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What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:30:29 -0800

Time for more Tuesday entertainment! I've already shared a few new DVD releases to give your movie library a shot in the arm, but now, let's amp up your iPod. Big-name albums hit shelves today, so be sure to read up on these three. (And if you want to see your own music reviews featured on Buzz, submit them in the Music Review Group in the community!)

Fan-pleasing pop: American Idol fans rejoice: you've said that you're interested in post-AI albums, and now Kris Allen's anticipated self-titled debut is finally here. The song selections started a bit bland for me, but Allen picks up momentum with "The Truth" and the soft but moving ballad "Bring it Back." Both songs get needed oomph from orchestral accompaniment to create a sweeping sound that's sure to make Allen aficionados swoon. As for the rest of the album, it's predictable, but likable, much like the singer himself.

Why the sad face? Listening to John Mayer's latest, Battle Studies, you've got to wonder who ripped his heart out - Jessica Simpson? Jennifer Aniston? Every song is about a hurt guy who doesn't want to love again. Sensitive crooning isn't anything new to Mayer, but this time, it feels like mundane easy listening. I long for the days of "No Such Thing" when we had a more upbeat Mayer, or the Mayer who can riff on the guitar like nobody's business. But we don't really get either here. Still, it's worth noting his collaboration with Taylor Swift on "Half of My Heart," and my personal fave, "All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye."

See one more release when you read more.

Diva in training: Leona Lewis burst onto the scene two years ago with "Bleeding Love," and now she returns with her sophomore follow-up to Spirit, Echo. Lewis hits the high notes - and she'll once again draw comparisons to Mariah Carey - but the lyrics don't always pack the same punch, and they often feel like recycled love musings. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to see Lewis branch out of her usual comfort zone with the dance track "Outta My Head" and "Can't Breathe," which goes heavier on the R&B. If you've seen those Precious promos, you've heard another song from the album, "Happy," but it was recently announced that Lewis will be providing the title track for the film Avatar, so listen for her voice to show up there, too.

Gossip Girl Threesome Predictions, Video of Robert Pattinson's Smoke Break, and a Breakdown of Our New Moon Interviews!

Molly — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:25:00 -0800

Robert Pattinson ducked out for a cigarette between interviews in LA over the weekend before heading to Paris with Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner. Watch to hear what it was like to interview the whole cast this weekend and speaking of New Moon's werewolf - he got an adorable shout-out during Taylor Swift's SNL. Plus, John Mayer comes to Britney Spears's defense, and we give our predictions about tonight's controversial Gossip Girl threesome. Watch PopSugar Rush now!

Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer Try Again, Britney Is the No. 1 Mom, & a Sneak Peek at Project Runway and The Vampire Diaries

Molly — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:41:20 -0700

Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer are supposedly giving it another go, but we're a little suspicious about the perfect timing to line up with his new album release. Plus, behind the scenes at a New Moon cast photo shoot, and Britney Spears edges out Angelina Jolie to be named mom of the year in a UK poll. Watch sneak peeks of Christina Aguilera on Project Runway and the The Vampire Diaries flashback episode. Watch PopSugar Rush now!

Sienna Has Some Audience Issues, John Mayer Parties and Does Stand-Up, and Megan Fox in Her Underwear

Molly — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:47:49 -0700

Sienna Miller has a few awkward audience interactions on Broadway while John Mayer shows off his stand-up skills in his new music video. We've got our exclusive message from a Glee guy and a sneak peek at tonight's new episode. Plus, Christian Louboutin has some words for Barbie and Megan Fox heads to Armani underwear. Watch PopSugar Rush now!

Which of These Duets Would You Prefer?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:30:25 -0700

Already this week, two unexpected musical collaborations have caught my attention. First, Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson have teamed up for an album called Break Up, which will be out Sept. 8. Meanwhile, John Mayer joined Taylor Swift on stage at her Los Angeles concert to sing "White Horse" (her song) and "Your Body is a Wonderland" (his song). The first song from Scarlett and Pete is already streaming online, while this video captures the unlikely John/Taylor duo singing (well, and their fans screaming).

Both of these duets strike me as odd choices - but maybe that's the beauty of them? You tell me: Does one of these duets make more sense than the other? Which would you rather hear?

Source

Did John Mayer Ruin Petty's "Free Fallin"?

BuzzSugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:30:13 -0700

Last week's release of John Mayer's live performance at L.A.'s Nokia Theater included an acoustic cover of Tom Petty's classic song "Free Fallin," and at first I thought I would probably enjoy it. Because what's not to like? At first blush it sounds pretty, I already know the lyrics, etc.

But then I happened to hear the original version on the radio the other day and was reminded of how great it is, and I started to have sour feelings toward Mayer for laying his paws on such a classic. But then I thought, "Maybe it's just different and maybe that's OK." So, now I'm torn.

Take a listen for yourself and weigh in!

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What to Download: New Music on iTunes

BuzzSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:30:09 -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. Here's today's selections:

Guitar hero: I sort of forgot, what with all the press around the other stuff he does (i.e. girls), that John Mayer makes music. Today, though, his live performance at the Nokia Theater in LA is available for download, and most of his fan favorites are there, including "Waiting on the World to Change." He also does a mellowed-out cover of "Free Fallin'."

Change of tune: I've been a passing fan of the Chicago band Alkaline Trio over the years, but upon listening to their new album, Agony & Irony, their music sounded a bit different. I even thought, "This could totally be on an episode of The Hills." And sure enough, a quick search revealed that yes, this band has appeared on the show. So take from that what you will. Also, check out the track "Help Me," which is pretty decent.

One more guilty pleasure, so read more.

Squeaky clean: I'm not so sure about the rest of Disney star Vanessa Hudgens's second album, Identified, but I'm a wee bit addicted to the single "Sneakernight." It doesn't make a lot of sense, and it's totally hilarious lyric-wise, but I I've heard it on the promos for So You Think You Can Dance and . . . yeah, I kind of like it.

Jessica Simpson, Photographer? Yikes.

BuzzSugar — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 11:10:33 -0700

While tooling around Europe with her new beau John Mayer, Jessica Simpson told MTV Europe that she wants to release a book of her photography. I know, you're probably thinking to yourself: singing, acting, shoe designing, and now photography - is there anything this woman can't do?! Apparently not, dear readers. According to the MTV story:

She hopes to release a book of her photos - "mostly of landscapes, of the sky, clouds" - accompanied by journal entries related to the shots. "I know exactly what I was going through when I was taking the picture, and I write it down as I take the picture, so it will be that kind of book."

Hey Jess, most people would call "that kind of book" a scrapbook and probably just keep it to themselves. But then again, most newlyweds don't open their homes up to camera crews either. Oh, I can't wait to see this.

Source

Buzz News Roundup, 3/10

BuzzSugar — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 10:43:03 -0800

The Springfields of the United States will battle for the right to hold The Simpsons Movie premiere, according to the Associated Press.
Piz - er, Chris Lowell from "Veronica Mars" - has been cast in the "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff, TV Guide reports.
Genesis will kick off their first tour in 15 years in September, says Variety.
The "Nip/Tuck" creator has promised 10 big guest stars this season, including Nicole Kidman, says Access Hollywood.
Dreamworks has committed to produce a movie based on the Belgian cartoon Tintin, the AP reports.
NBC is planning its own download store, according to Media Post.
The weirdest reality TV news this week: The BBC says it's developing a show where contestants will live in a garbage dump.
"The L Word" is getting a fifth season, Variety reports.
The South by Southwest independent film festival kicked off on Friday in Austin, Texas, says the Hollywood Reporter.
The AP reports that John Mayer has joined the lineup of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Yeah, "Your Body is a Wonderland" totally swings.

Photo courtesy of Fox

Rocking Out with "The Office"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 13:52:14 -0800

Last week's holiday episode of "The Office" featured so many priceless karaoke moments. Among my favorites were Kevin's deadpan rendition of "You Oughta Know," Angela's thundering take on "Little Drummer Boy," and Kelly's "We belong together ... Ryan!" But this may be the best story of them all: It turns out Creed was singing his own song.

In his other life, Creed Bratton, the actor who plays Creed, is Creed Bratton: Rocker. He was in a group called The Grass Roots in the '60s, and he has since released three solo albums. The song he performed on the show was "Spinnin' N Reelin,'" from his album The 80's. You can hear a clip of the song - or even buy the whole album - here.

I can't get over how much more exuberant Creed sounds on the recorded clip than he did on the show. I think of him as the gross old curmudgeon who steals toys from needy children, so the bright guitars and synth-heavy beats on his album just crack me up.

Meanwhile, John Mayer talks about his decision to let Michael Scott have his way with "Your Body is a Wonderland." In exchange for letting the show use his song for the Karaoke party, Mayer asked for a Dundie Award.