CULTURE JAMMING -- JUNE 3

TOP PICK

Pete Seeger: American Favorite Ballads

(Smithsonian Folkways)

The veteran folkie recently celebrated his 90^th birthday. What better way to celebrate than with this terrific five-CD set, which includes more than 125 songs Seeger recorded in the ’50s and ’60s. You’ll recognize many of the tunes (“She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain,” “Goodnight, Irene,” “This Land Is Your Land”) – they’re the heart of modern folk songs.

CD/DVD

Jeff Buckley: Grace Around the World: Deluxe Edition

(Columbia/Legacy)

Just in time for the 15^th anniversary of Buckley’s debut, this two-DVD, one-CD collection gathers various TV performances by the late singer-songwriter. He traveled to Germany, Japan and France promoting the album, so many of the songs are repeated from country to country (hope you like “So Real”). A fitting document of an artist’s too-brief career.

VIDEO

Children of Men

(Universal)

This futuristic thriller from 2006 finally comes to Blu-ray, and Alfonso Cuarón’s terrifying vision has never looked more menacing. Clive Owen has one of his best roles as an emotionally scarred political activist trying to save a pregnant woman in an Orwellian world without any babies. One of the best movies of the decade now looks even better.

DVD

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance: Paramount Centennial Collection

(Paramount)

One of John Ford’s last great westerns has only gotten better over the years. Jimmy Stewart stars as an idealistic lawyer who rolls into town hoping to run out baddie Lee Marvin. He gets more than he bargained for. Luckily, John Wayne is there to save the day. Critical and historical commentaries, behind-the-scenes features and a tribute to Wayne round out the extras.

VIDEOGAME

Patapon 2

(Sony)

Last year’s beat-driven Patapon is one of the best games ever made for the PSP. This follow-up is almost as much fun. You still play as a tribe of one-eyed warriors, but this time the adventures are deeper and tougher. Best of all, the new multiplayer mode allows four players to customize Patapons who must then drum and march their way across hostile battlefields. --Michael Gallucci