BuzzSugar

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:30:41 -0700

Tuesdays are big in entertainmentville: not only do all the new DVD releases hit Netflix, but new music also pours into stores. So I take a spin through each week's music releases and pick out some albums and tracks worthy of a download. If you're anywhere near a Target, Prince's new albums (a three-CD project) are now available exclusively at the retailer. Here are today's selections:

Jazz it up: I really love Diana Krall, and on many occasions, her deep, gorgeous voice is exactly what my life needs to have playing in the background. Today she's released a new collection that includes covers of songs by artists like Al Green and jazz standards once tackled by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald. I'm really enjoying her versions of "Walk on By" and "Too Marvelous For Words."

Now that "Young Folks" just got out of your head: Here comes Peter Bjorn & John with more catchy tunes! This new release by the Swedish trio isn't as folksy as the previous album and has a lot of synthesizer going on instead. I'm liking it but not totally in love yet - just need to take more listens. Check out "Nothing to Worry About," and "It Don't Move Me" for a taste of what PB&J's sound is all about these days.

One more to come, so read more.

Piano man: Gavin DeGraw has been promoting his new album as a stripped-down version of the kind of commercial hits that have made him so successful. From what I've listened to so far, that does appear to be the case, with many of the tunes including only his voice and the piano. Tracks like "Dancing Shoes" and "Stay" demonstrate his ability to pour real emotion into his lyrics - and they're pretty, to boot!

Music Video: Peter, Bjorn & John, "Objects of My Affection"

BuzzSugar — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 10:38:25 -0700

I ran across this video for Peter, Bjorn & John's "Objects of My Affection" while perusing this list of the top 10 music videos of 2007 (so far). Not only is it a great song, but it's also a perfect example of how visuals can enhance a melody. Set in a sort of mod-meets-MC Escher environment, the band falls through a maze of spheres and stairwells to the beat of a tumbling tambourine.

If you like the song, you should also check out this Peter, Bjorn & John performance from SXSW. To watch the video, read more

SXSW Set of the Day: Peter, Bjorn & John

BuzzSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 16:05:40 -0700

At first, it was the impossibly catchy song "Young Folks" that turned me on to Peter, Bjorn & John. But as I spend more time with the Swedish pop group's breakthrough album, Writer's Block, I discover more and more songs that I love.

Now, after hearing KEXP's podcast of PB&J performing at South by Southwest, I'm jonesing to see the band live. But until then, this highly satisfying live recording should hold me over, with a set that includes "Young Folks," "Paris 2004," and "Amsterdam." Be sure to listen to the end, when the band tries to collude with the Austin mafia. To hear the show, read more

Song of the Day: Peter Bjorn and John, "Young Folks"

BuzzSugar — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 10:33:00 -0800

I finally got around to checking out Peter Bjorn and John, whose Writer's Block was one of the most buzzed-about albums of 2006. Now, the CD is finally getting an official stateside release on Feb. 6, and the Swedes are performing on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on Jan. 29.

To celebrate, I thought I'd share this track "Young Folks," which I'm really digging right now. Not only does it have whistling - I'm really a sucker for whistling - but it also has a great bouncy melody that just makes me smile. To listen to PB&J's "Young Folks," read more