BuzzSugar

What to Download: New Music on iTunes

BuzzSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:32:53 -0700

Tuesdays are big in entertainment-ville: Not only do all the new DVD releases hit Netflix, but new music also pours into stores, including iTunes. So I take a spin through each week's iTunes music releases and pick out some albums and tracks worthy of a download. In addition to the selections below, you can download the best of Radiohead (according to whom, I'm not sure) and a new album from The Virgins. Here are today's selections:

Indie darlings: Fleet Foxes are yet another little band making good out of the Northwest and their first self-titled album is gorgeous. One track, White Winter Hymnal is ethereal and sweet, and I can't get enough. They kind of have a Shins vibe going on.

The cynical beauty: It's no secret I've been salivating for the new Aimee Mann album, and it's finally here! I've already downloaded, Freeway and Thirty One Today. I'm so excited to dig into the rest of the album.

Another three albums (busy day for music!) if you read more.

A little bit country: When I hear about Jessica Simpson making the leap to country, I roll my eyes. When I hear Jewel's taking a stab at it, I sit up and take notice. From what I've heard so far, it's a natural fit. There's no mistaking Jewel's voice and set to twangy Dixie Chick-type melodies it's a good choice for both country music fans and Jewel devotees.

More Weeds: I've been buzzing about the third season of Weeds coming out on DVD today and the latest soundtrack is here, too! It looks like a cool, quirky compilation. I just saw Beruit perform at Sasquatch and their song Scenic World is included, along with a track called Buttmachine by That 1 Guy.

Boys of summer: And last but not least, Weezer's sixth album has arrived. The third track, Pork and Beans has made me happy for weeks now (and is accompanied by a funny music video), though the rest of the album has yet to grow on me.

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Hear What's on Natalie Portman's Playlist

BuzzSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 08:30:00 -0700

I've always assumed Natalie Portman has good taste in music - simply because of her Shins-loving character in Garden State, I'm sure. But it turns out the actress really does know her stuff. Portman rounded up a pretty great set of collaborators for her new charity compilation, Big Change: Songs for FINCA, including M. Ward, Portman's My Blueberry Nights co-star Norah Jones, and - yup - The Shins.

The 16-song album, which is available exclusively through the iTunes Music Store for $7.99, benefits FINCA, an anti-poverty organization that provides financial services to low-income entrepreneurs around the world. (Portman serves as the group's "ambassador of hope.") Most of the songs are also available separately.

Among the songs I can't wait to check out: a remix of the Shins' "Australia" by the Bjorn of Peter, Bjorn and John; the intriguingly titled "My Night with the Prostitute from Marseille" by Beirut (which Portman apparently almost sang on); and the exclusive M. Ward track "What is a Soul?" To see the complete track listing, just read more

1. Tokyo Police Club, "Be Good"
2. Beirut, "My Night With the Prostitute From Marseille"
3. Tom Brosseau, "Plaid Lined Jacket"
4. Curumin, "Tudo Bem Malandro"
5. The Shins, "Australia (Bjorn Yttling Mix)"
6. Brett Dennen, "Ain't No Reason"
7. Sean Hayes, "Turnaroundturnmeon"
8. Thee More Shallows, "Oh Yes, Another Mother"
9. Angus & Julia Stone, "The Beast"
10. Antony & the Johnsons, "Paddy's Gone"
11. Vetiver, "Idle Ties"
12. Norah Jones, "Broken"
13. Devendra Banhart, "There's Always Something Happening"
14. M. Ward, "What Is a Soul?"
15. Wooden Wand, "Forgiveness Figg (Bethany Hotel Blues)"
16. Rogue Wave, "How We Landed"

SXSW Song of the Day: Beirut, "Scenic World"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:06:24 -0700

The biggest sign that Beirut is the next big thing in indie rock? When you Google "Beirut," the band's name trumps the Lebanese city and the drinking game of the same name. The Albuquerque, NM, band is the baby of frontman whiz kid Zach Condon, whose enchanting music tends more toward Eastern Europe than Southwestern United States.

Beirut released an EP in January called Lon Gisland and is working on a new album due later this year. Condon is also one of the more buzzed-about personalities set to play tonight at the SXSW Music Festival, and I have to admit, I'm really liking what I've heard so far. To listen to "Scenic World," which appears on the Lon Gisland EP, read more