Those former Idol contestants never stop surprising us.

After Katharine McPhee premiered her phenomenal new club-pop smash “Touch Me” yesterday, Australian Idol Season 2 finalist Rickie-Lee Coulter has just given us a taste of her own upcoming club cut.

In 2010, the Aussie songstress–who previously struggled with depression years earlier–canceled the release of her third studio album, ended her contract with former label Shock Records and fired her old management company. Though it seemed unlikely that she would be back in the spotlight anytime soon, the singer soon inked a deal with EMI, leading to the release of searing comeback single, the delightfully euphoric “Raining Diamonds,” back in October of 2011.

Now, the gorgeous singer’s coming back with a brand new cut: “Do It Like That.” While the song isn’t out until next Friday according to PopJustice, we’ve got a sneak peek of the track via a remix by icy italo-disco French House maestro, Fred Falke.

The remix is a slick, glossy 6-minute production of blaring, teary-eyed Robyn-esque “With Every Heartbeat” synthesizers and chilly washes of ambient sound, distant chants and icy electronica. “Down low, I’m going to get you high/’Cause I know how to blow your mind/Baby get ready for this, ’cause it’s about to get serious,” the Aussie chanteuse warns above the chilled-out mid-tempo mix.

Even if the song’s lyrics and Ricki-Lee’s fast flow suggest it’s going to be a storming pop romp in original form, Falke’s take on the track makes it a much more timeless, spaced out production. It’s absolutely genius, like so many of his other mixes ( his take on Annie‘s “Anthonio” and Gossip‘s “Heavy Cross,” for example.)

Now that’s what I call a comeback.

“Raining Diamonds” was released on October 18. (iTunes Australia)

The bad news is that we’re not getting new Florrie tunes until 2012.

The good news is that Florrie felt pretty bad about it, so she’s just released a remix of her track “Begging Me”–for free!

Just as she’s done with all her past releases, the incredibly giving, thoroughly amazing former Xenomania house drummer has unleashed the Fred Falke remix as a free download (and also on iTunes worldwide if you’d like to help support her!) for fans.

From Florrie’s official website:

I know I’ve kept you waiting for new music, but once I knew I wasn’t going to finish any new material and release it by the end of November, I knew it was better to wait until the new year and avoid all the Xmas madness!

BUT… to thank you for all of your patience and support , I’ve decided to release the FRED FALKE special remix of ‘Begging Me’! I’ve had it in my iTunes for a while and now seems like the perfect time to get it out there. You can listen and download the remix below, or even buy on iTunes. I hope you like it! To go with Fred’s mix, I’ve also put together a little video of some of the best bits of my year, out very, very soon…

In case you missed it earlier this June, “Begging Me” was released as part of Florrie’s brilliant Experiments EP, which I absolutely loved (and still do). Disco pop perfection at its finest!

Falke’s take on the track only brings it deeper into disco territory, providing a delicious French House lick of synth pulsations and throbbing beats. It’s truly a fire hot remix–so grab it NOW!

One to watch for 2012? Most definitely.

DL: Florrie – Begging Me (Fred Falke Remix)

“Begging Me (Fred Falke Remix)” was released on December 14. (iTunes)

French House fans, rejoice!

French producer/DJ extraordinaire Fred Falke is set to unleash his debut artist LP, Part IV, on December 5.

The man behind the smashing productions and remixes for some of MuuMuse’s favorite acts–including Annie, Gossip, Miike Snow, Uffie, Ke$ha, Florrie and Will Young–will be bringing his first-ever artist record through Kris Menace‘s label, Work It Baby.

From Falke, courtesy of the press release:

So much of modern music takes the ideas in the 70′s and 80′s and uses them in a very superficial way. I hope I have managed to create something that re-asserts the musicality of this era within the context of modern music and modern production methods. I’ve always sought to re-align the modern French sound with the musical heritage that informed it, to bring that sound to a young crowd…to make it relevant to them.

I was fortunate enough to get a first listen to Part IV earlier today, and while there aren’t any artists featured on the (mostly) instrumental 12-track record, the album’s slick, euphoric French House productions are nothing short of pop perfection–an absolute must for any proper party playlist.

Prepare for a wallop of funky disco grooves, hazy electronica and searing House beats!

And now, a reminder of the genius of the Falke…

Still incredible.

Part IV will be released on December 5. (iTunes)

Here we go again: The end of another year in music!

2010 may well be remembered as the Year of the Future (if not the Year of All Hearts–hint hint!): A year of fembots, androids, bionic women and time-traveling adventures deep into the 22nd century.

Space-age love stories and robo-dramatics colored a large portion of the year’s biggest releases in pop, no doubt a response to the reign of the machine on the pop charts as synth-pop productions continued to dominate the digital airwaves in 2010.

Below is the list of MuuMuse’s Top Albums of 2010, which was based on a variety of factors–from individual song and single goodness, to the complete album experience, to overall artistic integrity, to an album’s ability to ‘stick’ as the year progressed. Basically I’m trying to say that it’s a bit of a hot mess, but I tried my very best.

There’s also a rather controversial dishonorable mention prior to the Top 40 list that will likely blow my chances for that much coveted position as editor of Rolling Stone. DAMN IT.

Now…LET’S DO THIS.

Without further ado…the list!

CALL 911! I’m having a panic attack!

No, wait. It’s just new Florrie. (LOLOL DO U SEE WUT I DID THERE.)

The Xenomania sweetheart is back with yet another free track for the masses: “Give Me Your Love.”

As per usual, the song was produced by Italo-disco mastermind Fred Falke and features Xeno players Jason Resch, Kieran Jones, and Toby Scott on instruments, as well as Florrie herself on drums!

“Give Me Your Love” is as much of a solid disco smash as it is an indie-rock track in disguise. It’s even conjuring some comparisons to Tegan & Sara‘s latest efforts in my mind.

I swear, these are such sweet treats. Fred Falke songs performed by Xenomania house members–and all for free? GIMME MOAH.

Moah, you say? Well, don’t worry–the singer’s already tweeted that there’s another one coming next Friday.

DL: Florrie – Give Me Your Love

For more Florrie, check out her official website.

My best blog buddies–from Hard Candy Music to Sheena Beaston to The Chemistry is Dead have already spouted on about the singer for months. I just happen to be coming to the party fashionably late. What else is new?

This is Florrie. You may not recognize her, but if you’re a MuuMuse reader, you’ve no doubt already heard her in action.

As the 21-year-old house drummer for production team Xenomania, Florrie’s had the honor of performing in tracks for likes of the Pet Shop Boys, Girls Aloud, and Kylie Minogue. Need proof of her skillz? Here’s a clip of her being generally amazing at the drums.

Currently, the singer/songwriter/drumming sensation has been busy carving out her own niche as a solo entertainer. In collaboration with italo-pop production superstar Fred Falke (a MuuMuse approved mega-favorite), Florrie has churned out a number of high quality solo tracks, including “Call 911,” “Panic Attack,” and most recently, “Fascinate Me.”

As with what we’ve come to expect from Xenomania, Florrie’s songs are characterized by hooky pop melodies, crunchy riffs, and complex lyricism.

With a frantic, breathy delivery similar to Norwegian electro superstar Annie, the singer tackles skittish electronic beats and rapid-fire riffed verses that simply beg to be replayed time and time again. There’s a lot being offered in each one of her songs, making Florrie one of the more intriguing pop acts lobbying for the public’s attention this year.

As the singer does not yet have a proper label deal (WHY?!), Florrie’s been releasing these brilliant Xeno-disco numbers for free on her official website, which you can snag right here.

Additionally, Florrie’s first CD release can now be found on Kitsuné x Ponystep, the latest compilation CD by uber-trendy French record label, Kitsuné, which includes “Call 911 (Beataucue Remix – JBAG Edit).”

With any luck, this is but the tip of an iceberg of chilly Italo-disco cuts simply begging to be released from this promising newcomer.

I cant wait to hear what comes next!

Getting ready for the weekend? WELL, I’M NOT. I’m exhausted from dancing the night away with JuJubee and Jessica Wild at Estate in Boston last night.

I realize that not everyone spends their Thursday nights going to drag shows however, which is why I figured my Muusers might enjoy this complete remix package from Robyn‘s off-the-charts amazing new single, “Dancing On My Own.”

I’m loving them all, but my personal favorite is obviously the Fred Falke mix. In case you thought the song had a healthy serving of sad disco already, give this mix a listen–you’ll be bawling in no time.

“Dancing on My Own” will be released on June 13 on Konichiwa/Island Records.

Well, the year is just about over now, which means that those “Best Of 2009″ lists just won’t let up anytime soon. Two weeks ago saw my “Top 40 Albums of 2009″ list. Now, it’s time to get down to the finest singles of the year. LET’S DO THIS.

All chart and sales figures provided by Wikipedia.

20. Mariah Carey – Obsessed (Listen)
It was the guiltiest, most quotable pleasure of the year: “Obsessed,” the so-bad-it’s-good, so-good-it’s-bad mid-tempo jam leading off the charge of Mariah Carey’s less than successful twelfth studio album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.

You love it, you hate it, but there’s no need to get all fired up with your Napoleon complex; the only thing that could have made this song better would be if it came bundled with a George Foreman grill and a bottle of Windex.

“Obsessed” topped the charts at #7 on the US Hot 100, as well as #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs list and Top 20 in many territories around the world.

19. Beyonce – Video Phone ft. Lady Gaga (Listen)
Though it would be impossible to top the weave-tossin’, hip-poppin’ brilliance that is “Diva,” “Video Phone” is just about as close as you can get to replicating that level of fierce-nass. Already an instant classic off of I Am…Sasha Fierce, the injection of Lady Gaga‘s ridiculous, warbling verses and a tranny-tastic music video made the song damn near untouchable.

That being said, “Video Phone” generally failed to catch on with the general public, stalling at #65 on the Hot 100 with no sign of fueling back up again anytime soon.

18. Cheryl Cole – Fight For This Love (Listen)
It was the tensest moment on X Factor this year: The debut performance of a solo Cheryl Cole. What would she sound like? How would the song fare? Breaking out with a hip, sleek routine (once a soldier, then a samurai) and a nasty dance break sequence, Cheryl fought, fought, fought for the public’s love, effectively dominating the latter half of 2009 with her debut single.

Though not the strongest song off of her debut 3 Words, it’s certainly the most influential: “Fight For This Love” broke the record for the fastest selling UK single, debuted at #1 in both Ireland and the UK, and scored the highest first week sales for a single in 2009.

17. Ke$ha – Tik Tok (Listen)
It’s loud, it’s obnoxious, and it’s all I listened to during the summer: “Tik Tok” is drunk-pop revelry at its finest, and one hell of a way to debut.

The song as just hit #1 on the Hot 100, according to yesterday’s Billboard news.

16. Shakira – She Wolf (Listen)
If anyone else sung this, it would be a disaster. But it’s not just anyone–it’s Shakira, the lust-worthy Latina songstress capable of making a coffee machine in an office sound downright sexy. The release was aided by an equally weird/brilliant video, featuring the singer doing enough limb-bending choreography to have Gumby crossing his legs in pain while watching.

“She Wolf” and its Spanish counterpart “Loba” climbed to the #11 spot on the US Hot 100 and a #1 position on the Hot Dance Club Songs list, as well as dozens of Top 10 positions all around the world.

15. Madonna – Celebration (Listen)
Ringing in over twenty-five years of international success in the music industry as the world’s reigning Queen of Pop, “Celebration” had quite a bit of hype to live up to. While some criticized the singer for trying too hard to maintain relevancy, the song served its purpose and ultimately contributed to the Madonna legacy of pure, unadulterated escapism tacked to a disco dancing beat.

While “Celebration” stalled at #71 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the song took a Top 5 charting across most other parts of the world, including a #3 peak in the UK’s Single Chart.

14. Rihanna – Hard (Listen)
Leading off one of the year’s best albums, Riri goes harder than ever before with a cocky chorus and a newfound swagger and delightfully confident sexuality. Lots of brags (“The hottest bitch in heels right here”) and lots of burns (“Ain’t like me, that chick too phony”). And as for that personal shout-out near the song’s end? “Where dem blah-gahs at? Where dem blah-gahs at?” Yeah…bonus points all around.

“Hard” has since climbed to the #11 position on the US Hot 100, though it’s still too new to declare the song’s peak position.

13. Sugababes – About A Girl (Listen)
As the unexpected dawn of a new era began late this year with the departure of Keisha Buchanan and the arrival of Jade Ewen, haters and doubters declared the girl group officially dead.

As it turned out, the Sugas have never sounded sweeter. “About A Girl” was the defiant anthem the girls needed to survive, earning a #8 spot on the UK Charts and proving that Jade Ewen is a voice to be reckoned with.

12. Lily Allen – The Fear (Listen)
Leading off the campaign for her sophomore album, It’s Not Me, It’s You, “The Fear” took a wry stab at the socialite life. With Greg Kurstin‘s glittering electronic beats and that gorgeous, dizzying chorus, it’s not hard to miss out on Allen’s dripping sarcasm: “I’ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless /’Cuz everyone knows that’s how you get famous.”

The song took the #1 spot on the UK singles chart, as well as scoring the “Best Track” award at the Q Awards.

11. Natalie Imbruglia – Want (Listen)
It’s all that you could ever want, over and over again: A lush, disco melody on repeat, “Want” is the sugary surprise single that led the march for Imbruglia’s solid fourth studio album, Come to Life.

Sadly, the song was never quite given its due credit, eventually peaking at #22 in Australia and #88 in the UK.

10. Gossip – Heavy Cross (Listen)
Did any other song send a chill running down our spines this year quite like Beth Ditto‘s howl of “I choose you!” just one minute into “Heavy Cross”? Doubtful. The song itself is a rocking smash, complete with jagged guitar riffs and disco-tinged drum beats, but it’s the Fred Falke remix made this release truly sublime.

The single premiered quite well overseas, including the #2 position in Germany and Switzerland, as well as the #14 spot on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.

9. La Roux – Bulletproof (Listen)
Say what I have about Elly Jackson‘s nasty attitude or her oft-insufferable falsetto, La Roux’s debut provided some of the catchiest, hookiest tracks of 2009. Add some bright, colorful ’80′s-flavored beats to one unstoppably catchy chorus, and there you have it: “Bulletproof,” a track that more than validated all those “One to Watch” list predictions last year.

“Bulletproof” took the #1 position on the UK charts, a #1 slot on the US Dance Charts, and a gold certification in Australia and New Zealand, amongst dozens of other countries.

8. Annie – Anthonio (Listen)
With the 2008 Don’t Stop campaign at a halt for more than half a year, “Anthonio” was the much-needed reassurance that the Anniemal was still alive and well. Soothing, melodic italo-disco sweeps over the speakers as the singer recalls the tale of the no-good, dirt bag who left alone and pregnant. What more could you ask for?

While it never landed a spot on the main Singles charts, “Anthonio” climbed to #5 on the UK Indie Chart.

7. Girls Aloud – Untouchable (Listen)
The word epic is far overused in modern society, but this song cannot be properly described by any other term: Clocking in at just under seven minutes, “Untouchable” is the Girls Aloud’s own “Bohemian Rhapsody,” complete with euphoric flares of synthesizers and a classic Xenomania beat.

In the greatest Pop Injustice of 2009, “Untouchable” charted just outside the Top 10 position in the UK at #11, effectively ending the girl group’s run of twenty Top 10 singles.

6. Florence + The Machine – Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) (Listen)
I’d seen some references to Florence over the summer, but it wasn’t until her performance of “Rabbit Heart” on Later…with Jools Holland that I realized just how magical this witchy woman and her music actually were. Honorable mentions go out to the equally deserving subsequent singles from Lungs, including “Drumming Song” and “You’ve Got the Love.”

“Rabbit Heart” peaked at #12 on the UK Singles Chart.

5. Bat For Lashes – Daniel (Listen)
Haunting vocals, warm droplets of synthesizer, and an endless, searching sense of loneliness, “Daniel” quickly became the clear, crowning victory of Bat For Lashes‘ Two Suns sessions.

“Daniel” peaked at #36 on the UK Singles Chart.

4. Royksopp – Girl and the Robot (Listen)
Combine Sweden’s Pop Princess with Norway’s electro-geniuses, and you’ve got yourself the greatest robot love song from a Swedish chanteuse since Margaret Berger‘s “The Robot Song”…and that’s saying a lot.

The song took on the #2 position on the Norweigan Singles Chart and a surprisingly modest #25 position on the Swedish Singles Chart.

3. Britney Spears – 3 (Listen)
Considering it’s Britney (bitch), “3″ is pretty low on my “Best Of” list. With a less-than-stellar video (the director’s cut having redeemed the original), Britney’s ode to playing Yahtzee with a friend or two (or Freudian exploration of fantasy, depending on who you ask) walks the line between sexy and sleazy a bit too unevenly, at times coming off childish and tacky (which is why I’m ready for a break from further Max Martin collaborations.) Subject matter aside, it’s still an unbelievably catchy record, and one hell of a Britney classic.

The single was an instant success with radio, nabbing the #1 spot on US radio, as well as a position in Top 10 charts all across the world.

2. Ellie Goulding – Under the Sheets (Listen)
Up until a few months ago, newcomer Ellie Goulding had released nothing but a few demos and behind-the-scenes videos on her MySpace.

“Under the Sheets,” her debut release, is a gorgeous, multi-layered tapestry of hypnotic electronica and breathy vocals, not all that far from the major league stuff of Imogen Heap and Björk. The song’s replay-ready quality, coupled with a yelp-at-the-top-of-your-lungs harmonies has, for better or worse, sprinkled all sorts of high expectations around the upcoming release of her debut album in 2010.

“Under The Sheets” has since peaked at #53 on the UK charts.

1. Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (Listen)
A crashing anthem of a chorus. Hitchcock references. A vogue-ready middle eight. Hooks a plenty. Nonsensical syllables abound. Fame. Death. Sex. Love. I’m a free bitch, baby.

As the most powerful, raucous celebration of pop music in years, “Bad Romance” has finalized Lady Gaga’s transition from a flavor of the month to an icon in the making. Though she may credit “Speechless” as her greatest song to date, it’s “Bad Romance” that takes the title in my book blog.

The song took the #2 spot on the Hot 100, as well as a #1 ranking in several countries internationally, including Canada, Italy, Sweden and the UK.

As if there were any question, “Bad Romance” is the best single of 2009, bar none.