PopSugar

Come Party With Me: Tea Party - Music

partysugar — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 06:53:19 -0700

I'm a little tea pot short and stout, here is my handle here is my spout, when I get all steamed up hear me shout, tip me over and pour me out. A preschool song may not be the best selection for the chic afternoon tea party I am hosting tomorrow, but it certainly fits the theme. The floral invitations have been sent, the sweet and savory baked goods have been prepared, my patio is the perfect picture of spring in full bloom and all I have to do is brew the tea and hit play on the stereo. Only I haven't compiled a playlist... it's a party where the conversation is more important than the music, so a soothing, relaxing, gentle background noise is what I am looking for. To see my contemporary classical musical suggestions for the tea party, read more

When I was younger I spent many an hour in front of a mirror in a leotard and tights as a ballet dancer. I enjoyed listening to classical music in ballet class and still take pleasure from listening to it today. Contemporary classical is what I'm after here, the whole concept behind this event is to take the stuffy idea of a tea party and make it modern for today's hostess with the mostess. Anything by composer Philip Glass is always great (you may not know him, but he does the soundtracks for movies like The Illusionist and The Hours) and you can't go wrong with his solo piano music. The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe is another wonderful option. BuzzSugar suggested putting several soundtracks like the music from The Piano and Pan's Labyrinth into the disc changer and hitting random. Have an awesome selection of songs that would be right on for my tea party? Do tell me about them below!

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:30:00 -0800

It's Tuesday, so you know what that means - new DVD releases just in time for the Thanksgiving break! I've already shared some fresh music picks, but here are three movies to add to your Netflix queue for the weekend.

Funny People

Adam Sandler plays a comedian who tries to turn his life around and befriend a past love (Leslie Mann) after being diagnosed with a blood disorder; Seth Rogen steps in as his idealistic assistant. Both men turn in solid performances in Funny People, and there are laughs, even though this is way more serious than director Judd Apatow's previous work. One of my complaints in the theater was that it was much too long, but that's the good thing about DVDs - you can always hit pause and go back later.

The single disc version includes a gag reel and a feature commentary with Apatow, Rogen, and Sandler. (Normally I don't watch with the commentary on, but in this case, I might just tune in for their wise cracks.) The special two-disc collector's version is loaded with extras, including a 13-year old Seth Rogen doing stand-up!

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Two more DVD releases to check out when you read more.

Four Christmases

I love Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, and while they don't necessarily have any sparks in Four Christmases, they still serve up a cute comedy. The pair star as a couple stuck visiting four sets of relatives around the holidays - his mom, her mom, his dad, her dad. And while it's not the funniest or most charming film that either actor has done, I still had a few laughs, especially thanks to the supporting cast of quirky characters (Jon Favreau and Kristin Chenoweth in particular). Even if it doesn't stack up against the classics in my holiday movie faceoff, it's worth trying if you're looking to get into the spirit of the season.

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Angels and Demons

Tom Hanks fans have Angels and Demons to look forward to. The actor is incredibly long-winded in the follow-up film to The DaVinci Code, but at least he's no longer sporting that ridiculous bouffant hairdo. This time, Robert Langdon tries to save the Vatican from an ancient group known as the Illuminati. Personally, I was bored by the first half when I saw the film in theaters, but the second part is actually fun - so if you catch it at home, you may want to fast forward a bit to get to the good stuff.

Special features include behind-the-scenes featurettes.

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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.

2009 American Music Awards: Morena Baccarin

BellaSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:56:14 -0800

For fans of V or the classic Joss Whedon show Firefly, Morena should be a welcome addition to the red carpet roundup. Tonight she kept her look classically chic, with an Audrey-esque pixie cut, lightly lined eyes, and dusty rose lips. I love a pixie cut - check out more here - but what's your take on it? Are you coveting her hair too, or do you wish she'd go back to the flowing curls she had in Firefly?

Vote on all of my American Music Awards polls here!

2009 American Music Awards: Shakira

BellaSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:38:56 -0800

Shakira was looking more classic girl than she-wolf when she stepped onto the red carpet this evening. Wearing a nude lip and neutral eye makeup and with her hair pulled back into a sleek, curled ponytail, she went for a minimalist, chic look. Are you loving this simple look, or is it not your favorite?

Vote on all of my American Music Awards polls here!

Gear Review: slotRadio by Sansa

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:20:25 -0800

I love my iPod, but there is a new music player vying for my heart: the slotRadio ($79) by Sansa.

The two-inch-by-two-inch clip-on music player comes with a data card with 1,000 songs from the Billboard music charts, with prearranged playlists by music genre. I tried the additional Health and Fitness mix, which includes the mixes for warmup, cardio, roadwork (cycling), power (lifting), yoga, cooldown, and the even more mellow spa mix.

To see what I thought of this music player, just read more.

I must admit I am a bit technically challenged - ironic since I am a blogger, I know. Even with my latent Luddite ways, I found the slotRadio super easy to use. The instruction manual was simply written with helpful graphics. Open the box, charge the radio, which took about an hour, put in your music card, and go. My inaugural run with the slotRadio was great. It clips onto your clothes and is so small and light you don't even notice it. The volume button is easy to find, as is the skip button. You can easily skip genres, too. I warmed up with Lady Gaga and Nelly and moved onto cardio with a few bands I have never heard of, like VHS or Beta. The slotRadio feels like a pop music education in a good way. This little player is a great way to introduce yourself to new music. However, I had to remove the foam covers from the earbuds to keep them from falling out of my ears.

The video screen features graphics of exercises and lets you know the next song up on the playlist so you can advance easily to find motivational music. The slotRadio is also a real radio. As an NPR junkie, I love that I can switch over to radio and catch up on news or Fresh Air while working out.

I enjoyed the Health and Fitness music card much more than the standard Billboard artist music card. Thankfully, the data cards are easy to change, and there are many options to choose from, including Christmas tunes, '80s and '90s music, Latin, and classical. The extra data cards cost $40. The slotRadio bundle comes with headphones, charger, and Billboard music card. These make a great gift for the musically impaired fitness fanatic in your life.

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Country Shines Bright and Taylor Cleans Up at the CMAs!

Molly — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Last night we gave you a taste of the CMA Awards, and now here's the whole set! For the younger women, it was all about the shine on the red carpet from Taylor Swift's typical beautiful sparkly gown to Carrie Underwood's mirrored number. Carrie was one of the hosts of the night along with Brad Paisley, so once she stepped inside it was all about the costume changes for her. Nicole Kidman had nothing but love for her husband Keith Urban, who was a nominee. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw always look classic together and this was no exception.

Taylor kicked off the show with a wild performance of "Forever and Always" where she threw around her long blond hair as she sang. There were no semi-subtle kisses for Taylor Lautner this time, but the two have a lot to celebrate next time they see each other - she won the biggest award of the night, Entertainer of the Year! She also won for female vocalist of the year, album of the year and music video of the year for "Love Story." Carrie Underwood walked away empty handed, but she and Brad Paisley did a great job hosting the show which included a few jokes at the expense of Kanye West. Kid Rock and Dave Matthews Band were also among the performers at the fun country-filled award show.

For TONS more photos from the CMA Awards just read more.

View 50 Photos ›

Images include: Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Wynonna Judd, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Naomi Judd, Kellie Pickler, Kimberly Williams, Darius Rucker, Kid Rock

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.

Website of the Day: Classic Cinema Online

GeekSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:06:21 -0800

Don't you just love being able to watch movies online and for free thanks to websites like Hulu and Fancast? But what if you love classic old movies from the '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s that are practically impossible to find online - let alone on DVD! Well the Classic Cinema Online website is the place to visit when you want to access hundreds of films across many different categories including drama, musicals, and romantic comedies. If you're grandma is still on the fence about talking the jump into the online world, show her this site and she'll never leave her computer again!

Have an interesting website you want to share? To learn how to post your favorite websites to our Website of the Day group, read more.

First of all, join the Website of the Day group.
Click "New Post" under the website of the day tab at the top of the page.
Give your story a "Title."
Fill in the "Body" with a link to your favorite website and the reasons why you love it.
Type "Technology and Gadgets" in the Categories box
Add keyword(s) in the tag field with relevant tags (for example mine for this story was "Website of the Day").
Choose whether you want the post to be private or public.
Click "Create Post" to submit content.

Texts and Tunes: Rockabye Baby Christmas Rock Classics

LilSugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:00:41 -0800

Have yourself a merry lil Christmas without putting "Jingle Bells" on heavy rotation on the stereo. For everyone who wants to fill their homes with a little joy for their bundle of joy this time of the year there is Rockabye Baby: Christmas Rock Classics ($11). I'm already a big fan of the Rockabye Baby series, so I knew the holiday album would fit nicely in our family music collection. The lullaby renditions of less traditional holiday songs such as Smashing Pumpkins' "Christmastime" and "2000 Miles" from The Pretenders are a soothing way to calm your babe and make it a silent night.