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What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:17 -0800

Welcome to a very special Monday edition of What to Download! Instead of Tuesday, all the hot music releases are happening today. In addition to the dance-floor-ready releases I've handpicked below, Shakira's She Wolf also dropped today.

Good girl gone bad makes good: Rihanna has had a tough year, but if her release of Rated R is any indication, she's ready to pick herself up and be back on top - of the charts, at least. Considering her last album gave us modern classic "Umbrella," I've been trying to sniff out this year's mega-hit. "Hard" probably comes the closest, but while it's catchy, this isn't a candy-coated pop musing. Sounding weary but more mature, Rihanna brings a darkness with her singles, particularly on "Wait Your Turn," probably my favorite on the album. Speaking of dark, "Russian Roulette," a stirring ballad, conjures up gun metaphors for love. Its heaviness, along with the album's, may or may not translate to chart success, but it's a tough, brave declaration that Rihanna isn't going anywhere.

Feel the fame all over again:The Fame Monster is the re-issue of Lady Gaga's debut album The Fame, but has enough new tracks on it to justify all the buzz around it. You'd have to be fighting it pretty hard to not have heard "Bad Romance" - the track and its great hook are exactly what I like to hear from Gaga. But I think the real winner here is going to be "Telephone" - featuring the only diva fierce enough to go head to head with Gaga: Beyonce. If you still need more fuel for your dance party, play "Monster" a few times and you'll be spinning around your room in no time.

See one more new release when you read more.

Worship your glam idol: Kris Allen may have won American Idol, but Adam Lambert is your rock king. For Your Entertainment is as glittery and fun as its crazy cover promises. I've been loving the bouncy, sexy title track since Lambert performed it in his scandalous AMA performance. Swaggering glam rock track "Strut" is more of the same fun, and the fabulously '80s "Music Again" features the capable vocalist hitting high notes like a modern Freddie Mercury.

The Top 10 Moments of the 2009 American Music Awards

BuzzSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:00:57 -0800

The American Music Awards promised us big-name musical acts, and it delivered. I was there for every moment from the red carpet to the press room to the closing performance (a very jaw-dropping routine by Adam Lambert). Taylor Swift dominated the honors, and I've already shared the full list of winners; now, I'm here to bring you all of the other highlights from the evening - including the stuff you didn't see. Ready? Let's begin!

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Announcing the Winners: 2009 American Music Awards

BuzzSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:42:17 -0800

The American Music Awards show is over, and I've got your full list of who earned trophies. Following her big CMA wins, Taylor Swift dominated in the female categories, taking home AMAs for favorite artist in both pop and country categories as well as the top honor of them all: Artist of the Year.

Besides Ms. Swift, there were plenty of others who triumphed, like country act Gloriana, who pulled off a shocker of an upset with Breakthrough Artist over Lady Gaga. (Even Gloriana poked fun at the win, asking the audience to raise a show of hands if they didn't know who they are.) Michael Jackson won four posthumous honors, and his brother Jermaine took the stage with family members to accept on his behalf. I'll be going over all of the highlights from the show tomorrow - including some of my red carpet coverage and notes from the press room - so check back then! For now, be sure to vote on Fab's fashion polls and Bella's beauty polls from the night's looks.

To see the full list of winners from the evening, just read more.

POP OR ROCK MUSIC

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Michael Jackson

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Taylor Swift

FAVORITE BAND, DUO, OR GROUP
The Black Eyed Peas

FAVORITE ALBUM
Michael Jackson, Number Ones

COUNTRY MUSIC

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Keith Urban

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Taylor Swift

FAVORITE BAND, DUO, OR GROUP
Rascal Flatts

FAVORITE ALBUM
Taylor Swift, Fearless

RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Jay-Z

FAVORITE BAND, DUO, OR GROUP
Black Eyed Peas

FAVORITE ALBUM
Jay-Z, The Blueprint 3

SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Michael Jackson

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Beyonce

FAVORITE ALBUM
Michael Jackson, Number Ones

SOUNDTRACKS

FAVORITE ALBUM
The Twilight Soundtrack

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC

FAVORITE ARTIST
Green Day

ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

FAVORITE ARTIST
Taylor Swift

LATIN MUSIC

FAVORITE ARTIST
Aventura

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL

FAVORITE ARTIST
Mary Mary

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
Gloriana

INTERNATIONAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Whitney Houston

TV Tonight: The American Music Awards

BuzzSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:30:36 -0800

This has been a huge year for music so far: Taylor Swift has won every trophy imaginable, Whitney Houston is staging her comeback, and Michael Jackson is still topping the charts, even after his death. Perhaps that's why tonight's American Music Awards sounds even better than in the past - and I'll be at the show to bring you all of the exciting moments!

Let's go over what to expect from the evening. First off, the performances. There are so many big-name acts I honestly can't choose which is my favorite. Janet Jackson is opening the first eight minutes, but The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert, Rihanna, and Carrie Underwood are taking the stage, too, among others. (I cannot wait to see what over-the-top spectacle Gaga has up her bedazzled sleeve!) As for the awards, everyone will be watching to see if Michael Jackson earns a posthumous statue; he's up for five categories, bested only by Taylor Swift who is in the running for six.

Check back for my coverage on all the winners, or follow me on Twitter where I'll be sending regular red carpet sightings. The show starts at 8/7c on ABC - are you tuning in?

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.

Buzz-Worthy Video: Comedian Christmas Carol

BuzzSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:30:48 -0800

Is it too early for a holiday music video? Not when it's one starring a host of comedians like Patton Oswalt, Paul F. Tompkins, Weird Al Yankovic, and Rob Huebel, plus many more. Even Mary Lynn Rajskub pops up for a verse or two!

The song, "Do They Know It's Christmas?", was originally written in the '80s for a group of celeb musicians, but this one is very different, and very tongue-in-cheek. Just take the, um, "special appearance" by Thomas Lennon and Ed Helms.

For a holiday chuckle, watch the video when you read more.

Buzz-Worthy Video: Beck, Feist, Wilco Performing Together

BuzzSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:30:46 -0800

Guaranteed way to make me drop everything I'm doing and press play: tell me that Beck, Feist, and Wilco are collaborating. It's true; Beck recruited the folk chanteuse, the rock band, and British singer Jamie Lidell to join him to perform a tribute to '60s musician Skip Spence.

Their cover of Spence's song, "Little Hands," was recorded in the famous Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood in ultrahip black and white. The song is beautiful, but I'm still just beaming to see some of my favorite artists in one room together (including Jeff Tweedy's son Spencer on drums!). And Beck, you're rocking that devil's haircut.

To see the video of "Little Hands", just read more.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:38:24 -0800

T.G.I. Tuesday! I've already sorted through the big DVD releases of the day, but now I have new songs to revive your iPod, Just take a look at these three albums. (And if you want to see your own music reviews featured on Buzz, submit them in the Music Review Group in the community!)

Music mash-up: Seems like everyone is releasing a holiday album lately - remember Bob Dylan's? Now, Tori Amos is trying her hand at the genre with Midwinter Graces. It's a big risk for Amos, who puts her own spin on classic carols. Traditionalists might cry foul when she mashes up "What Child Is This" and "The First Nowell" for "What Child, Nowell" or re-purposes "Silent Night" into a love song, but at least Amos is thinking outside of the box. The quieter songs work best, thanks to Amos's ethereal voice. I recommend "Emmanuel" or "Winter's Carol."

All over the place: Wale references Kanye West in the first track on his big studio debut Attention: Deficit, and the mention is fitting. Wale seems like a Kanye in the making, mixing in sparkly, bragadocious tracks with songs that raise controversial social issues (like "Shades," which tackles racism). He also brings in a long list of collaborators, including Lady Gaga (on the already-released "Chillin'") and Mark Ronson. As a result, the album jumps around like, as the title hints, a kid with ADD. You may recognize Wale from this year's VMAs, and he's undoubtedly one to watch. For now, download "Pretty Girls" and "Diary," which samples from one of my favorite films, Amelie.

See one more release when you read more.

A classic formula: Bon Jovi fans really love Bon Jovi, and on the band's newest release, The Circle, the rockers aren't afraid to deliver exactly what their followers want - even if it feels recycled. "Working For the Man" should appeal to those who enjoy pumping their fists along to songs like "Living on a Prayer," and "When We Were Beautiful" almost feels like a U2 copycat. The guys cover the regular themes there - love, leadership, the highway of life, etc. - so there are no big surprises. Still, as far as guilty pleasure Bon Jovi goes, it doesn't disappoint.

Fergie's "Be Italian" From Nine - Nailed It or Not Impressed?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:30:24 -0800

Rob Marshall's long anticipated movie musical Nine won't hit theaters until December, and I'm practically counting the minutes until I can see all the talented ladies (Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, the list goes on) singing and dancing with Daniel-Day Lewis. The songs are showstoppers for sure, and now you can have a taste of the upcoming soundtrack. Give a listen to Fergie singing "Be Italian," one of the show's biggest numbers, and tell me what you think - nailed it or not impressed?

New Music: Norah Jones's "Light as a Feather"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:30:00 -0800

It's been seven years since Norah Jones burst onto the music scene with her debut album and mega-hit "Don't Know Why," and the talented chanteuse has continued to make beautiful, jazzy music (and one movie, which we'll just forget about) ever since.

Her latest album is The Fall, which comes out Nov. 17, and I'm already entranced by the soft, haunting "Light as a Feather." It's not just Jones's smoky voice that makes it worth listening to; it was co-written by alt-country icon Ryan Adams. To hear the song for yourself, just read more.