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New Music: Norah Jones's "Light as a Feather"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:30:00 -0800

It's been seven years since Norah Jones burst onto the music scene with her debut album and mega-hit "Don't Know Why," and the talented chanteuse has continued to make beautiful, jazzy music (and one movie, which we'll just forget about) ever since.

Her latest album is The Fall, which comes out Nov. 17, and I'm already entranced by the soft, haunting "Light as a Feather." It's not just Jones's smoky voice that makes it worth listening to; it was co-written by alt-country icon Ryan Adams. To hear the song for yourself, just read more.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:30:14 -0700

It's one of my favorite days of the week: Tuesday! Which means I get to add DVDs to my Netflix queue, along with some brand new tunes for my iPod. So check out today's music releases for what you should download. (And if you like to review albums, don't forget to take a peek at the Music Review Group in the community.)

A smooth ride: Sufjan Stevens takes a breather from his states project with BQE, an ode to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. He originally performed the work to accompany a film about the road, but the music stands on its own as a beautiful orchestral arrangement. Warning if you like Stevens's mellow voice: BQE is all instrumental. Still, it proves that he has what it takes as a composer, and I'd like to see him lend his talents to more of this sort of work. My picks: Movement II: Sleeping Invader, which sounds like a ballet dream sequence, and Traffic Shock, which mixes in clashing electronic sounds like a busy gridlock.

Pretty packs a punch: If you haven't heard of Florence and the Machine, get ready. Florence Welch is the latest spunky Brit singer on the scene, and her debut Lungs already went platinum in the UK. Today, it's available to buy stateside. She's the singer I'd want to be if I had my own band - a woman who wails while banging the tambourine - and her album veers between tough-chick anthems and haunting ballads a la Sarah McLachlan. Make sure you try the hand-clapping, feel-good Dog Days Are Over or the romantic Cosmic Love.

See two more releases when you read more.

Freaky fun: If you're a Flight of the Conchords fan - or even if you're not - you'll want to check out I Told You I Was Freaky, a compilation of music from season two (including three previously unreleased tracks). Sure, half the fun is watching the boys act out each song on the show (and Jemaine's wicked dance moves), but when you listen to the music on its own, you realize just how talented they really are. Each selection could qualify for radio-play - or just a ridiculously fun karaoke night. The album includes favorites like Sugarlumps, Hurt Feelings, and the Emmy-nominated Carol Brown.

Lyrical wanderlust: Jay Farrar of Son Volt and Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie team up on One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Music From Kerouac's Big Sur, an ode to the famous author's work. The two musicians met while working on a documentary about Kerouac and decided to collaborate on this album using words from his novel. It's fitting then that the result feels like a cross-country trip - lazy and laid-back with some twangy country, Americana sound. I'll be adding the title track and California Zephyr to my car playlist.

Fall Music Preview: Buzz Picks

BuzzSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:35:08 -0700

Today is the first day of Fall, but any fan of pop culture knows that's no reason to mourn - the changing leaves mean new movies, a new TV season, and new music! Tons of new albums are slated to be released in the next couple of months, and I've already gone through and picked the ones I'm most excited about, whether they're highly anticipated debuts, lesser-known indie acts, or blockbuster movie soundtracks. Oh, and if you're still sad about Summer being over, maybe one of my shirtless friends can cheer you up.

View Slideshow ›

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:30:32 -0700

Tuesdays are big in entertainmentville: not only do all the new DVD releases hit Netflix, but new music also pours into stores. So I take a spin through each week's music releases and pick out some albums and tracks worthy of a download.

Still rockin': I was surprised when I heard that Pearl Jam was releasing an album exclusively through Target this past Sunday - huh?! - but Backspacer is a solid, mature showing from the heralded band. The songs are full of introspective lyrics, like an older and wiser Eddie Vedder reflecting back on his life, but most of the tracks are fast-paced with a tinge of punk sound. While a bit of head-banging is fun, I've always preferred Pearl Jam's ballads like "Black" over their heavier stuff, so I'll be downloading "Just Breathe" and "The End."

Still waters run deep: Yesterday, we got word that indie artists Sea Wolf made it onto the New Moon soundtrack; now comes their sophomore full-length effort White Water, White Bloom, a mellow album of romanticism. (Perfect for Edward and Bella, no?) Every track has gorgeous storytelling imagery, as singer-songwriter Alex Brown Church constantly weaves in water themes (as his album title and band name hint). The result is something dreamy and lush to listen to on a lazy, sunny day. My favorite tracks: "Wicked Blood," "Dew in the Grass," and "The Orchard."

One more up next, so read more.

Child's play: Those neon outfits, those tight pants, that Freddie Mercury falsetto - everyone knows Mika is a bit outrageous, and his latest album is just as super-charged as his debut. Reportedly inspired by his own adolescence, The Boy Who Knew Too Much is full of that rebellious teenage attitude with the standard Mika dance fever. From the island music of "Blue Eyes" to the nursery rhyme-ish ditty "Toy Boy," it feels light and fizzy, like pop music on Red Bull - and it's just as addictive. You'll either love it or hate it, but as for me, I'll be downloading "We Are Golden" and "By the Time," where he collaborates with Imogen Heap.

The New Moon Soundtrack - Revealed!

BuzzSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:30:45 -0700

Finally! For weeks, there's been gossip about which artists would land a coveted spot on the New Moon soundtrack, and now we have the final list. We knew that Death Cab for Cutie's "Meet Me on the Equinox" was going to make it on there, and Thom Yorke, Muse, and The Killers were rumored as well.

Still, I'm psyched to see a few unexpected names on the roster (like Bon Iver and Lykke Li), as well as some relatively unknowns. Alexandra Patsavas put it all together - she's also the music supervisor for Grey's Anatomy and Gossip Girl - and her eye for artists is always spot-on, so I can't wait to download the whole thing. The soundtrack hits stores October 20th, but until then, check out the full playlist and tell me what you think!

To see the full list, read more.

Death Cab For Cutie - "Meet Me on the Equinox"
Band of Skulls - "Friends"
Thom Yorke - "Hering Damage"
Lykke Li - "Possibility"
The Killers - "A White Demon Song"
Anya Marina - "Satellite Heart"
Muse - "I Belong to You (New Moon)"
Bon Iver and St. Vincent - "Rosyln"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Done All Wrong"
Hurricane Bells - "Monsters"
Sea Wolf - "The Violet Hour"
Ok Go - "Shooting The Moon"
Grizzly Bear - "Slow Life"
Editors - "No Sound But the Wind"
Alexandre Desplat - "New Moon (The Meadow)"

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What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:30:24 -0700

An amicable breakup: I thought Scarlett Johansson's album of Tom Waits covers was just OK, but her second effort really showcases her vocal talent. Paired with alt-country artist Pete Yorn, the two created Break Up, an album inspired by the '60s-era recordings of Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot. Despite its title, the record is surprisingly upbeat. Many of you enjoyed the first single, the retro-twangy "Relator," when it debuted in May, and ultimately, it's still my favorite track. The rest of the album sounds more run-of-the-mill, but Johansson's sultry voice adds a lot of flavor to Yorn's music. Also worth hearing: "Clean" and "Wear and Tear."

Rebel yell: I wasn't that familiar with UK band Muse, but their performance at Sunday's VMAs was foot-thumping fun. (Some of you even said they were your favorite act.) Now comes their fifth studio release, The Resistance. My favorite track, "United States of Eurasia/Collateral Damage," is reminiscent of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," and the entire album has a similar rock opera feeling. The guys are reportedly contributing to the New Moon soundtrack, but until then, check out "Eurasia," "Unnatural Selection," and "Uprising."

One more up next, so read more.

One giant leap: Kid Cudi was another VMA performer, and even though I've been hearing his name for a while - he contributed to Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak album last year and is on Kanye's label - Cudi's promising debut, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, hit stores today. Like his mentor, Cudi tries his hand at "conceptual" music, using this album to tell personal stories in the context of nightmares, and he mixes in every genre from hip-hop to rap to electronic. Fans of 808s and Heartbreak should check this one out, but I think Cudi is at his strongest when he collaborates. "Pursuit of Happiness" is a track featuring MGMT and Ratatat, and "Make Her Say," which samples Lady GaGa's "Poker Face," gets help from Common and Kanye.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:30:57 -0700

So hot right now: We all need pop music to lighten up our iPods every now and then, and that's what Cobra Starship is here to do. With song titles like "Pete Wentz Is the Only Reason We're Famous," it's clear that these guys aren't taking themselves - or anything - too seriously. They may not be the next big thing as far as muscianship goes, but their Summer anthem, "Good Girls Go Bad," is pretty damn catchy. Plus, it features Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester, giving us a taste of what her upcoming album may sound like.

From one mess to another: Erika Jayne makes her album debut with Pretty Mess, but her songs have proved chart-friendly on the Billboard dance charts. While most of the tracks are highly danceable (see: "Everybody Wants Some") Jayne slows it down just a bit with the album's title track and gets a little sentimental on us with "Without You." Jayne has been compared to Madonna, though I'm getting more of a Kylie Minogue vibe. Her electronic dance album just might be perfect for the club scene or a late-night party in your living room.

One more album to download if you read more.

That country twang: Country star George Strait is still going strong with the release of his 26th album. Twang features top country hit "Living for the Night," which Strait co-wrote with his son, Bubba. My favorite is probably the spunky "Same Kind of Crazy" because the lyric "she's the same kind of crazy as me" makes me smile. Strait released his first album 28 years ago, so check this out if you're into the tried and true of the music industry.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:30:41 -0700

Modest, Modest Mouse: Indie darlings Modest Mouse have been around since 1993, but made their mainstream break in 2004 with the success of the song "Float On" and the album Good News for People Who Love Bad News. Since then they've released just one other CD, but along the way have amassed quite of collection of unreleased tracks and B-sides. Being released on its new EP, No One's First, and You're Next, are the re-polished versions of these songs. In addition to this EP, check out the Heath Ledger-directed video for Modest Mouse's "King Rat," which recently came online.

Must-have music: As featured in my monthly must-haves, Yim Yames' EP of George Harrison covers comes out today. Simply titled Tribute To, the six-song disc - which was recorded days after Harrison's death in 2001 - includes classics like "My Sweet Lord," and "All Things Must Pass." If you don't recognize the name, Yim Yames traditionally goes by Jim James and is the lead-singer of My Morning Jacket. It's cool to hear Yim/Jim a little more acoustic and pared-down. Download this one if you're a fan of Jacket or Harrison.

One more download worth checking out if you read more.

A little bit country: Currently No. 1 on the iTunes album chart is the self-titled debut from country act Gloriana. Reaching the top of the iTunes chart is impressive for any artist, but it's especially noteworthy coming from a new country act. The group is building on the success of its first single, "Wild at Heart." If you're feeling a little more country than rock-and-roll, this one's for you.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:30:17 -0700

Goodbye girl: You may have caught Kristinia DeBarge's "Goodbye" - which uses "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" as a hook - on a Nivea commercial. Or maybe you know of her lineage (her father was in the '80s group DeBarge), her gig opening for Britney Spears, or even her stint on the reality show American Juniors. However you've heard of her, DeBarge is out to make a name for herself today with Exposed. I wonder which songs will be breakout hits with the Britney audience? My bets would be "Future Love" and the danceable "Sabotage."

Don't panic: With or without their exclamation point (apparently they're currently going with it), Panic! At the Disco have been regulars on the emo/pop/punk stage for a few years now. The group's been going through some tough times recently - particularly the departure of founding member Ryan Ross - but the remaining guys are still trucking. Today, they're back with "New Perspective," a single that will also be featured on the Jennifer's Body soundtrack. Already, it's provoked quite a response from fans, with some saying it gives them hope that Panic! can continue on and others calling it a departure from the sound they once loved.

Two more downloads worth checking out if you read more.

Your new guilty pleasure? I appreciate that Ashley Tisdale seems to know exactly where her music fits on the spectrum: Her new album, Guilty Pleasure, pretty much says as much in the title. Tisdale's second album finds her once again stepping out from behind her High School Musical character and trying to make pop music all her own. I found myself chair-dancing despite myself to "Hot Mess" and I could imagine "Masquerade" turning up on a CW show's soundtrack this Fall.

Sweet sounds: Owl City's Ocean Eyes hits stores everywhere today after a few weeks as an exclusive iTunes download, and speaking of songs that could turn up on TV show soundtracks, I'd bet this is an album full of them. "The Bird and the Worm" is almost absurdly catchy and cute, while tracks like "The Tip of the Iceberg" bury the vocals (and the smart if occasionally elementary lyrics) under more electronics and fuzz.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:30:37 -0700

Pop idol: Jordin Sparks, American Idol's sixth winner, is back today with her second album, and it sounds like a solid collection of the pop/R&B tunes we've come to expect from this teenager. Battlefield kicks off with some driving beats in songs like "SOS" and "Walking on Snow," then later slips in some ballads like "Was I the Only One." The song "Emergency (911)" reminds me of Rihanna, and I could see "It Takes More" doing well on the radio.

Everything all at once: The Fiery Furnaces is a band that does "weird" in the best sense of the word. Brother-and-sister duo Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger's releases aren't necessarily easy listens, but they contain some of the most creative indie rock around. The new I'm Going Away is relatively straightforward for a Fiery Furnaces release, but that's only if you consider things like wild syncopation, jazz-influenced riffs, and breathlessly rushed lyrical delivery "straightforward." I'm digging "I'm Going Away," which has an old-timey vibe that got me bouncing in my desk chair, and the folky "The End Is Near."

For one more release to check out, just read more.

A modest proposal: Modest Mouse has been releasing new material and old B-sides for a while now leading up to August's No One's First, and You're Next EP, and today, the latest of those singles is out. Perpetual Motion Machine contains two tracks: the title song, which has a swingy, big-band, brass-backed feel, and the guitar-based, slightly more expected "History Sticks to Your Feet."