I’ve neglected writing about Katy B for a painfully long time. Not out of disinterest, but rather laziness: Whenever a new pop ingenue comes rolling around, I’ve either got to take the initiative and tackle the formal introductions head-on or–as it more often tends to be the case, I’ll end up riding the wave bubbling under until it becomes absolutely necessary.

It’s become absolutely necessary.

Katy B is part of a phenomenon in British female pop steadily increasing in popularity at the moment, characterized by sweetly sung R&B melodies, hip-hop rhymes, and rough, grinding garage/grime beats–let’s call it “swagga pop.”

Though she looks all of 12 years old, the rising South London-born pop chanteuse commands a sick flow and a pleasantly soulful croon, like a cross between Cher Lloyd and Jessie J or JoJo and Joss Stone.

Groomed by the good people of underground radio/record label Rinse.FM and recently signed to Columbia Records, Katy B has come a long way in a short period of time–and it’s clear that the British public’s already taken notice.

Her first single, “Katy On A Mission,” was released in late August. The track is a somewhat bipolar, grinding dubstep banger that–despite its somewhat less accessible radio sound–managed to climb to the impressive position of #5 the UK Singles Chart and #1 on the UK Dance Chart only two weeks after its release.

In fact, the song was such a success that its trance-y B-side, the glittering “Louder,” (which I imagine Lily Allen sounds like when played at a rave), peaked at #176 on the charts based on downloads alone.

“Lights On” is the second single to be released from Katy B’s upcoming debut album (due out next week), which also features Ms. Dynamite. (OH HAI–long time no see, lady!)

On her new track, the young singer ditches the dubstep sound of her debut in favor of UK garage/classic house revivalism a la Hercules & Love Affair. “I keep on moving with the lights on,” the young star sings above the song’s dull, throbbing beat whilst inexplicably parading around the “Rock Your Body”-esque video in–what else? A pair of pajamas.

If the late ’80′s/early ’90′s sound of “Lights On” rubbed you the right way, I highly recommend checking out Katy B’s take on the 1988 Inner City smash, “Good Life,” re-rubbed by Rinse.FM artist Geeneus. It’s, well…genius!

As with all noteworthy pop artists (especially of the ‘swagga pop’ variety), Katy B’s music constantly toes the line between brilliance and shit–a quality that will undoubtedly divide listeners and provide for some interesting pop discourse.

But whether you’re loving or hating the jams, there’s little doubt that Katy B is set to explode in 2011.

“Lights On” will be released on December 20. (iTunes)

As you all must know by now, Kaskade has just digitally unleashed his sixth studio album, Dynasty (with a physical release to follow on May 11).

In order to celebrate the release, MuuMuse is proud to be giving away ONE PAIR of tickets to see Kaskade playing live at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City on May 8, where he will be joined by Infected Mushroom and Hercules and the Love Affair.

To enter to win, send me an e-mail with the subject line “KASKADE” telling me your favorite Kaskade track OR tweet me (and follow me!) with the following phrase: “Hey @muumuse, I want to see Kaskade too!” The winner will be selected and notified on May 5 at 12 p.m. EST.

The show is bound to be incredible. Hurry up and enter now!

To preview and purchase Dynasty on iTunes, click here. To hear more from Kaskade, check out his MySpace page right here.

It’s been a while since I’ve taken a spin ’round the blogosphere for you Muusers. Let’s go again, shall we?

Over at XO, Steve’s still going gaga (in the non-pop-star-wannabe sense) for Antigone. Make sure to check out the little mixtape widget for her debut album, AntigoneLand, released online this week. Good luck, Mizz ‘Tig!

AnthoNYC started my day off right at Tastes Like Caramel with this fabulous video of Little Boots‘ cover of the Sugababes track, “Overload.” What kind of instrument is that anyway? It’s more gorgeous than the sounds it’s emitting! Oh, and just a few minutes ago, we got the dish on the Lollapalooza ’09 line-up. Fleet Foxes, Animal Collective, and Vampire Weekend? Yep…it’s a Pitchfork affair. I’m far more interested in the spinning going on at Perry’s, featuring Simian Mobile Disco, Kaskade, and Hercules & Love Affair. Now that? That’s my kind of party.

Ohh!Crapp continues to be one step ahead of the game with the show-stopping Fred Falke remix of Annie‘s “Anthonio.” Smooth, rich, and creamy. As my friend David suggested, could this be the first Italo Disco-esque release in years? Me thinks it possible. Going to invest in vinyl for this one!

HardCandyMusic‘s got a hugely essential collection of eleven recordings from Grace Jones‘ Hurricane Tour now currently ripping through the other side of globe, as well as some future tour dates. Anyone willing to shell out a few to fly me over to the Hollywood Bowl this summer? Let me know.

RobPop’s reviewed the new Emilia de Poret album over at DontStopThePop. I’ve not listened yet, but I’m more than willing to bet it’s a rather homosexual affair.

The sluts over at TheMusicSlut are giving away tickets to Peaches‘ NYC show and offering downloads of a shitty Coldplay cover by Gaga. It’s a mixed bag, you know?

Trust me, there’s loads of other news out there…now go on and support my friends!

In celebration of the most horrendous weather conditions plaguing the Northeast right now, I present the MuuMuse Mini Wintry Mix, a spicy hot collection of mixes I’ve got banging about at the moment.

The Ludacris mash-up is a particular highlight.

Who knew the objectification of women with large, round asses could benefit so well from a smattering of body glitter and poppers?

DL: Britney Spears – Shattered Glass (E.J. Original Radio Mix) (Sharebee)
DL: Tiga – Louder Than A Bomb (Hoshina Anniversary Remix) (Sharebee)
DL: Ludacris vs. Hercules & Love Affair – Stand Up (Dave Wrangler Remix) (Sharebee)
DL: Metronomy – A Thing For Me (Blackout Remix) (Sharebee)
DL: Metronomy – A Thing For Me (Sinden Remix) (Sharebee)
DL: Peter Bjorn & John – Lay It Down (The Golden Filter Remix) (Sharebee)

Adios, Island Records…Hello, Richard X!

There hasn’t been too much buzz about it, but Annie is planning a proper release for February 2009! This time, it’s going to see the light of day…I can feel it.

The track, called “Ánthonio,” will be packaged under Richard X’s label, Black Melody, along with two remixes: One by Designer Drugs, and one by Fred Falke. I love the title…It’s very Hercules & Love Affair. Let’s hope it’s aurally similar as well (with a few more synths added in for good measure)!

Along with that, the Nordic electro-doll is already preparing a second release closely after “Ánthonio.” You’re spoiling us, darling! Says Annie-kins on her blog of the impending releases:

Been working a lot on getting the sleeve ready for my next single…it..s a great designer who..s living in Berlin that..s gonne do it,so mailing him all kinds of ideas,pix etc…so exited bout Ánthonio….. I..m also preparing another single that will be out close to Ánthonio.., so for next year I..ll release records as often as possible,music for your ears.oh yeah

She loves punctuation. Really, she does.

In celebration, a random track from Annie’s catalog: Her collabo with The Teddybears!

DL: Annie – Yours To Keep (Mediafire)

And if there’s no further updates today…I hope you and yours have a simply smashing New Years celebration!

See you in 2009!

Obnoxious I know, considering that I’ve only just posted the Best Albums of 2008. But alas, it’s snowing…Hard. And when it’s snowing this hard, there’s only one thing to be done.

BLOG. IT. UP.

Somewhere after the top five single reviews, I wondered about how I would write up the remaining ten tracks (read: got lazy). Suddenly, I thought up the genius idea of making my reviews correspond to their song’s ranking in word quantity! And so, the idea has now been brought into fruition. And yes, I’m counting hyphenated words as one complete word.

I’ve had myself some fun. And now, I present…The Top 15 Tracks. Err, well…20.

I couldn’t resist!

Squeezing in…
20. Sia – Soon We’ll Be Found
19. Janet Jackson – Feedback
18. Will Young – Changes
17. Myl̬ne Farmer РDegeneration
16. Madonna – Give It 2 Me

15. Hercules & Love Affair – Blind
Pitchfork proclaims it top dog, but the “coming out” corker merely sizzles beneath the surface.

14. Girls Aloud – The Promise
Slowing down the tempo, the Girls don’t always need Hi-NRG tracks…just some glitter.

13. Britney Spears – Womanizer
New Britney is on a mission, plaguing your dictionaries for years to come.

12. Sugababes – No Can Do
Fabulous track from a fabulous album, the Babes’ sassiest release in years.

11. Santogold – L.E.S. Artistes
Hipster’s delight, mashing genres and crunchy beats. Where’s my skull necklace?

10. Namie Amuro – WHAT A FEELING
Spine-tingling electro reinterpretation, still paving the way for J-Pop.

9. Danity Kane – Damaged
Do, do you, got a first aid kit handy?

8. Sam Sparro – Black & Gold
Slow burning electro gold, never truly grows old.

7. Radiohead – Reckoner
Chanting bliss, especially within the middle eight.

6. Moby – Disco Lies
Purest dance, shame about the video.

5. Kaskade – Move For Me

Easily the finest trance track of the year, Kaskade’s “Move For Me” remains as gorgeously ethereal as it did upon the very first play. Late night synth sounds elevate the track into intergalactic proportions, while breathy, world-weary vocals weave disillusionment in between the beats: “Where do we come from? / Do I know your name? / Doesn’t really matter / In this life, we’re all the same.” Luscious! To this day, my post about the track is still the most searched track of the entire blog…Now that’s saying something.

In five words: Crying at the discotheque.

4. Kylie Minogue – The One

“The One” is, without question, the highlight of Kylie Minogue‘s 2007 album, X. A classic, timeless moment of New Wave warmth and echoey ooh’s and aah’s, the single is the epitome of electro-pop perfection. And despite initial disappointment upon learning the track had already been semi-formed in 2006 under a different artist, its initial impact remains unscathed. In the greatest pop injustice of 2008, “The One” saw a digital release in only a scattering of territories, a phoned-in kaleidoscopic video, and a scrapped-last-minute physical release, completely and utterly gutting the track’s full potential. It will remain one of Minogue’s greatest missed opportunities…We will never forget!

In four words: Love me, love me.

3. Lady Gaga – Just Dance

Prior to the release of the Girls Aloud and Britney albums, Gaga’s debut single was determined to remain my number one track for the year. As simple as it is instant, “Just Dance” was responsible for ushering in a torrent of artist requests for Lady Gaga’s writing skills and RedOne’s electro beats, “Just Dance” is a thoroughly crafted work of chiseled pop perfection. Through and through, the song is solid. I believe I’ve said it before, but “Just Dance” is the first track in years that has given me the “Since U Been Gone” effect–That instant vibe that a track is about to be colossal. Though its rather annoying that the song is only now climbing the Top 10 and gaining national attention (as it was originally released in April), it is a deserved amount of recognition nonetheless.

In three words: Dance all night.

2. Girls Aloud – The Loving Kind

In the Girls’ most tender track to date, this dream team collaboration with the Pet Shop Boys is truly the stuff of dreams (that glitter!). Five seconds short of being a four minute masterpiece, “The Loving Kind” is 2008′s “The One”: A timeless synth stomper intermixed with lyrics of longing. There are dozens of moments of brilliance interspersed throughout the track, though nothing will top Nicola’s show-stealing shouting bits in between the choruses. And sure, they can’t sing it live yet, but give the gals some time…After all, Perfection always takes some practice.

In two words: Love me.

1. Britney Spears – Circus

In her finest moment since 2004′s “Toxic,” Britney Spears takes back the reigns as the true ringmaster of this circus in this whip crackin’, adrenaline packin’, booty smacking stomp fest. “Circus” has already proved to be a massive smash, landing #3 on the singles charts despite establishing a formal release date. Seriously, this is a fully functioning performance piece, bursting with energy, sound, and movement. Was I influenced after having seen this go down live? Probably, but this isn’t getting old for me, and I sure don’t see it running its course anytime soon. Run that ship tight, bitch!

In one word: Perfection.

DL: Kaskade – Move For Me (Mediafire)
DL: Kylie Minogue – The One (Freemasons Vocal Club Mix) (Mediafire)
DL: Lady Gaga – Just Dance (Mediafire)
DL: Girls Aloud – The Loving Kind (Video Mix)
DL: Britney Spears – Circus (Junior Vasquez Remix Edit) (Mediafire)

It’s a miserable Sunday, so let’s cheer ourselves up with a lap or two around the blogosphere, shall we?

As usual, D-Luv’s got the low down on the charts game across the pond. More specifically, he’s discovered that Robyn is still putting out old music, Girls Aloud is preparing an epic second single release, and Beyoncé finally found a way to the top on her own.

Raj of ElectroQueer has put up an incredible review of Darren Hayes‘ much anticipated project, This Delicate Film We’ve Made. The result sounds absolutely luscious, and I’m so looking forward to seeing the end product myself!

JJS III of It’s The Money Shot! continues in his tradition of posts eclectic: This time, a remix of Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” by the incomparable, tranny-tastic Ashley Breathe. He’s also opted to push my buttons with some minor Circus hate, but I’m holding my tongue…sheerly out of blogger-to-blogger love.

Near and dear Muu friend 8/1 has posted about unsigned UK band, The Golden Filter. Judging by “Solid Gold,” this may be THE new band to watch for in ’09! A bit Goldfrapp, a touch of Hercules & Love Affair, a glitter drop of Róisín Murphy, and all DIY electro-pop…I’m absolutely in love with this band’s sound. Will be exploring further!

My good friend Faisal of Ohh! Crapp has been posting in his usual, nonsensical manner. A nice, long rant about Lady GaGa, followed by an MP3 from…Lady GaGa. It’s okay, Faisal…Love you, anyway

XOLondon has bunched together some of the greatest musical moments of ’08. While we don’t always see eye to eye on our artists, I absolutely adore his selections. Prime opinions and keen pickin’s, as usual!

HardCandyMusic is keeping the beat alive with some nice “Justify My Love” remixes.

And to throw into the mish-mash of already scattered thoughts, I’ve decided to include a favorite of mine from Depeche Mode that I fancied for myself tonight. Miserably bleak, wry, and slightly damning, “Blasphemous Rumors” is an ominous recounting of life’s most unexpected events. It’s a slightly horrifying mix of industrial clangs, music box strings, and a series of horned synth blares. The song also happens to feature one of the greatest choruses of all time: “I don’t want to start any blasphemous rumours, but I think that God’s got a sick sense of humor. And when I die, I expect to find him laughing.” Absolutely essential material.

DL: Depeche Mode – Blasphemous Rumors

Sputter..gah–sputter, gasp! I’m alive, my sweet blogger and blogettes, I’m ALIVE! A week’s time is almost a lifetime in blog world, and as we all full well know…a blogger’s work is never done. Seriously, I hate being away from the Internet for any longer than a day. The world moves on at a rapid pace; music debuts at the blink of an eye, internet memes are born and forgotten, and celebrities consummate and birth at any given time. Who has time to look away in this day and age?

Luckily, I’m back for a bit. Where am I, you ask? Florida. What am I doing there? None of your damn business. Why do you ask? Oh, you say you don’t give a toss? What’s a toss? Oh. Right. English speak, I get confused sometimes. Well good, I don’t want to bore you, either. Onto the music, then.

It’s been two, maybe three years, since PopJustice declared simply that Annie’s Richard X-produced “Songs Remind Me Of You” was to be one of the finest pop gems in recent history. After reading the post so long ago, I decided that the track must, at least, be semi-perfect, as far as the title is concerned. The album then began to go through the usual bag of release date setbacks, track reworking, and general hootenanny causing great delays in final production. But alas, the track is almost upon us—-to the point where PopJustice was finally able to upload a thirty second sample of the work! I screamed, I cried, I learned, and I hope you do the same. It’s a little sad disco, a lot of pumping synth, and a whole lot of reverberating “on the radio,” which is a well established pop phrase of perfection. The full track will be available when the album is released later this year.

Actually, I just visited her MySpace…it seems she’s uploaded “My Love Is Better,” the track that was meant to be a collaboration with Girls Aloud. The group’s vocals were later axed, but the track remains solid. Actually–Wait a minute! Yes! There’s a full minute clip of “Songs Remind Me Of You”! It’s the beginning of the track. Hackers, get to work quickly and splice the two samples together….we’ve got nearly a third of the track!

I went to Virgin today and bought a fine assortment of CD’s: Bitter:Sweet‘s Drama, Hercules & Love Affair‘s self titled album, and Manumission’s 3 CD-Set of Ibiza Classic Collection chock full of the fruitiest house hits from the past years. It was $10. Consider it my silent ode to Pride. I’m in the process of reviewing these.

That being said, I’m currently listening to Sonny J‘s debut, Disastro.

Britney‘s been busy drumming up the best of the lot for her upcoming sixth album, supposedly due out around Christmas. Newly added to the list? Darkchild, mastermind of the superior “Overprotected” remix and dominator of early ’00 pop. The producer joins a long list including Bloodshy & Avant, Guy Sigsworth, and Dallas Austin, a musical orgy of possibility. Mmm…

On and on, on the beat goes…