BuzzSugar

An American Playlist to Get You in the Voting Mood!

BuzzSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:30:44 PST

OK, admittedly this is basically a playlist of songs that have "America" or "American" in them. But it's fun! And it doesn't hurt to hear "America" over and over in some great songs on Election Day!

A few of these tunes will get you to dance a little while waiting for election results, like "American Boy" by Estelle and "Kids in America." You can mature over the course of "American Girl" (Tom Petty) to "American Woman" (Lenny Kravitz), and check out both Jay-Z and Elvis Costello's American gangsters. And of course, we end on one of my favorite songs, "Young Americans" by David Bowie.

What are you listening to today (after you vote!)?

To check out my playlist,

read more. Songs With America in Them Source

Let's Rock Elmo Sings and Dances Its Way Onto Holiday Hot Lists

Rebecca M Gruber — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:31:47 PDT

In the 15 years since Tickle Me Elmo was introduced to the market, adults and kids alike have been taken with the lil red monster's infectious laugh. With each additional version of the toy, Elmo's increasingly more complex movements and sounds have continued to make it one of the hottest toys each holiday season. Now, with Hasbro taking over the Sesame Street toy line, the company is introducing Let's Rock Elmo ($59), the latest, most complex Elmo to hit store shelves. The toy has already been named the hot toy of the year by Toys R Us, but should it top your holiday shopping list? Keep reading to see what I thought.

Who is this product designed for? Made for tots over 2 years old, Let's Rock Elmo is fun for kids up to 5 years old or really any age that is still taken with Elmo's charm.

What sets it apart? More than simply a doll that sings and tells stories, Let's Rock Elmo actually plays two instruments - drums and tambourine - and sings into a microphone, "recognizing" them as they are placed in his hands or under his feet each time. When Elmo's not using one of the included instruments, lil one's can play with them or join in with him on one of the six songs in his repertoire. Three additional instruments that are all sold separately - a guitar ($35), a keyboard ($20), and a working microphone ($15) - are also recognized by Elmo, so when kids pick them up and play them in Elmo's vicinity, he'll join in the new song.

Keep reading to see what could be better and if I would buy it.

An Indie Wedding: An Alternative Approach to Reception Music

BuzzSugar — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:29:43 PDT

If your music collection is stuffed with indie rock staples, you don't have to put them aside while planning your wedding playlist. Mainstream dance tunes just aren't every couple's style, and there are plenty of indie songs with a good beat that will get the crowd grooving.

Don't be afraid to wander off the proverbial beaten path when compiling your reception playlist. If this is the kind of music you and your fiancé enjoy most, it will have more meaning. Just because Sinatra didn't croon it (or Timbaland didn't produce it) doesn't mean it's not wedding-appropriate or fun.

I put together a playlist of good reception songs from smaller artists - including some tunes that are pretty and others that are straight-up fun to dance to. Whether you're looking to go all indie or just want to sprinkle in something a little different between your oldies and your retro tunes, these songs are a good start. Are there any indie bands or songs you'd love to hear at a wedding? To check out my playlist,

read more. Slow: "You & I" by Wilco "Marry Song" by Band of Horses "Publish My Love" by Rogue Wave "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" by Death Cab For Cutie "Sea of Love" by Cat Power "Simplest Love" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" by Iron & Wine "Sleepwalkin'" by Modest Mouse "Waste" by Phish "Hold You in My Arms" by Ray LaMontagne "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes "Question" by Old 97's "When the Stars Go Blue" by Ryan Adams "Ambulance" by TV on the Radio "Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space" by Spiritualized "Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice "You Can Have It All" by Yo La Tengo "Eyes" by Rogue Wave "Let's Dance" by M. Ward "Book of Love" by the Magnetic Fields "Melt With You" by Nouvelle Vague Upbeat: "When I'm With You" by Best Coast "Mushaboom" by Feist "The Sweetest Thing" by Camera Obscura "Home" by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros "I Was Made For You" by She & Him "Heart" by Stars "Do You Realize" by The Flaming Lips "Sweet Disposition" by Temper Trap "I'll Be Your Man" by The Black Keys "Cameras" by Matt & Kim

Link Time - The Hunger Games Finds a Villain in Donald Sutherland

BuzzSugar — Tue, 31 May 2011 13:50:19 PDT

Donald Sutherland will play President Snow in The Hunger Games - Zap2It

See Colin Firth and Tom Hardy in the first photos from Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - Moviefone

Is Cougar Town really going to change its name? - AOL TV

Why Hugo Weaving will play six characters in Cloud Atlas - /Film

Jamie Campbell Bower nabs the lead in The Mortal Instruments - Deadline

Watch Jessica Alba in the Spy Kids 4 trailer - Vulture

Shannon Elizabeth is in for American Reunion - The Playlist

Is The Bachelorette's villain Bentley too over the top? - TresSugar

Website of the Day: Digster [UPDATED]

GeekSugar — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:12:07 PDT

Update: Digster is live!

For American users who became quickly addicted to music streaming and sharing service Spotify, more musical options are soon coming your way. Universal Music Group is reportedly launching a music playlist service for all Spotify users - even those with free subscriptions.

Just like you or a friend would create playlists, Digster's team of employees and music aficionados curate mixes under themes like "Roadtrip Singalongs." The artists included on the playlists are not limited to UMG musicians, making Digster a way to discover new music across all genres and record labels.

Already up and running in Europe, Digster may be available in the US as early as today. Spotify users, what are some of the best public playlists you have found?

Updated Dr. SexyTime App Coaches You Through Famous Movie Sex Scene Reenactments

Kristen Hawley — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:26:45 PDT

Version 2.0 of a popular sex app for iOS is out, and it's a doozy. Previously the "Sex Position Guide and Choreographer App," it has been rebranded as Dr. SexyTime Advanced Sex Guide and contains "practical educational content" designed to improve your sex life.

Among the app's many features is the ability to re-create famous sex scenes from movies by offering detailed instructions and even detailed artwork designed to show you exactly how to pull off a variety of . . . experiences. The app also features its own set of "homework assignments" ranging from beginner to "sexpert" level. Another feature randomly selects positions creating a "surprise playlist" if you're feeling adventurous. The app is also customizable - choose a visual presentation and voice to personalize the experience.

The app is priced at $4, which is steep for an iPhone app but probably right in line with this sort of content. In my opinion, consulting your phone or iPad in the moment seems a little silly . . . remember that scene from American Pie where Kevin uses the secret book hidden in the school library for a similar purpose?