PopSugar

Music in the Movies: Sad Brad Smith's "Help Yourself"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:20 -0800

Have you ever been in the middle of watching a movie when you hear a new song that you immediately fall in love with? This happens to me on a regular basis, and I often find myself rushing home to try to download the song before I forget the tune entirely. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend an advance screening of Up in the Air, when one of those moments hit. I quickly learned that the song is called "Help Yourself" and was written just for the movie by a guy called Sad Brad Smith.

The song is simple, sad, and sweet - not unlike many of Elliot Smith's songs. It's featured during one of the most poignant scenes of the movie and the lyrics fit the story like a glove, though I won't give away much more than that. The movie's soundtrack won't be available until December 1st, but you can listen to the song right now and let me know what you think.

Like the film itself, this little ditty is already getting whispers of an Oscar nod. To check it out, just read more.

Year-End Results: Favorite Breakup Songs of '08!

DearSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0800

If you could create a soundtrack of your life, you'd probably have happy music, sad music, and music for every mood in between. Though a song can't make the pain of a breakup go away, it sure can help lift your spirits, or allow you to give into your blues, if that's the path you want to take. As part of my Best of 2008 coverage, I asked you to tell me your favorite breakup song of the year, so I'm back to round up my favorites that I found helpful, too. Check out my top five picks below:

"Apologize" - One Republic
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” - Beyonce
"Hot n Cold" - Katy Perry
"Better in Time" - Leona Lewis
"White Horse" - Taylor Swift

Source

The Blind Side: An Unexpected Delight

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:30:42 -0800

It's not that the trailer for The Blind Side isn't compelling; the problem is that it combines Sandra Bullock's twangiest, most-over-the top lines with a heartrending song, which makes it seem schlocky. That's exactly what I expected from the movie, but I have to admit that I was wrong - to my surprise, I found it to be a sentimental gem that's actually quite restrained.

The Blind Side is the true story (based on Michael Lewis's book) of NFL player Michael Oher, who grew up in Memphis's projects with his drug-addicted mother and landed in and out of foster homes. He ended up in a fancy private school and in the home of a wealthy family, the Touhys, led by tough-talking Leigh Anne (Bullock). The weaving of Michael's newfound life in the movie is effective, with sweet bits of humor and just enough emotion.

To see what I liked about the film, just read more.

The movie is full of many surprises: first, it looks like it's going to be mainly about football, but it's not all sports. There is proper attention given to Michael's life before he's taken in and the development of the relationships between the Touhy family members and Michael.

Another nice thing is how smoothly Bullock slides into her role. It's not just her wardrobe and hair that transforms her into the high-maintenance Southern matriarch; her manner as the tough mom who's not completely comfortable showing emotion is very natural - not what I'd expect from the laid-back actress.

Quinton Aaron is also impressive as a sad-eyed orphan turned well-adjusted student and son over the course of the movie. It's not an incredibly complex performance, but his teddy bear presence is irresistible. The supporting players are equally as enjoyable: Tim McGraw, whom I didn't expect much from, is charming, while the Touhy children win you over with their affection for their new brother. The late addition of Kathy Bates (whose role is basically an extended cameo) is hardly needed to bolster the movie, but she adds a nice touch as well.

At two hours and six minutes, the movie is a little too long; director John Lee Hancock seemed intent on fitting in nearly every detail of Michael's journey. Then again, at the end you're rewarded with the payoff: footage and photos of the real-life Touhys and Michael. It's an emotionally satisfying ending to a movie that makes no apologies for being so uplifting.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:30:29 -0800

Time for more Tuesday entertainment! I've already shared a few new DVD releases to give your movie library a shot in the arm, but now, let's amp up your iPod. Big-name albums hit shelves today, so be sure to read up on these three. (And if you want to see your own music reviews featured on Buzz, submit them in the Music Review Group in the community!)

Fan-pleasing pop: American Idol fans rejoice: you've said that you're interested in post-AI albums, and now Kris Allen's anticipated self-titled debut is finally here. The song selections started a bit bland for me, but Allen picks up momentum with "The Truth" and the soft but moving ballad "Bring it Back." Both songs get needed oomph from orchestral accompaniment to create a sweeping sound that's sure to make Allen aficionados swoon. As for the rest of the album, it's predictable, but likable, much like the singer himself.

Why the sad face? Listening to John Mayer's latest, Battle Studies, you've got to wonder who ripped his heart out - Jessica Simpson? Jennifer Aniston? Every song is about a hurt guy who doesn't want to love again. Sensitive crooning isn't anything new to Mayer, but this time, it feels like mundane easy listening. I long for the days of "No Such Thing" when we had a more upbeat Mayer, or the Mayer who can riff on the guitar like nobody's business. But we don't really get either here. Still, it's worth noting his collaboration with Taylor Swift on "Half of My Heart," and my personal fave, "All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye."

See one more release when you read more.

Diva in training: Leona Lewis burst onto the scene two years ago with "Bleeding Love," and now she returns with her sophomore follow-up to Spirit, Echo. Lewis hits the high notes - and she'll once again draw comparisons to Mariah Carey - but the lyrics don't always pack the same punch, and they often feel like recycled love musings. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to see Lewis branch out of her usual comfort zone with the dance track "Outta My Head" and "Can't Breathe," which goes heavier on the R&B. If you've seen those Precious promos, you've heard another song from the album, "Happy," but it was recently announced that Lewis will be providing the title track for the film Avatar, so listen for her voice to show up there, too.

The Office, "Murder": Best Lines of the Night and Video!

BuzzSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:30:00 -0800

Well, I do declare! This week's The Office was silly good fun. Distraught over rumors of bankruptcy, Michael suggests that the employees engage in a murder mystery game called Belles, Bourbon and Bullets to keep their spirits up. Pam's recent bad attitude seems to lift as she gets into character, and Andy uses the opportunity to ask Erin on a date. (I can't wait for when those two finally hook up!)

Ready to take a look at some of my favorite quips from the episode (and share your own in the comments)?

Jim: "With all due respect to everyone here, I think the most worthy opponent of you is you."
Dwight: "That is correct. Unless there happen to be measles present."
How awesomely ridiculous is the opening scene where Dwight tries to fight himself during his own karate instructional?! That right there is why Rainn Wilson gets nominated for Emmys.

For more funny lines, plus a video of the Clue-like antics, read more.

"Your feelings journal? You told me to put it in the time capsule."-Erin
Check out Erin delivering yet another great quote this week! I'm curious to see what the writers do with her character, especially now that they're setting up this will-they-or-won't-they thing with Andy that's slightly reminiscent of another Office couple.

"You can all have jobs at Schrute farms as human scarecrows. It doesn't pay much, and you can't unionize."-Dwight
Leave it to Dwight to concoct a plan when news of the company's money loss hits the Scranton branch.

"Operation got me through my vasectomy, i.e. my operation. I don't think I would've been able to endure my breakup with Holly had it not been for Toss Across."-Michael
Michael explains his use of board games as a coping mechanism to Jim, but my favorite part is when he plays "Lullaby" by Sean Mullins on his computer to wallow in his sadness. Anyone else remember that song? Love the '90s nostalgia!

Kevin: "Now do the Swedish Chef."
Andy: "I'm not familiar, what province is he from?"
Kevin: "He lives on Sesame Street, dumbass."
Andy does such a good job with his Savannah accent using his "molasses" technique that oddball Kevin asks him to talk like the Swedish Chef from Sesame Street. But I have to mention Creed -I was dying when he shows up to the office, hears about the "murder," and speeds off in his car! Also, kudos to the crime scene with Meredith and to Oscar for putting on the strangest accent I have ever heard. Check him out in this video:

"Today is the hardest I have worked in a long, long time."-Michael
Sad thing is, Michael's probably telling the truth.

So what's your assessment of the evening? It sounds like there are tough times ahead for everyone, since David Wallace says the company will be out of money by the end of the year. What do you think will happen? My hopes are that Michael and Dwight will cook up some solution that doesn't involve scarecrows. And what do you make of the Erin and Andy romance - do you want to see it happen?

Don't forget that you can discuss the episode in full over at The Office! group in the BuzzSugar Community! Here are two words to get you started: Tube city.

Photo and videos courtesy of NBC

The Conchords May Not Fly Again - Are You Bummed?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:30:00 -0800

The Flight of the Conchords released a new album just a few weeks ago, but we may be seeing less of the goofy New Zealanders in the future. In a recent interview, Jemaine Clement hinted there might not be a third season of their HBO series. He said, "It very likely might not. . . We've got to write the series, but we've also got to write the songs, and just dividing your time into those two writing tasks is really tricky."

I still love watching (and listening to!) the Conchords first season, though I admittedly was less enthused about the second set of episodes. Still, I would be sad to see them go. What about you - are you bummed about this news?

Do Tell: What's Your Sad Song?

DearSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:00:00 -0800

I’m not sure if it’s a personality trait or a female trait, but sometimes when I’m sad or feeling down, I really like to embrace it; it can feel really good just to cry it out. When I’m in one of these moods, there’s nothing I’d rather do than put on a great sad song and just let it all out. I actually have a go to list of songs for just that occasion, like Peter Gabriel "Don't Give Up" or Lauryn Hill's "Ex-Factor." Am I alone on this or do you do it too? And if you do, do tell, what's your sad song?

Source

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!

Top Chef Vegas: Episode 7

partysugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:30:10 -0700

After a week off, Top Chef was back last night. However, I couldn't help but feel a little lost. I had forgotten what happened on the previous episode and sadly, realized how much I don't really care about this set of cheftestants. Are you just going through the motions too? Want to discuss the show? You know what to do: keep reading.

Link Time!!!

PopSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Take a tour of Jay-Z's office! - Rap Radar
Jennifer Love Hewitt on the Shape of things - FitSugar
Emma Thompson will be there with bells on - Lainey Gossip
Cate Blanchett and her husband do the theater in Sydney - JustJared
Are Reese and Jake engaged? - Pink Is the New Blog
Marissa Miller is really bubbly (NSFW) - Egotastic
Does Kevin Connolly have a new member in his entourage? - The Superficial
Shakira's boots were made for walking - Hollywood Rag
The helper every celebrity needs - cityrag
Blake Lewis sings a sad song - popbytes
Pamela Anderson does New Zealand Fashion Week - D-Listed
Anna and Enrique's hot date night - Hollywood Tuna