Glamour Magazine, courtesy of The Mirror.

Could it be?

In November of 2005, Britney Spears released B In The Mix: The Remixes, an 11-track album that included remixes of songs spanning her entire career to date, along with the previously unreleased track, “And Then We Kiss (Junkie XL Remix)”–a track that immediately became (arguably) my favorite song she’s ever done.

The track was co-penned by Spears and songwriters Paul Barry and Mark Taylor, both of whom are responsible for Cher‘s “Believe” and Enrique Iglesias‘ “Hero” and “Bailamos” (among other massive worldwide smashes).

Although some assumed earlier on that the Junkie XL mix was actually just the original version of the song, further evidence–including the original’s brief listing on the soundtrack for Britney’s mini-documentary TV series Britney & Kevin: Chaotic (which was later removed from the final tracklisting) and an interview with Junkie XL for About.com–confirms that an original version exists.

From the interview:

RS: When I hear Junkie XL I think of progressive dance productions and remixes. So when I heard that you remixed Britney Spears, that was such a surprise. When they approached you for the remix, what was in your head?

Junkie XL: What I wanted to do was turn it into a 2006 version of Enjoy the Silence with really electronic chunky beats and nice melodic guitar lines. Besides the fact that she’s singing on it, it could be a track off my album because it’s the same vibe. I’m really happy with the end result and so are they.

Fast forward to September 1, 2011, when a track mysteriously surfaces online: “And Then We Kiss (Original Version).”

But is it real?

The production of this new (well, technically old) mix is utterly incredible: Along with its gorgeously sensual, Ray Of Light-esque electronica undercurrent and flamenco-tinged guitar, the lead vocals on this new mix are much more prominent in certain parts of the song than we’ve ever heard before. There even seem to be some new background vocals (2:24) thrown in the mix, as well as a haunting new stretched-out vocal finish in the last 30 seconds.

Since an acapella version of the song has never actually leaked (yet), it’d be an incredibly impressive feat if this wound up being a fake: Either this is the work of an impossibly good producer-to-be (unlikely) or we’ve just–at long last–stumbled upon the long lost original version of “And Then We Kiss.”

Absolutely incredible.

UPDATE (Sept. 5): The answer has arrived! I got in touch with “And Then We Kiss” songwriter Mark Taylor over the weekend about the original version of the song, who Excluusively confirmed to MuuMuse that this newly leaked mix is in fact the real deal:

Dear Brad,
I confirm the version on your website is my original production and mix from the same sessions as Breathe On Me. And I’m glad you like it and that it still feels fresh after so long! I am pleased it might finally see the light of day! Keep up the good work! Best, Mark Taylor

AMAZING!

“And Then We Kiss (Junkie XL Remix)” was released in 2005. (iTunes)

When she is in the moment, literally it’s like magic flying about all over the place and on stage. It simply doesn’t get any better.

Steve Anderson is a pop nerd’s goldmine.

Known today as a songwriter, a producer, and a musical director (amongst other job titles), Anderson’s career actually took off in the late ’80′s as a remixer, acting as one-half of the popular remix outfit, Brothers in Rhythm along with Dave Seaman.

Working out mixes for some of the most popular artists of the time including Cherrelle, Sister Sledge, and Loleatta Holloway, Steve Anderson quickly began carving himself a comfy niche in the pop industry. Yet one of the most important milestones in Anderson’s career came with eventual introduction in the early ’90′s with a certain Kylie Minogue.

Beginning with Minogue’s self-titled 1994 record and continuing all the way to Aphrodite, Steve Anderson has worked intimately co-writing and recording the internationally cherished diva for nearly twenty years. He’s been responsible for the arrangement and production of many of her hits (“Confide In Me,” “Did It Again”), as well as continuing to serve as the musical director of every tour she’s done since 1997′s Intimate and Live.

As time went on, Anderson soon began taking a hand at penning tracks for a variety of MuuMuse’s most celebrated acts: From Atomic Kitten to Holly Valance, to the legendary Miss Britney Spears.

Since then, the talented producer has only continued to busy himself with work. Anderson is currently in the midst of planning Minogue’s massive Aphrodite Tour as well as executive producing Christophe Willem‘s upcoming studio album. At the same time, he’s been eagerly involved in the launch of two up-and-coming acts: Elouise, a classic crooner who brings to mind yesterday’s greatest voices (Judy Garland, Dusty Springfield), and The Ultra Girls, a new girl group rooted in Spice Girls-esque pop for the sake of pop.

Needless to say, Steve Anderson is a busy man.

As a result, I was delighted when I found out that Mr. Anderson was willing to answer a heap of questions I’d prepared for him, along with several questions submitted by Muusers. A dream!

So without further ado, please read on to see the first part of the interview.

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