BuzzSugar

Link Time! American Idol Comes to Springfield

BuzzSugar — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:30:00 PDT

American Idol judges will swing by the Simpsons finale - E! Online
HBO's How to Make it in America scores a second season - Entertainment Weekly
Tori Spelling may get a daytime talk show - Company Town
Five actresses for the I Dream of Jeannie remake - TV Squad
John Travolta as Benjamin Button? These movie posters show us what could have been (and, thank god, wasn't) - Moviefone
Who do you want to hear on the Eclipse soundtrack? - MTV Movies Blog
Courtney Love will henceforth be referred to as Courtney Michelle Harrison - Music Mix
Renewal orders for Parenthood and Curb Your Enthusiasm - Inside TV
Glee wins the ratings race as Lost drops - Hollywood Reporter
Speaking of Glee, there's already talk of a Madonna sequel - Ausiello Files
Samantha Jones loves her HP computers in these Sex and the City 2 photos - GeekSugar

Photo courtesy of Fox

Link Time! Sal Romano Not Returning to Mad Men

BuzzSugar — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:45:08 PST

Bryan Batt (aka Sal) is supposedly not coming back to Mad Men. Join this Facebook group to fight to save him - Vulture
Tommy Mottola in talks to judge American Idol or X Factor - TVWatch
George Lucas to produce a CG-animated film about fairies - MTV Movies Blog
Julianne Moore and Maria Bello wanted for TV pilots - Inside TV
AC/DC's music video is full of Iron Man 2 footage - HitFix
Hope for Haiti Now is No. 1 on Billboard - Rock & Roll Daily
10 questions Lost needs to answer - TV.com
Yay! The CW has picked up a pilot from Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman Palladino - Ausiello Files
Bill Paxton reported to replace Dennis Quaid in Knockout - The Playlist
A look back at Grammys highlights over the years - PopSugar

Photo courtesy of AMC

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:30:49 PST

We've covered the new DVDs of the week - ready to tackle music releases? I've got helpings from a new face, a familiar Idol, and a soundtrack that you'll want to get your hands on.

(And don't forget to check out the Music Review Group. If you submit your own writeup, I may even feature your thoughts on the site!)

Party animal: I have a hard time taking anyone who puts a dollar sign in their name seriously, but expect to see Ke$ha everywhere this year. Animal is the epitome of a dance album, as the new artist sings about late nights, booze, and lots of getting naked (which, though tired pop subjects, feel surprisingly fun here). She broke records recently when her "TiK ToK" became the biggest single download by a female in history. That track is reminiscent of Fergie's solo effort, and you can often find Ke$ha attempting the same balance of hip-hop and rap. Add it along with the Gaga-esque "Your Love Is My Drug" to your going out playlist. Want something slower? Try "Stephen," which feels like a punkier Taylor Swift.

New look, new sound: Judging by Katharine McPhee's makeover on the cover of Unbroken, she's out to prove that she's nothing like the American Idol alum who released her debut nearly three years ago. Her voice is still strong, but this sophomore showing is a little more folk/country than her previous work which felt like highly produced, flashy R&B. This time around, McPhee brings in new help, including two favorite female singer-songwriters of mine, Rachel Yamagata (on "Keep Drivin'") and Ingrid Michaelson (on "Surrender"). As a whole, the album is likable - though not remarkable - so check out those two tracks, along with "Lifetime," which has an upbeat but easygoing bounce.

See one more release when you

Hipster tunes: I just gave you a listen to the Fruit Bats's "When U Love Somebody" off the Youth in Revolt soundtrack, and now we have the full album to enjoy. It's a formula that you might expect from a Michael Cera movie - an eclectic grouping of older tunes paired with indie artists - and it works. Songs include "Les Cactus" by Jacques Dutronc (imagine a French version of "Louie Louie"), rap number "What's Up Fatlip," and the hazy ballad "Light of Love" by Fleshpot. Cera also makes an appearance, contributing "I Have a Boyfriend" to the mix.

Buzz In: What Are Your Favorite Movie Songs?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:00:07 PST

When the Golden Globes nominees were announced, I paid special attention to the Best Song picks since I've had Kate Hudson singing "Cinema Italiano" stuck in my head ever since I saw Nine (check for my review next week).

As you probably already know, I'm a sucker for a solid soundtrack. The right tune can make a pivotal film scene, so when one comes along that's a perfect fit, I'm always associating it with its corresponding flick. Think about it: what would The Breakfast Club be without "Don't You (Forget About Me)?" Or as annoyingly overplayed as it was, Titanic's "My Heart Will Go On?" Those are just a few that come to mind, but Dirty Dancing's "(I've Had) the Time of My Life" also tops my list, along with Bruce Springsteen's "Secret Garden" in Jerry Maguire.

I know there are a ton that I'm leaving out, so chime in! What are some of your favorite movie songs?

Photo courtesy of The Weinstein Company

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:00:17 PST

I already gave you a peek at today's DVD offerings; now, let's take a look at some new music to liven up your iPod. Alicia Keys's new album made it on my list of December must haves, so I'm pumped for its release, but I found a couple of others that are worth checking out, too.

Don't forget that if you want to plead your case about a new album, you can head over to the Music Review Group. I may even feature your thoughts on the site!

Strong woman, strong sound: Alicia Keys's fourth studio album The Element of Freedom sounds like it comes from a heartbroken woman who refuses to give up. That's what makes this album classic Keys. As for what makes it fresh, she plays around with her usual piano-laden tracks, mixing in heavy drums and more hip-hop ("Love Is Blind" reminds me of Kanye West's 808s and Heartbreak). Keys is at her best on "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)" featuring Drake and a fun collaboration with Beyonce titled "Put It in a Love Song." Also worth noting: an acoustic spin on "Empire State of Mind." Overall, Freedom is solid, but I sort of long for a hit like "No One," which seems to be missing here.

Not for the prudish: Robin Thicke knocks you over the head with overt sexuality in his new album, appropriately titled Sex Therapy: The Session. It's full of thinly-veiled euphemisms (and not so veiled, as with one song's chorus "I know you want to f***"). Once you get past the shock value and titles that use texting language (e.g. "Make U" and "2 Luv Birds"), it's surprisingly good. Thanks to catchy beats and Thicke's smooth voice, there are several times when Thicke channels Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSounds. I actually found myself humming along to Shakin' It 4 Daddy" (embarrassing, but true), and "Elevatas" with Kid Cudi is particularly excellent.

See one more release when you

Musical fun: Rob Marshall's Nine made a killing at this morning's Golden Globe announcement, which made me even more excited to listen to the full soundtrack which hit iTunes today. It includes the Best Song nominee "Cinema Italiano," an upbeat, dizzying number sung by Kate Hudson, and Fergie's "Be Italian" which she nails (as many of you agreed). All of the actresses show off their pipes here, but I'm particularly impressed with Daniel Day-Lewis - who knew that Bill "The Butcher" could sing?!

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:30:34 PST

The Tuesday entertainment offerings keep on coming. I already shared a few DVD releases with you, but now it's time to tackle music. We had a ton of big names last week, so today's selection is a bit slimmer than usual. Here are three solid picks worth noting. (And if you want to see your own music reviews featured on Buzz, submit them in the Music Review Group in the community!)

Hot-blooded angst: A bit of rage is nothing new to rockers, and The Bravery's newest album, appropriately titled Stir the Blood, is fueled by it. While most of the fast-paced, jumpy tracks make this feel like a party album, the themes are much darker tales of betrayal and bitterness. Just take the song titles "Red Hands and White Knuckles" and "Hatef**k," for instance. I'm willing to overlook the heavy-handed tone, though, with a few choices like the slower ballad "She's So Bendable," and "The Spectator" - the latter was featured on The Vampire Diaries.

Kelly Clarkson redux: I'm all for female singers championing girl power, e.g. Pink, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson. Now add to that list American Idol castoff, Allison Iraheta. Her debut album Just Like You hits today, and while fun, the lyrics are often basic, predictable pop that caters to a younger fan base. (She references texting multiple times and "D Is For Dangerous" actually recites alphabet letters.) Still, Iraheta's powerful, Clarkson-like pipes are worth giving a listen. Check out "Friday I'll Be Over U" and the more stripped-down "Scars," which tries to fall into the vein of Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful."

See one more release when you

Melancholy mood music: I've been anticipating the Up in the Air soundtrack ever since I heard Sad Brad Smith's "Help Yourself." (Not to mention I love what director Jason Reitman did with Juno's music.) This is a great road trip playlist - mellow, often folksy, and simplistic. In addition to "Help Yourself", I'm enjoying "Angel in the Snow" by Elliott Smith, which is a tad romantic, and "Be Yourself" by Graham Nash. For a more upbeat pick, "This Land Is Your Land" by Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings serves up a jazzier, funk version of the classic song.

Karen O Tells Us "All Is Love" in Where the Wild Things Are

BuzzSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:30:55 PDT

Unsurprisingly, the first song off the soundtrack to Where the Wild Things Are, which already looks adorable and cool, is totally cute. Featuring the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' frontwoman Karen O and a collection of adults and children simply called "the Kids," the track is sweet and whimsical, with all the Kids' voices combining with Os high-pitched chirruping. In "All Is Love," the whole group repeats those three words over and over until you can't really do anything but smile and start to believe it.

The single will be available to download tomorrow, and for now you can hear it on the MySpace page for Where the Wild Things Are. Take a listen, and tell me what you think.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Soundtrack Review: (500) Days of Summer

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:30:23 PDT

Note from Buzz: My buddy Bella is going to contribute some of her thoughtful musings about music here from time to time. Her inaugural post is an album review of the (500) Days of Summer soundtrack. Take it away, Bella!

A movie soundtrack has more or less the same goal as a great mix tape: it needs to put a scene in the listener's mind, produce an emotional response, and introduce an amazing new song or two. Considering how integral music is to the plot of (500) Days of Summer, a lot is riding on the film's soundtrack. The film isn't shy about revealing its hip-kid leanings - after all, our lovebirds initially bond over their love of the Smiths, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt sports Clash and Joy Division tees - but the soundtrack is an ambrosia salad of sweet but all-over-the-place tunes. For more of my take on it all,

These songs are an easy fit for romantic late nights, and about half of the CD will make you wish you were in love. Carla Bruni (yes, the first lady of France) spreads her velvet voice over the dreamy acoustic guitar-and-violin "Quelqu'un M'a Dit," and The Temper Trap's shimmering "Sweet Disposition" has a U2-meets-Bloc Party feel that could make this band. Regina Spektor's two tracks have her crooning as lovely as ever, and the Black Lips contribute a fun, jangly countrified treat with "Bad Kids."

And yet. For all of the good music on this soundtrack - and don't get me wrong, it's there - we've heard much of it before. Feist's "Mushaboom" is five years old now, and as much as I love Moz and Marr, I wish there were something fresher than two Smiths songs. Hall and Oates? Play 'em off, Keyboard Cat. (No, really. Please do.) Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward (She & Him) succeed with a wistful cover of "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want," but Meaghan Smith's cloyingly precious version of the Pixies' "Here Comes Your Man" is a miss.

For casual listeners, this soundtrack should bring some good times. But for anyone who's already into indie-ish music - which is pretty much this movie's target demographic - this "mix tape" might seem lacking in variety and freshness.

She & Him Cover the Smiths on (500) Days of Summer Soundtrack

BuzzSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:30:14 PDT

The soundtrack for Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's upcoming romantic film (500) Days of Summer (opening in limited release July 17) looks like an awesome lineup, and we've already checked out one of the songs, the Temper Trap's "Sweet Disposition," featured in the movie's trailer. Also included on the soundtrack is the Smiths' "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want," along with a cover of the song sung by Zooey Deschanel herself. Deschanel and M. Ward, as musical duo She & Him, give the tune an old-fashioned '50s feel, with Deschanel's plaintive voice telling us once more that if she gets what she wants, "Lord knows, it would be the first time."

I'm looking forward to hearing the entire soundtrack when it's released July 14, but for now it's fun to get a taste with She & Him. To check out the cover,

Five Notable '09 Soundtracks So Far

BuzzSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:40:59 PDT

In this age of downloading a single song here and there, the fun of a good soundtrack is getting a little bit lost. Sure, they might just be glorified playlists, but I still get a kick out of them. Whether they invoke memories of a movie I really enjoyed or introduce me to new artists, I'm a sucker for a good soundtrack. The following is a list of some quality soundtracks from the past few months - and some of them may surprise you!