During this time of social isolation, we'll be offering weekly recommendations to help put you in an upbeat mood. (In case you missed it, here's last week's list.)
"Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert"
Friday was supposed to be the day they opened their gates to 75,000 fans. Now it's the day that Coachella festival organizers are unlocking their new YouTube Originals-produced documentary for free viewing online. The movie's trailer suggests a smattering of aggrandizing sound bites alongside a ton of dazzling footage from legendary sets by Beyoncé, Madonna, Radiohead, N.W.A. and even a hologram Tupac. Looks like no Prince, though. YouTube
"Goodnight With Dolly"
Kiddies may not appreciate the wonders of "Jolene," but they're sure to be dazzled by Dolly Parton's version of babysitting. Each week, the country-music legend is reading a different bedtime story, using her singsong voice to make classics like "The Little Engine That Could" come alive. Youngsters having trouble going to sleep will find some comfort. So will you. imaginationlibrary.com
Andrea Bocelli for Easter
It's one tenor and a pipe organ for Easter. Classical/pop superstar Bocelli will give a solo performance at Milan's Duomo, accompanied by organist Emanuele Vianelli. "Music for Hope" will include "Ave Maria" and Mascagni's "Sancta Maria." The cathedral will not have any worshipers. Noon Sunday and anytime thereafter at youtube/huTUOek4LgU
"Hidden Brain"
What drives humans? From an individual's everyday decisions to long-term group behavioral patterns, host Shankar Vedantam uses science to demystify the forces behind everything we do. A recent episode, "An Unfinished Lesson: What the 1918 Flu Tells Us About Human Nature," is eye-opening and sobering. A must-listen at a time when even the smallest of human behaviors can gravely impact our health and survival. NPR.org/podcasts
"Still Bill"
Last week's passing of "Lean on Me" singer/songwriter Bill Withers came amid the coronavirus crisis, so this 2009 documentary now carries extra emotions — mostly happy ones, thankfully. The music industry didn't leave Withers behind, as is the story of so many rock docs; he left it. His musical greatness is explored here along with the spiritual/philosophical side that allowed him to live out his later years in peace. YouTube or Roku Channel.
"Utopia Parkway"
Adam Schlesinger, whom we lost to COVID-19, was all about filling the world with silly love songs. Nothing wrong with that, especially when your band, Fountains of Wayne, produces a pop masterpiece like this one. No, this 1999 album doesn't include "Stacy's Mom," but it does feature lots of upbeat, fun numbers, as well as "Troubled Times," a ballad that has never sounded more fitting.
"Rome"
Fans of "Game of Thrones" will hail this underappreciated historical drama that should have lasted as long as the Roman Empire. Instead, it was axed after just two seasons. With its grand storytelling, colorful villains and epic look, the series is ripe for a renaissance. There may not be dragons, but there's plenty of fire. HBO Now