According to possible insider at OhBitchPleez (love it), these are the sketches for Britney on The Circus: Starring Britney Spears. They are said to be designed by David Alexander, responsible for Brit’s gorgeous wedding gown.

Can you even handle that last one with the massive multi-screen projection? Because I actually cannot, and I’m starting to slightly convulse.

A month and a half away? Life can be so utterly cruel.

Ahh, Sunday night. A vulnerable time, a peaceful time…And more often than not, a time to reflect on the sounds of yore.

Sia has recorded many a wondrously soulful track in her spare time. There are, however, a few that remain leagues above the others–”Blow It All Away” happens to be one of them.

Included as an album track within Sia’s 2001 album Healing Is Difficult and later on Hed Kandi’s Winter Chill, Vol. 3, “Blow It All Away” was the final planned single from the album’s campaign. Unfortunately, the song’s release was eventually scrapped post-9/11, as the track’s unintentional subject matter would be determined as inappropriate.

It is a true shame that the public was not graced with this excellently crafted moment of lushness. “Blow It All Away” serves as the perfect come-down; it teems with breezy orchestration and dull droplets of electronica that wrap around the artist’s effortless croonings. To this day, I still get shivers hearing her belt this one.

If you haven’t already heard it, do so now. And if you have, feel free to agree with me profusely in the comments section.

DL: Sia – Blow It All Away (Sharebee)

Click here to purchase the live rendition of “Blow It All Away” from Sia’s live EP, Lady Croissant!

Press releases shouldn’t excite me as much as they do, and yet I always fall for the impossibly high expectations set by these forsaken products of the hype machine.

Island Records has just released an official press release regarding Utada‘s second English album.

For those of you phased by the highfalutin jargon presented, or are simply too lazy to click (I’m sure you’re not actually lazy, dear reader. I know that the baby’s been crying all day and your great aunt just stopped by for pudding and pie and there’s still more groceries to unload from the bags and–DEAR GOD, WHERE IS THE BABY?!), I’ve summed it up using plus signs and half-sentences so that you mere simpletons can understand.

+ The album (still untitled) will be released on March 24, 2009.

+ Utada finds that to be a bit early.

+ “Come Back To Me” will premiere on Pop Radio on February 9,

+ And will also appear on iTunes.

+ There will be 10 tracks, all of which Utada wrote herself.

+ Stargate produced “Come Back To Me.”

+ Tricky is producing as well.

+ Recording took place in New York, Atlanta, and Toyko.

+ Which means absolutely nothing regarding the album.

+ Utada wants you to dance, but

+ Utada will reference Captain Picard and Winona Ryder somewhere in the lyrics.

+ She feels that sort of depth is important.

We clear?

As always, it seems the Daily B has become a crucial tool to cut through the blogs and ‘bloids trying to bring down the Holy Reign of B.

First of all, “If U Seek Amy” is going to be just fine, I promise. Don’t believe me? Ask Clear Channel:

“We plan to play an edited, super-clean version,” says Tom Poleman, senior vice president of programming for Clear Channel, parent of WHTZ (100.3 FM). “We’re just waiting for a good edit.”

The source goes on to reveal that Brit Brit is heading back in the studio for a brief re-recording of a few choice lines from the upcoming single for maximum playability. Though I’m still not quite sure what sort of word she’s planning to substitute (have we considered “If U Smell Amy”?), I’m sleeping easy at night with the knowledge that the Princess will not disappoint.

Now let’s not forget the best part about a Britney single–the video! Judging by reports from a known Britney insider from Exhale, the concept has been concocted by the living legend herself. Yet far from the sassy sleaze-fest visuals that the track’s lyrics may imply, the video is said to revolve around criticism and controversy regarding the three-ring circus known as La Vida Spears.

Oh, and if you’ve not heard much from Britney lately, that’s probably because she’s been spending each day in the dance studio, preparing for The Circus: Starring Britney Spears.

Don’t forget DJ’s: I want your remixes. Keep them comin’!

YES.

With what appears to be the greatest single of 2009*, Saint Etienne has returned to the dancefloor with “Method of Modern Love,” the Richard X-produced lead single from their upcoming compilation album, London Conversations: The Best of Saint Etienne. The group has been dangling song samples in front of their fans’ salivating faces for weeks now, but only now we can finally experience the full release.

That should have been worded differently.

*As of today.

Anywho, here are just some of the features of this track, which can be officially dubbed as “brillz”:

+ A proper ‘disco beat.’

+ Echoey bits.

+ The line “shot with a bolt of blue,” which may very well stem from classic New-wave favorite, New Order‘s “Bizarre Love Triangle.”

+ Sounds a bit like Kylie‘s “The One” (otherwise known as Perfection.)

+ A solid middle eight, featuring the greatest spell-out of “love” since Ashlee Simpson‘s “L.O.V.E.”

Buy it now!

DL: Saint Etienne – Method Of Modern Love (Sharebee)

Click here to purchase “Method of Modern Love” in limited signed form (!) from the band, as well as a pre-order for London Conversations!

For all still relishing in the sweet deal that is “The Fear,” you’ll be happy to learn that the fun doesn’t stop off at the first track of the single anymore. Two new B-sides have now surfaced from Lily Allen‘s latest, “Kabul Shit” and “Fag Hag.”

From its inception, “Kabul Shit” is a clear-cut, brooding bout of political strife. As the first, pressure-rising verse builds, the social criticisms simply burst from the seams. “Excuse me, sir,” the singer offers as the track breaks into its dizzying, downward-spinning electronica chorus, “But is this what we call denial?” Much in line with “Fuck You” and “The Fear,” Lily’s up to her headband in political smog, and now she’s starting to speak up.

On the flip side is the vaguely reggae-tinged “Fag Hag,” a concept piece about the Holiest of Unions: A gay and his girl. “I could be your fag hag, and could be my gay. I’ll never make you sad when you come out to play,” the singer lightly croons in her usual sing-song manner through the chugging chorus, posing with a deadly sincerity only Ms. Allen could properly emote. Unlike try-too-hard contemporary Katy Perry‘s failed attempts at clever, Allen’s sly sense of humor dominates: “We’re both in our element when we’re on our knees, whatever the weather.”

Je t’adore, Lily.

DL: Lily Allen – Kabul Shit (Sharebee)
DL: Lily Allen – Fag Hag (Sharebee)

Lily’s new album, It’s Not Me, It’s You, will be released on February 9 in the UK and February 10 in the US. Pre-order here!

With the disappointment that was the Diplo remix, my hopes were decidedly dashed upon the leak of the promo CD for “Circus.”

After my plea for someone to breathe new life into the track, I think my prayers have finally been answered!

Below is the A Crowd Electric mix, which features a slew of nifty improvements over the original. Along with a glittering, industrial-electro re-interpretation of the beat, the mix features a filtered, gritty male vocal that only adds to the insanity. “She calls the shots!” he roars into the speakers. Hot.

More frantic call-outs, more beats, and more chaos…Now that’s what a “Circus” remix should be all about.

DL: Britney Spears – Circus (A Crowd Electric Mix) (Sharebee)

For more information regarding A Crowd Electric, click here!

It’s that time of year again: A time during which I find myself to cuddle up to a nice, steaming brew of Earl Grey, boil up some bangers and mash, and allow myself to get downright British up in here. Why? Because it’s time for the the glamouriest (with a u!), glitziest award show of them all: The Brit Awards.

As if the show needed further proof of fierceness, Kylie Minogue has been announced as the official show host! Girls Aloud, Pet Shop Boys, and Kylie sharing one stage? SPOILER ALERT: There will be glitter.

Last night marked the announcement of the nominees for this year’s Brit Awards. Like last year, I’ve selected my picks to win for titters and giggles. And, like last year, the justification for my selection has largely whittled down to general attractiveness and general Ability To Make My Foot Tap. So get your kit off, you wanker, and check ‘em out!

Thanks to AceShowbiz for typing it all out!

British Male Solo Artist:

* Ian Brown
* James Morrison
* Paul Weller
* The Streets
* Will Young

Changes was, for the most part, all shades of brilliant. Seriously. Also: Cutie.

British Female Solo Artist:

* Adele
* Beth Rowley
* Duffy
* Estelle
* M.I.A.

Normally I’d opt for the child-bearer of the bunch, but I was thoroughly underwhelmed by the entire Kala project. I’m gunning for the one that revolutionized the waterproof mascara market.

British Breakthrough Act:

* Adele
* Duffy
* The Last Shadow Puppets
* Scouting for Girls
* The Ting Tings

I hear good things. Wouldn’t mind if it went to the throwback songstresses either, but please…Spare me the embarrassment of a Ting Tings win.

British Group:

* Coldplay
* Elbow
* Girls Aloud
* Radiohead
* Take That

Though I don’t foresee a win for this category, “Hope” seems to be the theme of this brave, new generation. As a result…YES. WE. CAN.

British Live Act:

* Coldplay
* Elbow
* Iron Maiden
* Scouting for Girls
* The Verve

Perhaps because they managed to squeeze in four tracks during their most recent Saturday Night Live stint, I’ve been supersaturated by their presence.

British Single:

* Adele’s “Chasing Pavement”
* Alexandra Burke’s “Hallelujah”
* Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”
* Dizzee Rascal’s “Dance Wiv Me” featuring Harris and Chrome
* Duffy’s “Mercy”
* Estelle’s “American Boy” featuring Kanye West
* Girls Aloud’s “The Promise”
* Leona Lewis’ “Better in Time”
* Scouting for Girls’ “Heartbeat”
* 2008 “The X Factor” Finalists’ “Hero”

Again, I’m dubious about a win here. Anyone of ‘em could take it, couldn’t they? (I suppose that’s the reason they’re all nominated.) Look for Coldplay, Alexandra, Adele, or Estelle to take it. Perhaps if Cheryl would just flash a little nip…

…YES. WE. CAN.

MasterCard British Album:

* Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”
* Duffy’s “Rockferry”
* Elbow’s “The Seldom Seen Kid”
* Radiohead’s “In Rainbows”
* The Ting Tings’ “We Started Nothing”

For “Reckoner,” mainly.

International Album:

* AC/DC’s “Black Ice”
* Fleet Foxes’ “Fleet Foxes”
* The Killers’ “Day & Age”
* Kings of Leon’s “Only by the Night”
* MGMT’s “Oracular Spectacular”

Because they remind me of Coldplay having a jam session with The Beach Boys in the woods.

International Male Solo Artist:

* Beck
* Neil Diamond
* Jay-Z
* Kanye West
* Seasick Steve

I’m hoping a win would finally boost West’s humble ego.

International Female Solo Artist:

* Beyonce Knowles
* Gabriella Cilmi
* Katy Perry
* Pink
* Santogold

Ooh, tough one! Anyone could take it…Except for Perry, of course. Pink was a disappointment this year, so she’s out. Gabriella? Too soon. Give her time. And while “Diva” has remained my go-to booty jam, Santogold ultimately delivered the most meaty set.

International Group:

* AC/DC
* Fleet Foxes
* The Killers
* Kings of Leon
* MGMT

Isn’t this just the International Album section? I’ll maintain my pick, so as to avoid thinking any harder. MGMT could win…There, I said it.

Critics’ Choice: Florence and The Machine

OK.

Outstanding Contribution to Music: Pet Shop Boys

What have you done for me lately? Love you, Boyz.

And that’s the list! Isn’t it simply ace?

Alas, now I’m feeling blue. Much like the Little Mermaid, I wanna be where the British are. I wanna see, wanna see them snoggin’…Walking around on those–What do you call ‘em? Oh – Trainers!

Wish I could be part of that world. Confound these blasted fins!

I need to bum a fag.

And now, Miss Kylie Minogue and the Direction She Should Have Gone In Post-Body Language:

DL: Kylie Minogue – Lovin’ You (Sharebee)