First it was “Better Off As Two.” Then came the briefly confused murmur of “Confusion Girl.” Now, it’s finally confirmed.

“Complete Me” will be the first single from Mr. Vincent Frank‘s upcoming debut album. Word on the street is that it’s an off-shoot from the Stuart Price sessions, though I can’t quite confirm that yet.

After roughly five listens, I can officially declare myself to be lukewarm in regard to this new single. Yes, I am severely underwhelmed by this production! Sure, it’s lush and lovely in bits, but I don’t find myself especially taken by the message OR the melody here. This, in effect, makes me sad.

Maybe it’s the weather?

DL: Frankmusik – Complete Me (ShareBee)

Click here for more from Frankmusik, and be sure to purchase the 3 Little Words EP here.

EDIT: By the way, it’s not entirely confirmed yet.

The roundabout continues!

25 years in the making, and it’s happening all over again.

No. I cannot handle it.

Source

Makes me think: “This is what it must have been like when people heard Björk‘s Debut for the first time.”

More on this later.

Fever Ray’s self-titled album is available now at Amazon, and will be released in physical format on March 18th in Sweden, March 23rd in the rest of the world.

DL: Fever Ray – Seven (zShare)

BUY IT.

On Saturday, I was sewing my own cheeseburger. Why? Because that’s the sort of thing you’d actually find me doing on a Saturday night. It was, as they say in Britain, great fun.

But aside from that, I also found myself perusing this week’s Billboard Magazine with the intention of reading the Lily Allen interview. Leafing through the back pages, I happened across the Billboard Dance Charts to come across a shocking find: “Fame (The Game),” an album track from Donna Summer‘s latest album Crayons, positioned at #4 on the charts!

When did that happen?!

Don’t get me wrong–”Fame” is one of the few tracks that I can truly label as “enjoyable” from Crayons. There’s something ever-so-slightly epic about the track. I can still envision Lady Summer strutting down a red carpet along with the hectic spoken-word verses on the track, getting primped and prodded along the way, until a final camera flash sequence in the chorus. Too far?

Err…Well, that appears to be the exact performance of the track on Summer’s latest tour. I knew I should have been a tour director.

Anyway, #4 is no accidental feat. As a result, I decided to dig deeper into the professional mixes…And voila! Puzzled no more…The mixes are F-A-B!

The radio edit of Dave Aude‘s rendition is a driving, testosterone-fueled pumper, while Ralphi Rosario‘s edit serves up a throbbing synth sensation.

Then, add a little more funk, a dab of glam, and a whole lot of piano chord in order to concoct the fantastic Dan Chase edit, a mix which almost entirely re-invents the sound of the original.

DL: Donna Summer – Fame (The Game) (Mediafire)
DL: Donna Summer – Fame (The Game) (Dan Chase Radio Edit) (Mediafire)
DL: Donna Summer – Fame (The Game) (Dave Aude Radio Edit)(Mediafire)
DL: Donna Summer – Fame (The Game) (Ralphi Rosario Radio Edit) (Mediafire)

Could this be her fifteenth #1 dance track? According to the ever-reliable Wiki, “Fame (The Game)” is now due as an international single on February 28th.

On a side note, being the professional blogger I am, I thought it appropriate to subscribe to Billboard. That way, I could always be up on the charts and their ever-surprising entries. I found it odd that there were no subscription inserts in the magazine, and it wasn’t until I logged on to Billboard.com that I found out why: It’s $300 for a full year’s subscription! What kind of fuckery is that? We’re in a depression, music industry…Get with it.

News has been slow in the World of B, as our Princess of Pop has been spending nearly every day within the dance studio, preparing for The Circus: Starring Britney Spears in less than just two months.

In the interim, the fans have finally been given a glimpse into the tour rehearsals, directly from Brit’s people. I’m thinking it’s a performance of “Gimme More” in the shots, what with the pole and all. Lots of fierce, lots of boobage going on…I’m rather pleased.

Oh, and the Circus promo mixes have leaked. The official mixes come to us from Diplo and Junior Vasquez and, generally speaking, they suck.

I’m surprised, mostly by Diplo’s half-hearted attempt. I mean, the “Clown” mix is clever and all, but there’s no mmph.

Indie mixers…Save our single!

DL: Circus (Diplo Alt Clown Mix) (Mediafire)
DL: Circus (Diplo Remix) (Mediafire)
DL: Circus (Junior Vasquez Club Mix) (Mediafire)
DL: Circus (Junior Vasquez Electric Mix) (Mediafire)
DL: Circus (Junior Vasquez Ringleader Mix) (Mediafire)

Request “Circus” on your local radio stations NOW, and be sure to purchase the single here!

Well Muusers, it’s happened once more: My inbox is now bursting at the e-seams, and I just can’t seem to keep up anymore. As a result, I’ve decided I’m going to cement this type of circumstance into a fun, recurring event: The MuuCycle!

Whenever I get a boatload of tracks ready to review, I’ll herd ‘em together in one big package for all to enjoy. We’ve got a lot of mixes and mashes, as well as some originals…So take your pick! My preferences have been elected through a complex star ranking system. I’ll allow my dear readers to decode my method for themselves.

Oh, and do make sure to check out Sicknote–They make Electric Six sound dignified.

* DL: Sugar Red Drive – One More Time (zShare)
** DL: Don Diablo vs. MGMT vs. Mya – The Best Ghetto Kids Are Yet To Come (zShare)
*** DL: Naked Highway – Wet Like Sweat (The Model Mix) (zShare)
*** DL: Don Diablo vs. The Ting Tings – That’s Not My Rave (zShare)
*** DL: AFRIKA – Move It (zShare)
*** DL: LehtMoJoe – Suffragette Woman (David Bowie/E.L.O. Mash-Up) (zShare)
*** DL: Sicknote – Phone In Sick (2009 Re-Mastered Version) (zShare)
*** DL: Sicknote – Phone In Sick (Flapsandwich Re-Rub) (zShare)
*** DL: DJ Milenko – The Satisfied Way I Push It (Benny Benassi vs Timbaland vs Salt N’ Pepa Mash-Up) (zShare)
**** DL: Ryan Smith – I Just Want To Feel That Way (zShare)
**** DL: Ryan Smith – Sleep Well (zShare)
**** DL: Forbidden Disco – Viva La Far Away (Cut Copy vs. Coldplay) (zShare)
**** DL: The Smiths – Barbarism Begins At Home (Forbidden Disco Remix)(zShare)
***** DL: Forbidden Disco – Lights, Ladies, & Magic (Cut Copy vs. Modjo)(zShare)
***** DL: Alex Roots – Fake (Plugs Remix) (zShare)

As always, take what you like and leave what you don’t. If an artist particularly tickles your fancy, drop me a comment and I’ll be sure to cover them more in depth!

As for my own opinion, I have a strong feeling that Alex Roots‘ debut may prove to be something to watch for in the very near future.

Hear more about: AFRIKA, Alex Roots, Sicknote, Ryan Smith, Forbidden Disco, Naked Highway, Sugar Red Drive, DJ Milenko, and Don Diablo.

Come every January, the promise and excitement of new music releases for the new year lies tantalizingly close upon the horizon. Though dozens of fabulous albums will be released this year, I thought I’d compile a list of some of my most heart-pumping, bar-raising anticipated releases for 2009. And just so we’re clear, the answer is yes: In my world, Kelly Clarkson fits that definition.

Annie
As far as Pop Injustices go, it is well known within the industry that Nordic electro-chanteuse Annie truly took the cake in 2008 when her second major album, Don’t Stop, ironically stalled in production only weeks before its release. Annie’s endeavors were cast aside for more lucrative projects after a major corporate shake-up within the star’s former label, Island Records, leading to her eventual drop from the label.
Luckily, she hasn’t given up on the album just yet. In fact, According to a new interview with Exclaim, Annie still owns the original masters of the tracks, and she’s more than willing to give them a proper home at another label. With some time to kill and some new tracks slipped under her Casio keyboard, she’s now aiming to make an album twice as nice as before. With a pending release under Richard X’s record label, “Anthonio,” as well as Don’t Stop favorite, “My Love Is Better” lined up for the first quarter of ’09, perhaps Don’t Stop can finally start revving itself up again.

Why It Could Be So Right: Don’t Stop: The First Time Around
Where It Could All Go Wrong: The Second Great Depression.

DL: Annie – 2 Of Hearts (zShare)

Pet Shop Boys
Let’s hear it for the Boys: After a three year waiting period since their last effort, Fundamental, the iconic electronic duo is gearing up for a new studio album due out March 23, entitled Yes. Anticipation for the album’s release surged when it was announced that Xenomania, the purveyors of glam-pop perfection, would be taking the helm of the production for this new album. With the album already deemed by PopJustice! as “quite good” and the lead single “Love Etc.” described as nothing we’ve ever heard before (in a good way!), the new album may just be the Boys’ punchiest yet.

Why It Could Be So Right: Xenomania; Thinly veiled references to homosexuality
Where It Could All Go Wrong: Country twang and barn sounds.

DL: Pet Shop Boys – It’s A Sin (Barfly Mix) (zShare)

Röyksopp
Torbjørn Brundtland and Svein Berge are only moving up: The two began with 2001′s Melody A.M., an aural accomplishment of trip-hop infused ambient noise and slow sizzling beats. With their follow-up The Understanding in 2004, the two headed into a more mainstream pop direction, enlisting the help of The Knife‘s Karin Dreijer, as well as ethereal crooner, Kate Havnevik. The pairing resulted in some of the most essential tracks on the album (“Only This Moment,” “What Else Is There?”), exercises in high-brow pop innovation and brooding electronica.
Following the announcement of the band’s 10th year anniversary came the announcement of Junior, their third major album due March 23. The electro-duo seem to have benefited from a newfound spring in their step, as evidenced in their buoyant, bouncy new single, “Happy Up Here.” Most exciting of all, Röyksopp are not only once again working with Karin Dreijer, but have also enlisted the help of indie darlings Lykke Li and Robyn for their newest release. The latest promotional shots have all featured the boys grinning from ear to ear, so who knows? Perhaps there’s a reason they’re smiling so much.

Why It Could Be So Right: Nordic Pop Perfection, Guest vocals
Where It Could All Go Wrong: Guitars.

DL: R̦yksopp РHappy Up Here (zShare)

Imogen Heap
You’ve no doubt heard this sweet songstress somewhere before: Teaming up with Guy Sigsworth as part of side-project Frou Frou, lining the soundtracks of your favorite FOX drama, or perhaps even performing live on Indie 103. Well, Imogen’s stepping back into the spotlight, having been busying herself in preparation for the follow-up to 2005’s spectacular solo album, Speak For Yourself.
Following a move back into her British childhood home, the singer-songwriter decided to build an in-house studio. During the noisy process, the singer had an epiphany: To implement the clicks, clacks, and squeaky sounds of her home directly into her songs, adding what should prove to be an intriguing, organic element to her new music. Recent teasers played in Immi’s weekly video blogs seem to suggest brilliance as usual…Look for this one to hit stores around late-April or May.

Why It Could Be So Right: Concept albums.
Where It Could All Go Wrong: Probably can’t…It’s Imogen Heap.

DL: Imogen Heap – Headlock (zShare)

Kelly Clarkson
Remember that widely reported and entirely overblown altercation between Kelly Clarkson and Clive Davis? Well, say what you will about the matter, but Davis had it right—Clarkson simply wasn’t ready to write her own rock.
To be fair, My December hardly profited from any more gritty ‘tude than her previous album, Breakaway. Yet unlike the groundbreaking album that catapulted Clarkson from the likes of talent show hack to bhona fide belter overnight, My December suffered an aggravating amassing of angst-fueled lyricism that failed to translate into sales, stalling the album’s performance on the carts and failing to propel the deeply unappreciated single “Sober” to its deserved potential.
Nevertheless, the true Idol original has seemingly sucked it up and teamed up with mega-pop titans, including Ryan Tedder (“Apologize,” “Bleeding Love”) and Dr. Luke, responsible for her post-“Since U Been Gone” stormer, “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Judging by the track, Clarkson’s sound hasn’t changed one bit–She’s just added a few, catchy new hooks into the mix.

Why It Could Be So Right: Effortless vocals.
Where It Could All Go Wrong: A renewed desire to fight the man.

DL: Kelly Clarkson – My Life Would Suck Without You (zShare)

Utada
After over four years, the J-Pop megastar is finally planning to return to our side of the shore with the follow-up to her 2004 major label English debut, Exodus. Though the album never took off in sales, it remains one of the finest moments of synth eccentricity and smart-pop ingenuity within her entire back catalog.
After the premiere of the album’s R&B-tinged, hook-heavy lead single, “Come Back To Me,” it seems Hikki’s seeking a radio hit with this new album. As a result, I’m willing to bet we’ll see some star-studded production by blockbuster hip-hop hit-makers, including Timbaland and Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins—longtime collaborators and friends. Look for Utada’s upcoming album to drop on March 24 in the States.

Why It Could Be So Right: Alanis-inspired divorce angst.
Where It Could All Go Wrong: Kuma-Chan…‘Nuff said.

DL: Utada – Come Back To Me (zShare)

Frankmusik
For those still unaware, Frankmusik is the Most Exciting Man in Pop. It is no surprise then that his upcoming debut is set to be the Most Exciting Debut in Pop for ‘09. With a sound as frenetic and jittery as the nauseating background images on his MySpace, Mr. Vincent Frank is paving the way for the new generation of DIY-electro online artists. Leading off with a new single for the new year (“Better Off As Two”), it’s only a matter of time before the public catches the buzz. Look for Complete Me to hit stores around June.

Why It Could Be So Right: Access to studio equipment, continued perfection
Where It Could All Go Wrong: Lucrative photoshoot offers from gay magazines.

DL: Frankmusik – Better Off As Two (zShare)

Little Boots
Little Boots is going to be the next big thing in 2009. But don’t take my word for it—ask the British! The BBC recently knighted the DIY-electro superstar as the official “Sound of 2009,” meaning that she’s probably about to have some nice things happen. Like fellow MySpacer Frankmusikm Little Boots has been teasing her fan base with an ever-cycling array of tracks on her MySpace, as well as an adorable selection of weekly pop covers on YouTube. The grainy videos feature the little star hammering away at her Casio, wailing away toward the sky. Each week, Ms. Boots attacks her track of choice with the same intensity and sincerity, whether she’s covering Hot Chip or Miley Cyrus. Give it up, Lady Gaga, there’s a true disco diva coming to save pop. Stay tuned for her electro-fied debut sometime in the second half of the year.

Why It Could Be So Right: Known Kylie Minogue fan.
Where It Could All Go Wrong: Marriage proposal by Frankmusik, resulting in flight off into the countryside

DL: Little Boots – Stuck On Repeat (zShare)

Lily Allen
British potty-mouth and original MySpace ce-webrity Lily Allen has managed to stay within the musical spotlight for over three years now with only one album under her brightly-colored summer dress, 2006’s genre-mashing Alright, Still. With some new friends behind the mixing table (Greg Kurstin) and some new funds to work with, Allen’s sound has already transformed into a much more polished production for 2009’s It’s Not Me, It’s You, due February 9. Fear not, Allen admirers—she’s still the same ol’ brat. Just listen to the lead single, “The Fear,” the tongue-in-cheek, world-weary woe song of a socialite. It’s better than anything from Alright, Still, a probable sign of the new album’s quality.

Why It Could Be So Right: Stupid girls still thrive in society.
Where It Could All Go Wrong: MySpace shuts down.

DL: Lily Allen – The Fear (zShare)

Judging from the list, it seems this may be the year of the MySpace star…Or the Norwegians. Anyway, this is but merely the beginning! Look out for more amazing releases from the likes of dozens more, including: Patrick Wolf, The Noisettes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kate Havnevik, Depeche Mode, Janelle Monae, and Sia.

Taking into account the current sales, the chances of Girls Aloud hitting the Top Ten with “The Loving Kind” are now dangerously slim, with the single resting at a shaky #10 in the midweeks.

A failure to hit the Top Ten would end the Aloud’s record-breaking single run at the top of the charts, surpassing the Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child.

When words fail in these tenuous times, only human emotion can suffice.

My thoughts exactly, Sarah Harding.

A million thanks to Dial-999 at the PJ! Forums.