BuzzSugar

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:30:58 -0700

We've already gone over some of today's DVD releases, but in need of a pick-me-up for your iPod, too? The pickings are slim this week, but here's the 411 on the buzziest albums.

Live and Loud: To coincide with the release of their documentary Under Great White Northern Lights, The White Stripes are releasing an album of songs from the film, which they played across Canada during a 2007 tour. The result is an in-your-face, raucous live mix with Jack White wailing on the mic. I especially enjoy his cries of desperation on concert favorite "Jolene" and the back-to-back performances of "We Are Going to Be Friends" and "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself". The album makes you feel like you're there for the head-banging, but more so, it makes me want to catch the band (and the doc) stat so I can actually see Jack shred along on the guitar, bloody fingers and all.

Country that kills: Drive-By Truckers return with their new album, The Big To-Do, their first under Dave Matthews's ATO label. They're still referencing their usual themes of hard livin' Southern types with a solid mix of rock and country, as they sing about a small-town sex worker on "Birthday Boy" or a closed-up club on "After the Scene Dies." Oh, and in classic Drive-By style, there's murder to be had on "The Wig He Made Her Wear," where a wife kills her preacher husband, or "Drag the Lake Charlie." If corpses really aren't your thing, try the more sensitive "You Got Another," a great ballad about love gone amiss.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:30:00 -0800

Today's entertainment goodies just keep on coming! In this week's music releases, a brand new collaboration is hitting the airwaves, alongside an album of previously unreleased Jimi Hendrix tracks. Hear my two cents, and then judge for yourself.

A perfect pairing: Broken Bells is the collaborative side project of Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse) and James Mercer. In their self-titled debut, they break free of Gnarls Barkley and the Shins, creating a sound all their own. The result is a dreamily dizzying mix of electronic, synth, and organ that's sure to be a hit with indie pop lovers and disenchanted youth everywhere (as on the haunting "Vaporize" where Mercer sings of "feeling lost"). Listen to it while contemplating your existence - or just do like "The Mall & Misery" suggests and "let your mind go."

Cartoon chaos: For a band that's a bunch of virtual characters, Gorillaz sure has a lot of friends. The group brings in everyone from Snoop Dogg to Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of The Clash for what's being called their environmental concept album, Plastic Beach. As such, expect to hear themes of consumerism (as on "Superfast Jellyfish") and saving the planet (on "Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach"). It's a nice idea, but the mix of artists and sounds - '80s electronic pop to a Lebanese orchestra - sometimes feels all over the place. Where mishmash really succeeds: on the ambitious (and my personal fave) "White Flag."

One more release to check out when you read more.

Rock legend lives: Even if you're not a huge fan of classic rock, you can still appreciate Jimi Hendrix's posthumous Valleys of Neptune. Complete with 12 previously unreleased recordings, the album pulls from Hendrix circa 1969. "Hear My Train a Comin'" has the wicked riffs that the icon is known for, and "Sunshine of Your Love" is an instrumental jam session. The songs are void of high-tech studio gloss, which gives Valleys of Neptune a bit of a grainy feel - in the best, intimate, old music kind of way.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:00:58 -0800

I've already provided you with some movie releases, but is your iPod in need of a shot in the arm, too? These new albums feature standout tracks that should help you beef it up.

Fall into the rabbit hole: Artists collide for Almost Alice - a soundtrack inspired by Alice in Wonderland - but the mix feels all over the map. The techno beats of Metro Station's "Where's My Angel" are a miss here, along with the suggestive pop of Kerli's "Tea Party," which uses the line "nibble on my biscuits." Really. Steer clear, and instead, try Franz Ferdinand's whimsical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's "The Lobster Quadrille" or Grace Potter and Nocturnals' cover of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" which perfectly captures trippy '60s sound.

Sensitive sunshine: After facing health issues for frontman Zach Rogue and the death of bassist Evan Farrell, Rogue Wave are putting their troubles behind them. They return with their latest Permalight, which swaps melancholy for a brighter mood. Tracks like the happily-titled "Good Morning (The Future)" feature electro-pop, and the understated but sweet "I'll Never Leave You" even includes clapping accompaniment. Download them along with "Fear Itself," where Rogue seems to hint at the band's struggles, singing "we're the only survivors." They survived - and apparently they've changed. Die-hard fans may take issue with that, but oh well, lighten up.

One more release to check out when you read more.

Little Gaga: Many comparisons have been drawn to the UK's Little Boots (aka Victoria Hesketh) and Lady Gaga. Her voice is sweeter than Gaga's, her lyrics less tongue in cheek, but Boots still captures the same fun club feel if you have a weakness for dance albums. On her debut Hands, which hits stateside today, she captures the electro-pop of Kylie Minogue with catchy tunes like "Remedy" and "New in Town," which is a great going-out track. Play it on full blast.

What to Download: New Music This Week

BuzzSugar — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:30:23 -0800

It's Tuesday, which means I've got lots of entertainment-related goodies to share with you. This morning I gave you some advice on what to add to your Netflix queues, and now it's time to make your ears happy with three new music releases.

Thrice as nice: Clocking in at over two hours and spanning over three discs, Joanna Newsom's Have One on Me isn't just an album - it's an undertaking. Newsom has her harp and a few other instruments backing her up, but it's her beautiful vocals that are on display here. Her angelic and often bluesy voice spills out equally gorgeous lyrics, and overall the album is the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing evening in your bathtub. It's hard to pick out a single tune on an album of such epic proportions, but you might want to try "Easy," or the soulful "Baby Birch."

Overseas invasion: You've probably heard the Australian Daniel Merriweather croon on Mark Ronson's version of "Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before," but on his debut Love & War, he proves he has the goods (and the falsetto) to stand on his own - well, with a little help. Ronson lends a hand on "Change" featuring Wale, and Adele chimes in for the ballad "Water and a Flame." Both tracks are worth downloading, but I'm also loving the Motown sound of "Impossible." Like any R&B singer, Merriweather touches on relationships and their demise, but the variety of sounds (and his rich voice) keep the old themes feeling fresh. Amy Winehouse, meet your cleaner, male counterpart.

One more left, so just read more.

Music for the people: A whole slew of artists you already know put together a compilation of unreleased footage for Download to Donate for Haiti, which was released late last week. It features tracks from Linkin Park, Weezer, and Enrique Iglesias, as well as some live music. It's a good mix of somber and upbeat tunes, and I have to admit that the live version of Dave Matthews Band's Typical Situation is bringing me back to my college years. Check it out and remember - it's for a good cause!

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:30:29 -0800

I've already shared a sampling of the DVDs that are available today, but if you're in the mood for music, these three new releases should provide a little something for everyone.

Nice and easy: Juliana Hatfield proves she's a one-woman show with Peace & Love, which she produced entirely by herself - even releasing it via her own label. As such, Hatfield resorts to minimalist acoustics which give the tracks a straightforward feel. Even her lyrics seem more vulnerable, as she sings on "Evan" (about her complex relationship with longtime collaborate/friend, The Lemonheads' Evan Dando), conceding "I just love you, I guess." Sad, heartfelt, simple.

Cover me sad: Eight years after his last solo album, Peter Gabriel is releasing Scratch My Back (available now on his website), a compilation of covers including Regina Spektor's "Apres Moi" and Arcade Fire's "My Body Is a Cage." The idea is for the artists to return the favor at a later date by redoing Gabriel's own hits for a second disc. Gabriel gives each track a more somber, grittier spin (the best example perhaps being of Paul Simon's "Boy in the Bubble") - it just makes me curious for the follow-up. I wonder what Simon or David Bowie would do with something like "Shock the Monkey"?

One more release to check out when you read more.

Moody musings: Hard rockers Story of the Year name their latest The Constant, because of the constant influence music has on their lives - and in honor of one of their favorite TV shows, Lost. Great title aside, the songs themselves remind me more of Twilight tunes: angsty tracks riddled with dramatic lyrics about love lost (as on, "I'm Alive" which compares heartbreak to being buried) and love kept (as on "Holding On to You").

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:09 -0800

It's a good day for entertainment! Besides the new DVDs today, I've got a few new music releases that should jolt your MP3 player to life.

It's electronic: Hot Chip's latest album, One Life Stand, is the fourth from the British electro-pop band, and though it's not quite as effervescent as 2008's Made in the Dark, there are plenty of crowd-pleasers. "Take It In" and title track "One Life Stand," are my favorites in particular, and the ones I'd cue up for a dance party for one. Less upbeat but just as great is the intense "I Feel Better."

Sugary sweet soundtrack: Before the Valentine's Day movie makes its debut in theaters Friday, its soundtrack bows today. By now you may have heard Taylor Swift's contribution, "Today Was a Fairytale" - the song is typically Swift, in that it's pretty schlocky, but it's also infectious and sweet. In the same vein is the Jewel song, "Stay Here Forever," which actually sounds like it could be a vehicle for Ms. Swift. It's not a comeback track for Jewel, sadly, but maybe it'll help her get her foot back in the pop door.

There are a couple more satisfying tracks on the disc, like the indie-fied, twee cover of I'm Into Something Good by The Bird and The Bee. And I tend to love Willie Nelson, so I'm a fan of his Sinatra-esque "On the Street Where You Live."

To see one more new album, just read more.

Clap your hands say say yea: Yeasayer has been up-and-coming for the last couple of years, and I think their sophomore effort, Odd Blood, will project them even more into the music consciousness.

Capitalizing on the electro-poppiness that's so hot right now, "Ambling Alp" is a must-download for fans of other bands like Hot Chip and MGMT. Despite those comparisons, the songs are wholly original and captivating, such as "O.N.E.," which manages to be both dance-y and emotionally evocative with lyrics like "hold me like you used to, control me like you used to." Finally, don't miss the fierce and forceful "Madder Red."

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:30:01 -0800

We've sampled some of the DVDs hitting shelves today, so let's dive into the music releases! Slim pickings this week, but everyone is talking about these two buzzy albums.

(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.)

Rocky horror: There's been a ton of curiosity surrounding Lil Wayne's long-delayed Rebirth - why does Lil Wayne need a rock album?! After giving it a listen, I'm asking myself just that. The rapper channels his inner '80s hair band, tapping into heavy metal complete with the screaming singing (e.g., on "Ground Zero," which is the Lil Wayne equivalent of mosh pit music). On "Drop the World" he gets some help from Eminem, which makes it worth checking out, but the rest of the tracks consist of typical rap lyrics forced into a genre that just doesn't fit.

A smooth, soulful debut: Nick Jonas's side project, Nick Jonas & the Administration, make their first outing with Who I Am. The album automatically establishes what the band is about: simple, easygoing pop. Several songs remind me of John Mayer circa Room for Squares, including the title track and "Olive & an Arrow," a romantic, bluesier number featuring a guitar solo. For someone who's only 17, Jonas leans toward the adult easy-listening crowd here, which may not appeal to younger fans. But man, does his falsetto sound good.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:30:37 -0800

We've already revamped your Netflix queue today - ready to upgrade your iPod with some brand new tunes? Here are three new releases worth a listen. Check 'em out!

(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.)

Musical je ne sais quoi: When you have Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beck teaming up to write an album, it better be good, and IRM doesn't disappoint. Taken from the French acronym for an MRI, Gainsbourg drew inspiration from her own MRIs following her water-skiing accident (and resulting hemorrhage) in 2007. As such, "Master's Hand" includes the lyrics "Paint my bones/ Drill my brain/ All full of holes" and the title track incorporates robotic, machine noise. Sounds dismal, but the overall affect is often beautiful and mysterious, sweeping strings paired with Gainsbourg's sexy, whispered sing-talking. And of course you have Beck and Gainsbourg's catchy duet "Heaven Can Wait." In a word: IRM is just cool.

Soulful healing: Ever since Corinne Bailey Rae's husband died of an accidental overdose nearly two years ago, the singer has been laying low. Now, she's back in a big way, delivering a rich, layered sophomore album titled The Sea, and surprise - it's actually eerily comforting and uplifting. "Love's on Its Way" conveys some of Rae's despair, but a nice build makes for a pretty, haunting track, and on "The Blackest Lily" she takes on a harder-edged sound. Both are excellent, but my favorite is "Paris Nights/New York Mornings" which feels happy-go-lucky and romantic (and makes me want to dance!) all at the same time.

One more release when you read more.

Childlike wonder: Following their 2008 release Distortion, The Magnetic Fields, led by frontman Stephin Merritt, are taking the opposite approach with the more stripped-down Realism. It's the sort of hipster-approved album you might hear in a Michael Cera movie: quirky, banjo-strumming tunes that at times feel cutesy, e.g. "We Are Having a Hootenanny" which, in addition to having an awesome title, sounds like a kid's singalong at Summer camp. Also worth checking out: the music-box-like ballad "Interlude" and "You Must Be Out of Your Mind," which is simple and upbeat, despite a darker warning of the pains of growing up.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:40:18 -0800

It's Tuesday, which means that you not only get a dose of fresh new movies on DVD, but you also get some new music releases. Today, we've got rock, indie, and country, so check out my recommendations below for what's worth a download.

Reliable rock: I'm a huge Spoon fan and have been waiting for a new album since the last, Ga Ga Ga Ga, came out. I just can't get enough of the consistently great band, and Transference doesn't disappoint one bit.

The first single is first for a reason: "Written in Reverse" is on the more aggressive side of Spoon songs, with its banging on piano keys - it's best listened to cranked way, way up. The equally strong "I Saw the Light" keeps up the tempo, as does Nobody Gets Me but You." If you're looking for a change of pace from the band, cue up lullaby Goodnight Laura, which features lead singer Britt Daniel humming through a melancholy, but sumptuous ballad.

Rainy day tunes: Eels offers up another mellow disc with End Times, and though the title indicates the bleakness that many of the songs explore, there's a charming harmony to "Mansions of Los Feliz" (though the lyrics are pretty dark, to tell you the truth). Less upbeat, but somehow still soothing is "Nowadays." By the time you get to the haunting "I Need a Mother," you may need a hug, but it's all worth it.

To see one more new release, just read more.

Gone country: The first thing I was entranced by in the Crazy Heart trailer was the song that plays over the spot, "The Weary Kind." I wasn't alone - it won the Golden Globe for Best Song Sunday night. The rest of Crazy Heart Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is a countrified songfest, and yes, other tracks from the movie actually are Jeff Bridges singing, like "Fallin' and Flyin'," which also features costar Colin Farrell. Speaking of, I love trying to detect the Irishman's accent in the twangy "Gone, Gone, Gone" (verdict? It's gone, gone gone).

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:30:12 -0800

We've covered the most Netflix-worthy DVDs of the week, but it's also a big day for music releases. Vampire Weekend's Contra officially hits stores (I'm talking "officially" - not all of those online leaks), along with OK Go's latest. I'm taking a look at both albums, but Heidi Montag's debut Superficial hits iTunes today, too.

(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!)

English-major rock returns: Vampire Weekend got a lot of deserved attention for its debut album two years ago, so the pressure for followup Contra to be as good is high.

"Horchata" and "California English" sound like logical progressions of the band's sound but nothing shockingly different. Those looking for a departure should queue up "Giving Up the Gun" and "I Think U R a Contra" for rare slow treats, but my prediction for the catchy standout single - the "Oxford Comma" of the group - is "Diplomat's Son."

Pop with a cool twist: You're probably most familiar with OK Go for their treadmill-happy video for "Here It Goes Again." On their latest album Of the Blue Colour of the Sky, the guys deliver a similarly upbeat feel mixed with a dash of swagger thanks to singer Damian Kulash's falsetto. Eighties electro-synth pops up a few times (I noticed it most on "End Love"), and the '60s get due recognition too with the psychedelic, trippy feel of "Back From Kathmandu." My favorite off the album, however, is "WTF?" which channels Prince. It's an absolute must.