The giving season’s far from over, as Kelly Clarkson‘s finally unleashed her 8-track iTunes Sessions EP today on iTunes, which includes fantastic live performances of both signature anthems (“Since U Been Gone,” “My Life Would Suck Without You”) and cuts from Stronger, including “Mr. Know It All,” “You Can’t Win,” and title track “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger).”

My personal favorite of the bunch is Clarkson’s acoustic take on her 2007 hit “Never Again” (listen above), which strips back the crashing drums and scowling guitars of the original and relies instead on a single gorgeous piano melody, turning the song from a fire ‘n’ brimstone anthem into something much more vulnerable. It’s utterly chilling–and ten times better than the original, in my opinion.

Her cover of “Why Don’t You Try,” originally recorded by Eric Hutchinson and included as an iTunes bonus track from Stronger, is another major highlight–as Clarkson powerfully belts out the soulful “The Trouble With Love Is”-esque ballad with nearly studio version accuracy (or rather, it’s superior to the studio version.)

There’s even an in-depth interview (over a half hour long!) included, in which Kelly discusses her decision to sign with her label, her writing, her involvement in the recording process, and her thoughts on her individual records. She even picks the 5 Kelly Clarkson songs she’d give to someone on their iPod: “Because Of You,” “Walk Away,” “Irvine,” “You Love Me” and “Beautiful Disaster (Live).” Amazing!

Clarkson’s iTunes Session EP was released on December 27. (iTunes)

As we all know by now, Beyonce‘s been churning out singles from 4 in radio, remix and video form for the entire year.

It’s been a bit exhausting, and at this point, I’m fairly certain that the entire album’s been released in one way or another. Well, except for MY FAVORITE SONG ON THE ALBUM OBVIOUSLY: “I Miss You.” (UGH! Give it some love already, Bey!)

Nevertheless, “End of Time” is one of the best songs off of King B’s fourth studio package, and the diva’s just gone ahead and unleashed a whole bunch of official remixes onto her SoundCloud.

The Wideboys mix gives the song a nuts o’clock wailing alarm call, while the Wawa take provides a reliable club thumpa-thump. Better still is the Manny Lehman “Labor of Love” remix, which gives the song a slightly ‘millennial banga’ re-rub (think Jennifer Lopez‘s “Waiting For Tonight” green laser lights). But far and away the best remix of the bunch is the Redtop remix–which is basically from another planet. (Or rather, from yesteryear.)

As my friend David described it, the Redtop mix of “End of Time” is “like a Madonna record from 1987.” Truly! Once those classic synths come shooting into the speakers, don’t be surprised if you hear “And you can dance…for inspiration” echoing in the distance. But the throwback track isn’t just a touch of Madge–it’s a glorious Jackson 5-meets-Whitney Houston jubilee of flashing lights, blaring horns and funky rhythms that’ll make you want to throw on your mom’s best sequined number and go sashaying right down to the grocery store in full glam mode. (Caution: Don’t actually do that.)

So check out all the official remixes streaming below, and get ready to get into the groove just in time for the New Year!

End Of Time Remixes by Beyoncé

4 was released on June 28. (iTunes)

Santigold first burst into the scene with her brilliant 2008 genre-bending debut Santogold (pre-name change, of course), featuring killer cuts like “L.E.S. Artistes” and “Lights Out” that quickly won her comparisons to acts ranging from M.I.A. to The Gossip.

While she’s busied herself in between 2008 and now–including collaborating with N.A.S.A. and Basement Jaxx and penning “Monday Morning” and “Bobblehead” for Queen Legendtina‘s Bionic–fans have remained hungry for her long delayed, highly anticipated follow-up.

In a new interview this month with V Magazine, the Philly-bred musician revealed new details about her upcoming sophomore attempt now due out in 2012, called Master of My Make-Believe, which was been recorded with Greg Kurstin, Switch, TV On The Radio‘s Dive Sitek and Nick Zanner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Two choice quotes from the article:

How do you go about songwriting?

I write to the music. The lyrics came slowly on this record.

Why do you think that was?

It was about learning to trust myself. I also had expectations. Never have those! Everyone I worked with before was in a different headspace. I had to get past that. That’s why I started writing with Nick, and it started being cool and fun.

So was that the turning point?

That was when it was like, I just want to work with who I want. We recorded in Jamaica for a little while and finally some lyrics started to come to me. I think that time really colored the record.

No one wants to be real anymore. Wikipedia is always wrong. No one fact checks and it’s not even a priority. Reality TV is more popular than ever, and it’s the fakest thing ever. Where is there place for truth in all of that? My record is called Master of My Make-Believe because I want it to be about creating your own reality. I have a song called “The Keepers”: “we’re the keepers, while we sleep in America our house is burning down.” It’s about how if we accept this then that’s what it is. We’ve got to fix it.

Is that, in your opinion, the overall feeling of the record?

I connect with music that makes me feel alive, or a sense of possibility. Music is powerful. If I go out and I’m watching a show and it’s really good, all I want to do is go home and work on music. It’s a backhanded motivation when something is really good. I want my music to be that for people. I want it to be an initiator of something compelling, to set something in motion.

Make sure to check out the full article at V.

Kurstin, Switch and some Yeah Yeah Yeahs flavor to boot? Yes, yes and yes, PLEASE!

Frankly, it’s about time. While Santogold still sounds more fresh and innovative than most of the albums released in 2011, we’re in desperate need for Santi to switch up the game once again. For now, let’s go out with one of my favorite cuts off of her debut: “Shove It.”

We think you’re a joke, shove your hope where it don’t shine! (Not you, Santi!)

Master of My Make-Believe will be released in 2012. (iTunes)

MERRY BRITMAS, Y’ALL!

‘Tis the season to be jolly…and leaky, apparently!

When I got the initial tweet that Godney‘s “Strangest Love” had leaked earlier this morning, I did what any rational, level-headed fan would do: I threw my presents in the air, raced down the hallway and immediately began flailing and falling to my knees with my Spearit rosary beads in hand as I pushed “Play.” And oh, what a thoroughly flaw-free production…seriously!

While the original recording date is unconfirmed (for now), we do know that producer Guy Chambers published a song called “Strangest Love” on BMI (credited along with Westlife‘s Brian McFadden). Brit Brit reportedly worked with Chambers while recording 2003′s In The Zone–plus, the production sounds similar to the Chambers-produced Kylie Minogue cut, “Sensitized.” Is it a match? Maybe…seems likely!

Whatever the case, “Strangest Love” is pure paradise: The vocals and lyrics are almost as lush as Brit Brit’s finest Adultney moment back in 2005: “And Then We Kiss.” Those moans in the background, the chilly break beats against the piano, that falsetto moment during the bridge…and the final improvised cries? So smooth, so sensual…like a touch of Sade thrown into the mix! Utterly destroyed.

For fans missing out on more of the traditional balladry of Brit Brit’s back catalog, this leak comes as a seriously appreciated Christmas treat. Nice to hear some real vocals happening again!

‘Til something changes, it’s a different language / Words say too much, and get in the way / We talk in the strangest love…

You’re speaking my language, B! It’s just like Madonna preached back on 1994′s “Bedtime Story”: “Words are useless, especially sentences. They don’t stand for anything. How could they explain how I feel?”

BRITNEY SPEARS – Strangest Love by Andru Bergero

2011: YEAR OF THE SPEARS.

Did you know? Sky Ferreira is still perfect.

In a new interview with my good friend Alex Catarinella for Elle, the ever under-the-radar pop songstress revealed the latest plans for her long-delayed debut record, tentatively (hopefully!) due out in 2012:

ELLE: What can you tell us about the LP you’re working on?
SF: I’m releasing a single this winter. I’ve been writing with my boyfriend Nick, who’s in the Virgins, for the past year or two. I’m working with Jon Brion [ed note: major Fiona Apple producer] in the new year and possibly recording with Shirley Manson and Greg Kurstin. I’ve been working with Greg since I was like, 15-years-old. This recording process is about making good music and collaboration. All of the people I’m working with believe in what I’m doing and it really makes a difference. I’ve made about 5 debut albums at this point, but this one is where my heart is truly at…and no label set backs!

New single within weeks? Sweet. More to come from Greg Kurstin? Sweet. A possible Shirley Manson collaboration in the works?! No, I–I can’t possibly. This is simply too good. I am dead.

Ferreira also gushed a bit about her (and my) current obsession: Kween Courtney Stodden. In fact, she even fantasizes about one day making a music video with the flaw-free iconic goddess sent from above on a cloud made out of lip gloss and pink hair extensions:

ELLE: I know you’re a bit of a pop culture junkie. Do you have a favorite pop culture obsession of 2011?
SF: Courtney Stodden is probably my favorite. I want to do a music video of us at a water park and getting in a cat fight in the lazy river. Lots of weave pulling and Courtney would pour her Big Gulp on top of my head.

Honestly, the idea of seeing Sky and Courtney getting wet ‘n’ wild in the rough rapids sends sultry goosebumps all over my sensuous skin. Don’t put it on me, girl! Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t, DON’T! (But do!!!)

New single. New album. Kurstin and Miss Manson. Stodden dreams. Shaking and crying!

The As If! EP was released on March 22. (iTunes)

Martin Solveig – Turn Up The Radio (feat. Sunday Girl) (Live) by muumuse

Yesterday, Madonnarama broke the exclusive that one of the songs included on Madonna‘s higher-than-highly anticipated twelfth studio album will be called “Turn Up The Radio,” produced by Martin Solveig.

As it turns out, the song’s already been kicking around for months.

Originally sung by UK songstress Sunday Girl, “Turn Up The Radio” was initially meant to be a single from Solveig’s 2011 record, Smash. (Instead, the track was never released and the still-very-good Sunday Girl collaboration “Let’s Not Play Games” was included as the album’s closer.)

Although the song was never actually released, the French DJ still played the track while out on tour. Luckily, someone in the crowd snagged the audio months ago–and now we’ve got our first taste of “Turn Up The Radio.” Guess what? It’s an absolute T-U-N-E!

Similar to Solveig’s major international smash “Hello (feat. Dragonette),” the track provides a powerful blast of pulsating French House energy and one viciously catchy hook of a chorus–almost like a more punchy, cheerleader-friendly take on the tranced-out Confessions track, “Get Together.”

There’s plenty of potential for this one to rocket to the top of the charts worldwide. I can’t wait to hear M’s vocals on this one…absolutely HUGE!

Rumor has it this’ll be the second or third single off of Madge’s upcoming record–please, please, please let it be so!

Move over Miley and Leslie–there’s a new BFFL duo in tween town.

14-year-old Annabella Avery “Bella” Thorne (yes, that does mean she was born in 1997…dear God almighty) is a rising Disney princess who stars on the new hit show, Shake It Up!. (I say “hit” without actually knowing whether it’s a hit–let’s just go with it, okay?) She also has a best friend named Pia Mia.

Together, the two have joined girly forces to craft an unapologetically UH-MAZING pop song: “Bubblegum Boy.” Frankly, Willow Smith best be keeping one eye open she goes to sleep at night, ’cause these girls are coming to slay.

You see, “Bubblegum Boy” starts off with a siren call, which is important because an alarm in pop music means something AMAZING is about to happen (see: “Ring The Alarm”)–AND OH, HOW IT DOES.

“Bubblegum Boy” is what I’d describe as a ‘sassy banga.’ Why? Well, there’s a great deal of both (A) sassy lyricism and (B) banga beats. “I don’t care about what you got/You’re frontin’ cause you know you’re just a…” the girls sassily chant before launching into the banga of a chorus.

Now let me tell you something: The chorus of “Bubblegum Boy” is EVERYTHING. It’s a “Whip My Hair”-esque power-punch of a hook that’ll have you shaking and crying into your Lisa Frank trapper keeper within mere seconds.

“Bubblegum Boy” will get stuck in your head forever, and then you’ll hate yourself for listening in the first place, and then you’ll secretly add it to your iPod, and then you’ll find yourself talking to a really cute boy at a coffee shop, and then he’ll look down and see that you’re listening to “Bubblegum Boy”, and then he’ll either get down on bended knee and propose to you on the spot or just grimace and walk away.

So far I’ve only experienced the latter, but I’m holding out for a hero.

BELLA AND PIA ARE COMING FOR WIGS Y’ALL. BYE HATERS!!!

“Bubblegum Boy” was released on December 5. (iTunes)