gracefully told and
brimming with atmosphere, it’s unlike any horror film you’ve ever
seen.
DVD
The Kids Are Alright
(Sanctuary/UME)
One of the greatest rockumentaries ever made takes a not-so-probing
look at the Who — from their shaggy-haired early gigs to their
guitar-smashing heyday. The 1979 movie — remastered and stuffed
with interviews and other bonuses — features TV clips, concert
footage and some excellent scenes of the band creating havoc across the
globe.
CD
BoDeans: Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams: Collector’s
Edition
(Rhino)
This Wisconsin group — which became best known for singing
Party of
Five‘s theme song — introduced Midwestern punks to
roots music. This revved-up debut from 1986 cribs its title from the
Rolling Stones, but it’s an apt description of what the songs are
about. The two-disc Collector’s Edition includes a B-side, demos and a
DVD featuring a 1985 concert.
VIDEOGAME
Major League Baseball 2K9
(2K Sports)
Just in time for baseball season, this annual favorite (for pretty
much every console) gets more realistic with each outing. New features
this year include an updated roster of players’ signature styles and
more control of your batters’ swings. Best of all, the online mode
compiles and ranks your gameplay, making it more intense than any
fantasy league out there.
CD
Radiohead reissues
(Capitol/EMI)
The recent box and greatest-hits sets didn’t offer much. These
three-disc (two CDs, one DVD) reissues of Radiohead’s first three
albums finally get it right. Demos and live versions put Pablo
Honey in perspective. Better are The Bends and OK
Computer, which include ’90s EPs featuring faves like “Killer
Cars,” “Talk Show Host” and “Polyethylene.”
This article appears in Mar 25-31, 2009.