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Top Picks: 'Good Times!' by the Monkees, '45 Years' on DVD and Blu-ray, and more

Charles Wright sings about faith and love in an uplifting and honest way on 'Something to Make You Feel Good,' acclaimed series 'Dancing On the Edge' stars major talents like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jacqueline Bisset, and more top picks.

  • By Staff

Still magic

Just how many Monkees does it take to make a new album? All four, as it turns out, and it turned out pretty well! Of course, there are only three of TV’s original Monkees still roaming this earth, as Davy Jones died in 2012. Good Times! features simian contributions by contemporary songwriters such as Andy Partridge of XTC and Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo, and producer/fan Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) manages to recapture the Monkees vibe with surviving members Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith as well as deftly completing three unfinished tracks from the late 1960s, including a haunting Neil Diamond original sung by Jones. Fifty years on, the Monkees still delight.

Complicated marriage

After decades of marriage, 45 Years character Geoff Mercer (Tom Courtenay) is unexpectedly reminded of a previous girlfriend who disappeared years earlier. His fascination with the past concerns his wife, Kate (Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling), who fears he might still love another woman. The film is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.

Inspiring soul

Following more than 50 years in the music business, Charles Wright – best known for his work with the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band – has released his new solo album, Something to Make You Feel Good. He sings about faith and love in an uplifting and honest way, and the song “Peace of Mind” is particularly inspirational.  

Entertaining radio

Looking to travel back in time? The Old-Time Radio programming from the Antioch Broadcasting Network broadcasts radio shows from decades past such as “The Lone Ranger” and “Father Knows Best,” and listeners can tune in online. Those behind these programs even schedule the broadcasts so the date of the original episode lines up with that day, if possible. Check it out at http://radio.macinmind.com.

Courtesy of © Ruby Films and Television

Fascinating history

Miss acclaimed BBC series Dancing on the Edge when it aired in the US in 2013? PBS is broadcasting the show, which stars Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Goodman, and Jacqueline Bisset and depicts a 1930s black jazz group, as part of its summer lineup. It’s a fascinating look at the time period. It debuts June 26 at 8 p.m. Warning: There’s adult content.

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