BuzzSugar

What to Download: New Music on iTunes

BuzzSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:32:53 -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. In addition to the selections below, you can download the best of Radiohead (according to whom, I'm not sure) and a new album from The Virgins. Here are today's selections:

Indie darlings: Fleet Foxes are yet another little band making good out of the Northwest and their first self-titled album is gorgeous. One track, White Winter Hymnal is ethereal and sweet, and I can't get enough. They kind of have a Shins vibe going on.

The cynical beauty: It's no secret I've been salivating for the new Aimee Mann album, and it's finally here! I've already downloaded, Freeway and Thirty One Today. I'm so excited to dig into the rest of the album.

Another three albums (busy day for music!) if you read more.

A little bit country: When I hear about Jessica Simpson making the leap to country, I roll my eyes. When I hear Jewel's taking a stab at it, I sit up and take notice. From what I've heard so far, it's a natural fit. There's no mistaking Jewel's voice and set to twangy Dixie Chick-type melodies it's a good choice for both country music fans and Jewel devotees.

More Weeds: I've been buzzing about the third season of Weeds coming out on DVD today and the latest soundtrack is here, too! It looks like a cool, quirky compilation. I just saw Beruit perform at Sasquatch and their song Scenic World is included, along with a track called Buttmachine by That 1 Guy.

Boys of summer: And last but not least, Weezer's sixth album has arrived. The third track, Pork and Beans has made me happy for weeks now (and is accompanied by a funny music video), though the rest of the album has yet to grow on me.

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What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:30:38 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue.

Weeds: Season 3
I added the third season of the hit Showtime series Weeds to my must-haves for June because it's a must-watch before the fourth season starts up this month. This is a series I love to own because I want to watch the lovely Mary-Louise Parker and gang whenever I get the urge.

As I said in my must-haves post, the seasons prior to this one always balanced dark elements with high comedy but this third go-around is mostly dark. New faces in the cast this third season include Matthew Modine playing a real estate mogul and Mary-Kate Olsen as the religious (yet still tokey) girlfriend of Nancy's (Parker) son Silas. Even Carrie Fisher pops up - but that's all I'll say, so as not to spoil the fun.

Special features include eight commentary tracks, the full set of Good Morning Agrestic videos, and a sampler of the show's soundtrack.

Two more new titles - one TV, one movie - up next. So read more.

Semi-Pro
I saw Semi-Pro when it first came out and had to admit that while the old Ferrell '70s shtick is getting old, I still buckled over in laughter during some parts. Instead of playing up the inflated ego of an anchorman, ice skater, or race car driver, this time Ferrell tackles the role of basketball player/manager. He sports an afro and his jiggly white skin is shoved into a teeny-tiny uniform for a good portion of the film.

It's not the best thing around, but definitely a crowd pleaser if you need something to flip on the tube with a group of friends. Special features include: Improv; "Love me sexy" - The Story Behind the One-Hit Wonder; Re-creating the American Basketball Association; 4 days in Flint; and The Man Behind Semi-Pro.

Rescue Me: Season 4
First of all, creepy cover, right? Fans of the critically acclaimed FX series starring Denis Leary can rejoice at the release of this exciting season on DVD. I've only paid passing attention to this show (it can be really intense!) but I have a secret soft spot for Leary, and the show's premise is compelling.

This is how Netflix summarizes the fourth season: "Haunted by the loss of friends who perished in the disaster, his failed marriage and his son's tragic death, Gavin grapples with his past, his future and his sanity."

Like I said: intense.

Special features include six featurettes, 22 deleted scenes, and a gag reel.

BuzzSugar's Must Haves for June

BuzzSugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 07:00:02 -0700

Most of my must-haves this month are highly anticipated albums, though I'm also jonesing for the latest seasons of a couple of my beloved TV shows. And check out which funny memoirist is back with a book that's getting all kinds of raves. To see what I'm adding to my shopping cart this June, just hit "Start."

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