soundtracks

I know many of you enjoyed reading Audrey Niffenegger's novel The Time Traveler's Wife and are probably as anxious as I am to see the movie this August (and at least see a trailer one of these days, sheesh!). I hope the movie is as riveting, romantic and poignant as the book was, and I really hope the soundtrack is great. This is one movie for which I'd love to help choose the music.

If you could choose songs to go in this movie, what would you pick? What sounds would go well with the tone of this story? I'd include Wilco's "Far, Far Away" for both its tone of sweet longing as well as the lyrics (like this bit about Chicago, where The Time Traveler's Wife often takes place: "I long to hold you in my arms and sway/ Kiss and ride on the CTA"). I also like the idea of using a "time" song, like the Rolling Stones' "Time Is on My Side." And the Death Cab for Cutie song "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" has about the same "emotional destruction" factor as this book itself does (in a good way, of course).

OK, your turn: How would you build this soundtrack?

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My question is: What took them so long? I kid, but honestly, you knew a Gossip Girl soundtrack had to be coming because a) that's what good teen dramas do, and b) the show is as good at music as it is at one-liners.

So, the first Gossip Girl soundtrack has been compiled by The O.C.'s former music supervisor, Alexandra Patsavas (you know how I feel about her). OMFGG — Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl No. 1's 13 tracks will hit record store shelves near you on Oct. 28, and the album's also available online right now. It's generally a pretty good overview of the show's music, though it doesn't have the memorable "U.R.A. Fever," the song that's playing when Serena admits to murder.

The good folks of GG are also launching an entire site devoted to music on the show. I'm pretty excited for that site myself, because I rarely watch an episode without doing some searching for lyrics I heard.

Are you on your way to download the soundtrack? Are you excited for the new music site? I've got the track list after the jump — and super bonus Buzz respect and admiration goes to anyone who can figure out which song was played in which OMG moment last season. To check it out, just read more

I recently shared with you my 2007 mix of general songs that I loved, a kind of soundtrack to my year. Now I've rounded up some actual soundtrack songs from TV shows and movies that stood out enough for me to track them down after turning off the TV or leaving the movie theater. Thus, if my entertainment-related experiences had a soundtrack this year, this mix is basically what it would look like.

Some are oldies I already knew but loved in a whole new way, like "Knock On Wood" from Talk to Me. Others I hadn't heard and they compelled me to seek out more music by the artist, as happened with The Pierces' song "Three Wishes," used in Gossip Girl.

To check out my favorite soundtrack tunes and tell me about your favorite soundtrack songs of the year, read more

The Wire, the gritty HBO series that returns for its fifth and final season in January, has been renowned for its unflinching portrayal of Baltimore. Now, that faithfulness to its setting is expanding to a soundtrack stuffed with music from the show's five years — including several tracks from underground Baltimore hip hop and club artists.

The soundtrack, ...And All the Pieces Matter, will be released Jan. 8, two days after the show's season premiere. So far, it sounds like a great selection of songs, with the Baltimore tracks joining "The Body of an American" by the Pogues, "I Feel Alright" by Steve Earle, and "Fast Train" by Solomon Burke. The album will include a booklet of essays by hip-hop journalists and author (and Wire writer) George Pelecanos.

I might be most excited about getting to hear all the versions of the show's theme song ("Way Down in the Hole" by Tom Waits) together. Each season has had a different rendition of the song, including a group of Baltimore teens who recorded the theme for the education-focused fourth season. In fact, their take on the song might be my favorite; you can check it out over here.

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Lately, I've been almost as excited about the Spider-Man 3 soundtrack as I am about the accompanying summer blockbuster. The movie, of course, comes out out on Friday, but the soundtrack hits stores tomorrow, and you can listen to the entire album online now at AOL Music.

It really is a pretty daring soundtrack for a big summer movie. The contributions from bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Jet are edgy but also fit nicely into the superhero-movie mold. My favorite tracks are probably the Walkmen song, "Red River," and Black Mountain's "Stay Free" — both of which are pretty interesting departures from each band's sound. However, Snow Patrol's "Signal Fire" is a bit maudlin and movie-soundtracky for my taste. Anyway, give the CD a listen and let me know what you think.

All week I've been busy planning my Easter meal. I'm very excited for Easter because I'm spending the weekend with my brother in LA and will get to cook in his new kitchen. A year ago he bought a condo and had the kitchen totally remodeled and furnished with only the most state-of-the-art appliances, stainless steel gadgets, and granite counter tops. I started the party plan on Monday by sending out crafty Easter egg shaped invitations. Next I planned a menu, offering both brunch and dinner ideas. You can't have a brunch or dinner without specialty cocktails and pretty decor, so I figured out the drinks and the look of Easter as well. There is only one last thing to do before I start to cook and that is create a playlist. To see my suggestions, read more

Lights, camera, action! It's almost showtime for my Oscars watching party where I'll dish on the best dresses, recap the most heart warming speeches, and enjoy the show in the comfort of my own home surrounded by my friends. If you follow my extensive party plan, you too can entertain during the Academy Awards. Start by mailing hand made invitations with gold foil Oscars. Next plan a menu using recipes Wolfgang Puck will serve to the stars at the Governor's Ball (such as bruschetta, pizza with caviar, and lemon bars). Serve Departinis and champagne. Decorate your living room with gold tones, white flowers, and roll out a red carpet. You may be thinking, wow she's made this so easy for me by thinking of it all... but not so fast, there is one more step in this equation: the music. To see my soundtrack for the ultimate Oscars viewing soirée, read more