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New Moon Soundtrack Out Today! What to Sink Your Teeth Into

BuzzSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:44:25 -0700

The film version of this Fall's sequel to Twilight isn't all fans have been rabidly anticipating - the New Moon soundtrack picked up enough steam to be released today instead of next Tuesday. It's no wonder it was rushed out; Death Cab for Cutie's video for "Meet Me on the Equinox", premiered to much fanfare, as did the tracklist, revealed barely a month ago.

The wait is over, and you can go buy the disc, download it, or stream the soundtrack on MySpace for free today. I've been listening for the past couple of days, and like my feelings for Robert Pattinson, I'm crushing pretty hard on it. Music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas did a great job compiling songs - all originals for the soundtrack - that evoke the teenage heartbreak vibe of New Moon while featuring a roster of talented bands.

Find out what's worth the iPod space when you read more.

I'm a pretty big Death Cab fan, but "Meet Me on the Equinox" doesn't do much for me - instead, The Killer's "White Demon Love Song" is the better rocking, evocative love song.

It was interesting to me when people were perplexed about Thom Yorke's appearance on this soundtrack, when there was an awesomely-placed Radiohead song over Twilight's end credits. Yorke's solo effort, "Hearing Damage" has the same edgy feeling as "15 Step," and I'm definitely trying to figure out when it will play in the movie (it sounds ideal to break down to).

It's fun to play the where-does-this-song-go game; "Monsters" by Hurricane Bells has to be played when things are good between Bella and Jacob, while "The Violet Hour" by Sea Wolf is another one of the few upbeat songs on the album. I'd bet the relieved-sounding ballad "Shooting the Moon" by OK Go ends up being one of the movie's last songs.

Considering the movie's plot, there are the expected mournful tunes, such as the remarkable "Possibility" by Lykke Li, who came into my consciousness last year and is about to hit everyone else's this year. Grizzly Bear's Slow Life also beautifully illustrates Bella's sad sack mood (total break up song).

Stephenie Meyer's favorite band Muse of course appears with "I Belong To You" - and it's a lively, bittersweet track (I'm betting it's wrapping up the credits).

Have you gotten a chance to listen to the New Moon soundtrack? Tell me what songs have caught your ear below, and to talk more album reviews, join the Music Review Group or the Movies of Twilight group in the community!

John Continues to Share All the Details

PopSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0800

John Mayer was proud to show off his colorful tattoo sleeve on the December cover of Details. He's out and about talking about his latest album, Battle Studies, but in typical Mayer fashion John didn't only speak about business. Just like in his recent interview with the New York Times, John quickly got candid about his personal life. Here's more:

On his relationships with Hollywood's leading ladies: "You just never know who’s going to come into your life. To my mind, the only thing sicker than saying, 'Wow, you’re a famous person and it would do a lot for my career to go out with you,' is to say, 'Wow, you’re a famous person and I like you and all, but I can’t do that to my career.' I don’t think either of those is a good option."
On his unexpected collaboration with country star Taylor Swift: "I don’t know if you know, but I’m not exactly Bob Dylan - I’m already a pop musician . . . I want to reach as many people as possible."
His music vs. his celebrity persona: "Sometimes I feel like I do two things for a living. I make records and I talk to people. The record is much, much better than any interview I can give - you’ll walk away from the record liking me a hell of a lot more than you would walking away from an interview."

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Do You Agree With the Uproar Around Adam's AMA Performance?

PopSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Of all the outrageous performances at Sunday's American Music Awards, it's American Idol's Adam Lambert who caused the biggest stir. His appearance, which was aired at the end of the show near 11 p.m., involved Adam pulling a dancer's face towards his crotch region and kissing the keyboard player. It apparently prompted over a thousand complaints and was edited for the West Coast broadcast. Adam's scheduled appearance on ABC's Good Morning America tomorrow was cancelled as a result, a decision Adam took issue with today on Ryan Seacrest. He's instead bound for CBS's The Early Show. Adam seems to be handling all the pressure, though all the hype is perfectly timed to drum up press for his new album. So, tell us - do you understand the uproar around Adam's performance?

Rihanna Wakes Up Early For a Rated R Morning

PopSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:00:34 -0800

Rihanna headed to NYC after her weekend appearance at the American Music Awards, where she wore an outrageous onstage outfit. She's touring the world to support her album Rated R, and she was at a Best Buy last night to autograph copies and even pose for photos with a few lucky fans. This morning was an early one for Rihanna, as she headed out to appear on Good Morning America. She first did a run-through in her black coat, before stripping down to her embellished white blazer to perform and chat with Robin Roberts - check out the video after the jump.

To see more Rihanna as well as video, just read more.

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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.

Girls and Guys Get Glam For the American Music Awards!

PopSugarUK — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:11:08 -0800

The American Music Awards took place last night in Los Angeles, celebrating the best in US music from the past 12 months! Taylor Swift was the big winner of the night, dominating the female categories and getting gongs for favourite artist in both pop and country categories as well as beating Michael Jackson to the huge award - Artist of the Year. Taylor's in London at the moment and missed the ceremony, but Michael's family Jermaine and Janet were at the ceremony and picked up the late singer's four awards.

Country act Gloriana were shocked to beat Lady GaGa to Breakthrough Artist award, while Twilight picked up yet another award for Favourite Soundtrack. Performers included Whitney Houston, Jay-Z, Black Eyed Peas, Shakira, Rihanna, Lady GaGa as well as a performance by Adam Lambert that's got everyone talking - see why under the cut!

To see the full list of winners from the evening, more photos from the red carpet and the show, plus video of Adam Lambert's performance just read more.

POP OR ROCK MUSIC

FAVOURITE MALE ARTIST
Michael Jackson

FAVOURITE FEMALE ARTIST
Taylor Swift

FAVOURITE BAND, DUO OR GROUP
The Black Eyed Peas

FAVOURITE ALBUM
Michael Jackson, Number Ones

COUNTRY MUSIC

FAVOURITE MALE ARTIST
Keith Urban

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Taylor Swift

FAVOURITE BAND, DUO OR GROUP
Rascal Flatts

FAVOURITE ALBUM
Taylor Swift, Fearless

RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC

FAVOURITE MALE ARTIST
Jay-Z

FAVOURITE BAND, DUO OR GROUP
Black Eyed Peas

FAVOURITE ALBUM
Jay-Z, The Blueprint 3

SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC

FAVOURITE MALE ARTIST
Michael Jackson

FAVOURITE FEMALE ARTIST
Beyonce

FAVOURITE ALBUM
Michael Jackson, Number Ones

SOUNDTRACKS

FAVOURITE ALBUM
The Twilight Soundtrack

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC

FAVOURITE ARTIST
Green Day

ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

FAVOURITE ARTIST
Taylor Swift

LATIN MUSIC

FAVOURITE ARTIST
Aventura

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL

FAVOURITE ARTIST
Mary Mary

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
Gloriana

INTERNATIONAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Whitney Houston

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Images include: Sofia Vergara, Snoop Dogg, Keri Hilson, Alicia Keys, Pete Wentz, Leona Lewis, Adam Lambert, Paula Abdul, Lady GaGa, Rihanna, Kate Hudson, Alex Rodriguez, Will.i.am, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Kristen Bell, Selena Gomez, Leona Lewis, Dominic Monaghan, Mary J Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Fergie, Jennifer Lopez, Seth Green, Demi Lovato, Jay-Z, Toni Braxton, Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day, Alex Meraz, Gloriana, Drake, Ryan Seacrest, Whitney Houston, Jermaine Jackson, Candis Cayne, Shakira, Mike Dirnt, Nicole Kidman, Kris Allen, Nelly Furtado.

Announcing the Winners: 2009 American Music Awards

BuzzSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:42:17 -0800

The American Music Awards show is over, and I've got your full list of who earned trophies. Following her big CMA wins, Taylor Swift dominated in the female categories, taking home AMAs for favorite artist in both pop and country categories as well as the top honor of them all: Artist of the Year.

Besides Ms. Swift, there were plenty of others who triumphed, like country act Gloriana, who pulled off a shocker of an upset with Breakthrough Artist over Lady Gaga. (Even Gloriana poked fun at the win, asking the audience to raise a show of hands if they didn't know who they are.) Michael Jackson won four posthumous honors, and his brother Jermaine took the stage with family members to accept on his behalf. I'll be going over all of the highlights from the show tomorrow - including some of my red carpet coverage and notes from the press room - so check back then! For now, be sure to vote on Fab's fashion polls and Bella's beauty polls from the night's looks.

To see the full list of winners from the evening, just read more.

POP OR ROCK MUSIC

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Michael Jackson

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Taylor Swift

FAVORITE BAND, DUO, OR GROUP
The Black Eyed Peas

FAVORITE ALBUM
Michael Jackson, Number Ones

COUNTRY MUSIC

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Keith Urban

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Taylor Swift

FAVORITE BAND, DUO, OR GROUP
Rascal Flatts

FAVORITE ALBUM
Taylor Swift, Fearless

RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Jay-Z

FAVORITE BAND, DUO, OR GROUP
Black Eyed Peas

FAVORITE ALBUM
Jay-Z, The Blueprint 3

SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Michael Jackson

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Beyonce

FAVORITE ALBUM
Michael Jackson, Number Ones

SOUNDTRACKS

FAVORITE ALBUM
The Twilight Soundtrack

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC

FAVORITE ARTIST
Green Day

ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

FAVORITE ARTIST
Taylor Swift

LATIN MUSIC

FAVORITE ARTIST
Aventura

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL

FAVORITE ARTIST
Mary Mary

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
Gloriana

INTERNATIONAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Whitney Houston

John Mayer Adds More Sex to His To-Do Lists

PopSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:30:39 -0800

John Mayer stopped to greet a fan as he strolled along the streets of NYC on Saturday. He wasn't able to be in LA for last night's American Music Awards, as he had a few shows in the Big Apple over the last week and is due to take his Battle Studies promotional tour to Canada tomorrow. John has been doing a fair share of press for his new album and spoke recently with The New York Times about his record as well as his ladies' man status. Here's more:

On dating: "I should be having sex with more girls. It’s crazy to me that in my head, that being 32 and dating women is going to get me in trouble. I can’t even explain to you how terrible that feels, that I equate dating a woman with punishment, shame, guilt, disappointment, reproach, reprimand, persecution. It’s a nightmare."
On taking musical risks: "There’s nothing I’ve done musically that’s been a wild misstep. Basically, you’re saying, can you risk failure? And that’s something that I’m struggling with right now, because in my life, I would like to do something in music that risks a misstep."
On letting personal relationships take over his music: "What is the odd man out - is it the record or the coverage? I’m not going to let it be the record. I think if you’re listening to Battle Studies and you think it’s a record about high-profile relationships, I haven’t done a good enough job."

To see more of John in NYC, just read more.

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Fash Off: Lady Gaga vs. Rihanna

OnSugar Blog — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:22 -0800

Take this fun poll from the OnSugar blog The Fash Pack.

Both Lady Gaga and Rihanna have albums dropping Monday, and both fashion-forward singers took to the stage at Sunday night's American Music Awards. Whose stage style wins you over?

Want to see more? Follow The Fash Pack or start your own OnSugar Blog. We may just feature your post on FabSugar!

Rihanna Goes Daring For the AMA Red Carpet!

Molly — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:06:36 -0800

Rihanna was one of the last to arrive at today's American Music Awards in LA. It's the first award show red carpet she's done in eight months, and it looks like her unique sense of style and love of dramatic dresses hasn't gone anywhere. She's also among the exciting performers scheduled during the show ahead of her album release tomorrow. Check out other red carpet highlights and vote in all of Fab and Bella's love it or hate it polls!

To see more of Rihanna just read more.

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