CULTURE JAMMING -- APRIL 8

TOP PICK

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

(Rockstar)

The Grand Theft Auto franchise comes to the Nintendo DS in all of its head-blasting, bitch-slapping glory. The gameplay is basically the same (you tussle with cops, you steal cars, you put caps in the asses of anyone who gets in your way), only it’s set in Chinatown this time. It’s one of the most adult videogames ever made for the DS … and one of the best.

CD

Amadou & Mariam: Welcome to Mali

(Because/Nonesuch)

This African couple’s follow-up to their 2005 breakthrough follows a similar pattern: sprightly played Afro-pop, gorgeous singing and Manu Chao’s punchy production. Welcome to Mali isn’t as raw as its predecessor, but the melodies are more focused and the songs are more buoyant. It’s a musical voyage that takes them from Paris to London to back home again.

VIDEO

Bolt

(Walt Disney)

This animated hit about a pampered Hollywood dog who gets lost on the mean streets of New York has a breakout star in Rhino, a hamster with a plastic ball that serves as a home, vehicle and weapon. Best of all, the three-disc Blu-ray set comes with a DVD copy and a digital version of the movie you can throw on your iPod.

DVD

Fountains of Wayne: No Better Place – Live in Chicago

(Shout! Factory)

These power-poppers had a fluke hit a few years back with “Stacy’s Mom.” But there’s so much more to them than that, as this 2005 concert proves. Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood are two of the sharpest and wittiest songwriters working today. Plus, songs like “Hackensack,” “Hey Julie” and “Radiation Vibe” have hooks to spare.

VIDEOGAME

Trivial Pursuit

(EA Play)

The ’80s board game gets a 21^st century makeover in this fun outing for the Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. You can play by yourself, but you’ll enjoy the game tons more when you clobber opponents in classic categories like history, entertainment and sports. And unlike the old-school version, “Ralph Kramden” isn’t the answer to every other question. --Michael Gallucci