BuzzSugar

NBC's Even Remaking Its Chimes

BuzzSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:36:09 PDT

From Knight Rider to The Partridge Family, NBC under entertainment president Ben Silverman has been a remake-happy network. So is it any wonder that NBC's signature chime sound (you know, the "boooo-beeeee-boooooh" that plays alongside the peacock logo) is also getting a reinvention?

The B-52s, The Flaming Lips, and B.B. King are among the musicians redoing the signature tones (apparently it's the notes G-E-C) as part of a new ad campaign. The eight-second spots will air at the top and bottom of every hour.

This music player has some snippets of what the new tones will sound like, plus a mini-interview with the B-52s talking about how funny it was to receive a call about doing the campaign. Even better is this Entertainment Weekly video from the promo shoot that has Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne saying there was no way he could turn down an opportunity to do something this bizarre.

The promos should start airing around Thanksgiving, and while they might be doomed like so many other NBC remakes these days, I still can't help but think it's sort of clever. What's your take?

The B-52s Are Back! New Video for "Funplex" Is Fun, Weird

BuzzSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:31:27 PDT

It's pretty awesome that the B-52s aren't just still around and kicking (Kate Pierson is about to turn 60!), they're also still putting out hilariously fun, catchy songs, complete with their signature flamboyance and silliness. The new video for the tune "Funplex" takes place partially inside a futuristic Funplex, and partially in outer space. It seems to be about pleasure-seeking and, well, heartbreak at the Funplex.

The song itself is totally danceable, and the video is just good ol' cheesy-hokey fun. With lyrics like "Faster! Faster! Thrill! Thrill! Too much to do, it's time for a pill!" you can't help but grin and go along for the ride.

"Funplex" is off their brand-new album by the same name. To see the video (warning: may induce nostalgia),

Rewind: This Week's Buzz

BuzzSugar — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 10:00:00 PDT

The best parts of the week were when you weighed in, so check out my polls:

If Ocean needed a fourteenth person and that person were a woman, which lady could play Ocean's Fourteenth?
Do you have any interest in Eli Roth's torture-horror film Hostel: Part II?
Would you get busy with Seth Rogen? Yes, I mean in that way.
What is this summer's song?

And in other news...

Check out the top ten summer TV shows you should keep an eye on.
Feist has a cool remix of her song "The Gatekeeper."
Clive Owen is back to doing his "protect the baby" thing (and looks damn fine doing it, again) in Shoot 'Em Up.
"Grey's Anatomy" fans: T.R. Knight will be back for another season along with a pay increase, while Isaiah Washington was just fired from the show. Tell me: Will you miss Dr. Burke?
Both Rilo Kiley and The B52s are working on new albums! Separately, that is.

The B-52s Prepare for a Comeback

BuzzSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 11:48:50 PDT

With all this news about cartoons from my childhood being made into movies, the return of Better Off Dead director Savage Steve Holland, and now, a comeback by The B-52s, I really do feel like I'm living in the '80s. In the case of the self-proclaimed "world's greatest party band," I consider this a good thing.

As reported in Billboard today, B-52s just finished laying tracks for a new album, the band's first since 1992's Good Stuff. Wow, it seems like only yesterday I was a quirky middle-schooler with "Hot Pants Explosion" on repeat. The 11-song album, which is yet to be named, was recorded in the band's Athens, GA, birthplace. According to Billboard:

"We all lived down there for two months and just got back in the swing of things," singer Fred Schneider said from his home on Long Island, N.Y.

He said the group, which has been performing together since 1998 after taking an extended break, always had intentions of recording again.

I'm glad to hear they've managed to get back together, because the B-52s really have some excellent songs, from "Rock Lobster" to "Is That You Mo-Dean?" Plus, I love that the band always seems to be having as much fun as its fans, if not more. From what Schneider says of the next album, that's not likely to change: "It's up-tempo and a bit sexed-up. It's sexier than ever."

The band hopes to release the record early next year. Until then, let's dance this mess around, shall we? You know you want to so

How to Throw a 127 Hours-Themed Oscar Bash

Lauren Bradshaw — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:30:03 PST

I've already walked you through how to host your own Social Network-themed Oscar shindig, but let's switch gears with another Academy Award best picture nominee: 127 Hours. Even though the film may not seem like party material at first glance (that arm-cutting scene doesn't exactly go well with hors d'oeuvres), it's still a great source of inspiration.

I've come up with a few suggestions to kick-start your planning, so take a look. And while you're at it, don't forget to download your own Oscar ballot to pass around to your guests, and fill out our online ballot for the chance to win a Samsung HDTV.

Who to invite: All of the people you've met on your various travels - or at least your friends with the strongest stomachs. You don't want any pals to pass out mid-show because they're feeling a little queasy.
Dress code: One-armed shirts in honor of the film's dramatic climax. Guests can alter old tops with some scissors, but if you don't want to tear up your clothes, then hiking pants and a bandanna will suffice.
Table setting: Turn your party area into a backpacker's oasis. Lay out some sleeping bags on the floor to lounge on, or use a camping kerosene lamp as a table centerpiece.

More tips after the jump.