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What to Download: New Music on iTunes

BuzzSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:30:55 -0800

Tuesdays are big in entertainmentville: 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 my picks below, you can also download David Cook's self-titled debut album. Here's what's on my list this week:

Queen of fierce: Beyonce's third album, out today, is actually two discs (which is somewhat meaningless to us downloaders). The first 10 songs or so are all ballads sung from the heart by Beyonce, but for the rest of the songs she morphs into an alter ego named Sasha Fierce (can you read that without giggling?) who fiercely sings some fierce dance songs. I'm already a big fan of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" and am really impressed with "Radio," which is way more techno than I'm used to Beyonce sounding. "Video Phone" is another totally unexpected track that makes the Sasha Fierce name start to make sense.

They call her mellow: The critics seem to agree, Dido's voice sure is comforting, but that doesn't mean her songs aren't totally melancholy. It's been awhile since Dido released new music, and Safe Trip Home will not disappoint folks who dig her. I'm already enjoying several tracks, including "Don't Believe in Love" because of the sad violins in the background (reminds me of Al Green's "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart") and the delicate "Look No Further."

One more pick still to come if you just read more.

Pretty, Rosi music: So I was listening to this song, "Shine," from Rosi Golan's new album and was driving myself crazy because I knew that I'd heard it before - but where? Then it came to me: a Pantene commercial. But we won't hold that against her. If you liked Yael Naim's album, you'll probably enjoy many of Rosi's sweet little songs. I think "Hazy" is lovely and "C'est L'amour" should only be listened to with an eclair in hand.

Love It or Leave It: David Cook's First Song, "Light On"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:54:57 -0700

David Cook's first single has hit the Web, and I'm still sorting out how I feel about it. Is it too Creed-ish? Or is it exactly what you hoped to hear from the American Idol winner?

"Light On" premiered on Popeater on Tuesday, will hit iTunes on Sept. 30, and will be the first single from his still-untitled first album that will be released Nov. 18. Take a listen to "Light On" (don't let the eyeliner in the video scare you) and then vote!

Light On - David Cook

Photo courtesy of Fox

Buzz News Roundup, 9/15

BuzzSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:30:06 -0700

30 Rock's newest high-profile guest star: Steve Martin! - New York Magazine
Jack Osbourne is producing a documentary about his father, Ozzy Osbourne. - Variety
Ex-Veronica Mars writer Diane Ruggiero has quit her job as showrunner of the CBS show The Ex List - and lashes out at CBS in the process. - The Star-Ledger
Screen Gems is putting together a team for Operation Checkmate, a drama based on the recent rescue of hostages held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). - ComingSoon
American Idol winner David Cook's debut album will hit stores in November. - Billboard
Pink Floyd keyboard player and founding member Richard Wright has died at age 65. - Reuters
Nip/Tuck's stars want to double their salaries for the show's final season. - TV Guide
Ready for a XXX sequel? Yeah, me neither, but Vin Diesel is. - Variety

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American Idol: Interview With Season One's Justin Guarini

BuzzSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:30:35 -0700

So I'm roaming around the San Francisco American Idol auditions, having no problem getting people to sing for me, when who should I bump into but Justin Guarini! You may recall Justin lost to Kelly Clarkson in the first ever Idol finale, but that hasn't stopped him from trucking along in his career: He's currently covering all things Idol for TV Guide and doing a little singing as well (check out his MySpace page for a sample of his songs).

I asked the Idol forefather a couple of questions including how the addition of instruments has changed the show and which David he was rooting for last season.

And you know what? I'm not gonna lie, he's pretty cute in person.

To watch my short video, read more.

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Buzz News Roundup, 6/2

BuzzSugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:33:11 -0700

According to ComingSoon, Dawson's Creek's Kerr Smith will join the cast of the 3-D remake of My Bloody Valentine.
Rock legend Bo Diddley died today at the age of 79, writes Billboard.
ABC's Life on Mars adaptation is looking pretty troubled already, according to the LA Times, though it's the network's only new drama for the Fall.
The Hollywood Reporter announced that Bryce Dallas Howard will replace Charlotte Gainsbourg in the fourth Terminator installment.
American Idol winner David Cook's recording deal is official, and he's still setting all kinds of iTunes records, USA Today reports.

Variety reports that Family Guy will compete as a regular comedy at the Emmys - not just an animated one - for the first time.
Katharine McPhee and Wes Bentley are set to star together in the indie psychological drama The Storyteller, reports ComingSoon.

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Whose Post-American Idol Album Are You Most Interested to Hear?

BuzzSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:15:25 -0700

As I watched all of those sparkling song and dance numbers during the American Idol finale, I couldn't help but remember the good old days when Michael Johns had a shot at winning and Carly Smithson was surely destined for the top three. It was good to see them again!

The producers of the show proclaimed all year long that this was the most talented group on Idol ever. I don't know how much I agree with that, but while watching the finale I realized there were more contestants this year whose albums I would be interested in hearing - and perhaps even spend money on. Despite Brooke White's implosion on the show (starting and stopping her song, etc.) I think she has the potential to make the kind of music I might dig. Does anyone think Chikezie could make an interesting contemporary album? And what about Kristy Lee Cook? Do you see a country album in her future?

Of the this year's top ten, whose album are you most excited to hear?

Photos courtesy of Fox

American Idol: David Cook Takes the Crown

BuzzSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:45:36 -0700

Depending on your perspective, the American Idol finale is either the best two hours ever or the most excruciating two hours of your year. Either way, it never fails to be a kind of crazy, psychedelic blend between a televised award ceremony and a giant Ford commercial that brings the season's contestants back to the stage for one last time (until the tour that is).

America smashed all Idol records with 97.5 million votes, 56 percent of them for David Cook. Simon admitted that he called it wrong, that upon viewing the show at home he realized the night before was not a blowout. Which is what many of us were feeling. I'd still call the result an upset. There was a lot to cover so let's get down to it. To see my thoughts on the night, read more.

The opening act was cool and the kids sounded great but it was really hard to tell the So You Think You Can Dance dancers apart from the Idols. At one point I thought, "Hey, look at that. Brooke White doing the splits. Oh wait, no."
Jason Castro once again sounded gorgeous singing "Hallelujah." It's one of, say, two songs he should ever sing. And that doesn't include anything from Cats.
You know who should avoid choreographed dancing at all costs? Amanda Overmyer. And we heard about Donna Summer's new single. Um, yay?
I'm sorry, did I see Ryan Seacrest attempting to break dance? Surely I was a bit delirious and the So You Think You Can Dance kids were just blending in again, right?!
Sigh. Michael Johns' duet with Carly Smithson (who looked and sounded great) and then more Michael Johns when the six guys sang. . . Keep the Michael Johns coming!
An American Idol theme park: "You too can live the dream." Just. . . wow.

David Cook rocking out with ZZ Top was really cool. It's hard not to look smoking hot with those bearded legends playing backup for you.
Pairing Brooke White with Graham Nash to sing "Teach Your Children" was really smart and probably a dream come true for her. But why not Carly Simon? She has a new-ish album out and those two on stage together would have blown my mind.
Grrr. . . why do they bring the crazies back every year? I hate it! This is what you take up my time with waiting for the results?! Renaldo Lapuz, one my Caption It people? However, I admit the whole spectacle was worth it to see Paula get on up there with the crazies to dance. And Renaldo kept singing even when the music stopped. Yeah, it's time for a commercial break.
I did not like Jordan's song nor did I like her outfit. What the heck was she wearing? I felt bad for her that she had to follow that One Republic/Archuleta goosebump-fest but still, yikes.
Robert Downey Jr. as a back up dancer to Gladys Knight was so freaking cute, I thought I might faint. Oh yeah, Ben Stiller and Jack Black were there, too.
Did Carrie Underwood borrow her outfit from Renaldo? Regardless, she took on that stage like the pro she has become and brought down the house.

It all ended with a big tribute to George Michael and then the man himself showed up to sing "Praying for Time" (the song Carrie Underwood sang on Idol Gives Back). And of course Paula shed some tears and rambled something about dreams and hope. David Cook was crowned. Both guys should feel proud, but I'm so happy with the results! You?

Photos courtesy of Fox

Do You Agree With the American Idol Results?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 05:45:23 -0700

So David Cook is our new American Idol! Do you think it was the right call?

Photo courtesy of Fox

Who Will Be the Next American Idol?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:40:41 -0700

We're down to the two Davids after weeks of competition and, just like last year, I actually think we have two good, different options on our hands with these finalists. Will it be the squeaky clean kid with the pretty voice, or the rock-and-roll bartender with a knack for turning any song into his own?

Photo courtesy of Fox

American Idol Rundown: The Final Two Revealed

BuzzSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:13:16 -0700

American Idol said goodbye to one of the final three on Wednesday which gives us our 2008 top two finalists. Of the three above, many could have predicted two of them would make it this far (ahem! Davids) and one has shocked many by fighting her way to the top. So was there an Idol upset? Or do the top two look the way many of us expected? To see some of my thoughts and discuss, just read more.

And Idol rolls along as expected with Syesha singing her final song of the competition. She was gracious and thankful for the experience. I can only imagine how proud she must feel to get this far - and she should be. No one really expected it and the girl pulled out some fight in the end to stay alive (though it was a little hammy sometimes).

"The math is very simple, but the reality is hard to swallow." This is how Ryan kicked off the "drama," aka the elimination business of the night. And from that eloquent introduction we traveled with the top three Idols to their respective hometowns. David Archuleta was full of "gosh!"s and all three shed some tears.

Here are some more of my thoughts:

Why do the producers of Idol insist on boring us with soft-rock hits? That opening group performance could not have been a more anti-climactic start to the final elimination show of the season.
David Archuleta's head in the pool of his Ford commercial dream sequence made me spit out my drink in laughter.
I loved that Fantasia busted onto the stage with a crazy amount of energy and some pretty funky moves. Her back-up dancers were fun too. Despite how you may feel about the song (and overall performance), there is no denying the girl's got charisma. Did anyone happen to catch the shot of Simon's face near the end? Priceless.
Those little girls screaming themselves blue in the face back in Utah gave us all a little glimpse into what's been fueling little David along in this competition. Well, that and talent. But the girls, they love this guy.
How cute were the brothers Cook on stage? That was nice of Ryan to bring David's brother up there. Also, upon viewing Cook's "Idol Journey" segment I've decided he definitely wins most improved in the image department. What do you think?

So Simon got his wish for a "humdinger" of a finale with a David vs. David match-up. Syesha was sad, of course, but she took it like a champ and probably knew it was practically inevitable. So what did you think? Excited for next week?

Photos courtesy of Fox