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Win A Custom Lana Del Rey Tote!
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MuuMuse Excluusive: Preview Garçon Garçon’s “Hollywood Song (feat. Cazwell)” Off Upcoming EP
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Win The W.E. Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and Mini-Poster! (Giveaway)
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Win A Copy of Lana Del Rey’s Born To Die! (Album Giveaway)
HEY, over there... Yes, YOU! Put down the video games. I have something to say! Today, the ever delightful, ever controversial heaven-sent songstress Lana Del Rey released her debut studio album, Born To Die. (In case you ...
Lana Del Rey: Born To Die (Album Review)
Everyone's got something to say about Lana Del Rey. In Late June, the cut-and-paste clip for the singer's "Video Games"--then just a buzz track--dropped with a thud onto YouTube. Spliced between old movie sequences, paparazzi clips ...
My Date to The Movies With Madonna: The NYC Premiere of W.E.
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Earlier this month, Sky Ferreira dazzled the pages of V Magazine with an homage to Madonna, donning over a dozen of the Queen of Pop’s most iconic looks (while simultaneously throwing my inner fan-boy into a full-on tizzy.)
Now, the brooding alt-Pop Princess has tickled my fancy yet again by paying homage to Miss Lana Del Rey.
About an hour ago, Ferreira uploaded a cover of Del Rey’s “Blue Jeans” on her official SoundCloud–and then took it down about a half hour later. (Legal issues? I just don’t know.) Nevertheless, Sky stans got a hold of the track quickly, and they’re not about to let it go.
Recorded atop of a single piano melody, Sky’s world-weary (but wild at heart!) vocals fit Lana’s lonesome tune effortlessly. Yet as with her cover of Miike Snow‘s “Animal” and Stevie Nicks‘ “Stand Back,” Ferreira’s take on the track is distinctly her own, resulting in a more raw, vulnerable production.
Sure, it’s just a rough take, but that’s the beauty of it all! As the stunning songstress wrote in the description (which, again, has since been removed): “It’s not perfect. That’s the point.”
“Hope you guys like it. Most of all I hope she likes it. Girl Power! <3" she writes on her Tumblr. Hear that? Sky loves her some Lana too! Bye haters!
Team Lana. Team Sky. Team WIN!
STOP YOUR LIFE IMMEDIATELY.
Last week, Queen Sky Ferreira teased a behind-the-scenes shot from her upcoming photo spread in V Magazine‘s 2012 Music Issue, in which she posed as various states of Like A Virgin, Blond Ambition Tour and True Blue-era Madge.
The full spread has finally debuted, and it’s the most incredible thing ever.
Not only are the photos free of all flaws and an iconic homage in their own right, but there’s a few absolutely killer pull quotes to boot, including this very 2001 Godney moment (“I’m not 15 years old anymore. People wanted me to be something that I wasn’t and it wasn’t working”) and this be-all, end-all explanation of the Madonna phenomenon:
Madonna inspires me to be strong, fearless and smart. She’s more than just sexy, or someone with good songs, she’s the type of woman I want to be. I want to inspire people the way she has.
It’s just perfect. I’m actually tearing up now. Bye.
You can view the entire spread over at one of my favorite source for all things fashion-meets-music, Karl Is My Unkle.
This is both real and happening: Sky Ferreira is posing as Madonna for the upcoming Music Issue of V Magazine, shot by fashion photography legend Mario Testino. And as she told me on Twitter, there will be 14 more shots: “True Blue & Blonde Ambition.” No big deal or anything. It’s just, you know…
FUCKING EVERYTHING!!!!!!
filed under: Adele, Britney Spears, Charli XCX, David Guetta, Katy B, Kesha, Lana Del Rey, Marina And The Diamonds, MuuMuse Excluusive, Nicole Scherzinger, Rihanna, Robyn, Sia, Sky Ferreira, Will Young

Two weeks ago, I presented my Top 25 Albums of 2011. Now…it’s time for the Top 50 Singles of 2011!
If the album list was tough, this was one step short of impossible, Shontelle style. Between rock-solid offerings from my favorite pop princesses, to stunning debut tracks from some of MuuMuse’s Most Anticipated artists, to throbbing dance floor bangers from DJs and producers worldwide–there was simply too much to love in 2011!
As a result, the list took a while. I didn’t sleep. I didn’t eat. I haven’t bathed. I’m literally a disgusting music-minded mess right now.
BUT NOW IT IS COMPLETE!
This is a list of 50 of my favorite offerings of the year (plus one honorable mention which was never actually released as a single.) Since I am giving like the Baby Jesus, I’ve created a full playlist of all my Top 50 tracks on Spotify. You are welcome in advance.
So without further ado, check out the full list below. Remember: If you have a problem with the final ranking, please…don’t hold it against me!
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)
filed under: Charli XCX, Diana Vickers, Garbage, Kesha, Lana Del Rey, Madonna, Marina And The Diamonds, Miike Snow, Sky Ferreira
What’s the only thing better than reflecting on my favorite releases of the past year? Why, pondering what happens next year of course!
Below are some of MuuMuse’s Most Anticipated releases of 2012–a round-up of what we already know, what we’ve already heard, what we want to hear in the next year.
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Madonna, TBA (Twelfth Studio Album)
What it is: The return of the Queen.
Expected shelf date: March 2012.
Confirmed tracks: “Gimme All Your Luvin,” “Girls Gone Wild,” “Masterpiece”
Production by: William Orbit, Jean Baptiste, Martin Solveig, Benny Benassi
What we know: The chant-ridden lead single “Gimme All Your Luvin” already leaked in demo form weeks ago, though the final version will be getting a (hopefully muscled-up) makeover with M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj when released in January. But between “Gimme” and the tender sound of W.E. closer “Masterpiece”–her best ballad in years–there’s still no telling what the actual direction is yet. Regardless, Orbit claims Madonna has amazed him “in unexpected ways” while recording.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Madonna doing what she does best–making innovative pop music that sets the bar and stands the test of time.
Marina + The Diamonds, Electra Heart (Second studio album)
What it is: Corruption, immoral behavior, and the death of the American dream–all in a blonde wig.
Expected shelf date: 2012.
Confirmed tracks: “Fear & Loathing,” “Radioactive,” “The Archetypes”
Produced by: StarGate, Guy Sigsworth, Diplo, Greg Kurstin, Dr. Luke
What we know: It’s going to be a concept record (to some degree). As Marina told PopJustice in an interview, the album tells the tale of an American Dream-meets-Greek tragedy through a character she came up with: Electra Heart. Her StarGate-produced alt-dance pop single “Radioactive”–the second part of an ongoing video series documenting the birth of Electra Heart–was easily one of the best songs of 2011, and leaked demo “Starring Role” proved that Diamandis’ caustic writing style is still very much alive and well.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Sharp-tongued quirk-pop with punchy beats and devastating ballads–just don’t get too mired in the concept, please.
Garbage, TBA (Fifth Album)
What it is: A rock goddess and her talented troupe finally return to save the world.
Expected shelf date: Late March/Early April 2012
Confirmed tracks: TBA
Production by: Garbage
What we know: Apart from a greatest hits package, it’s been almost seven years since Garbage’s 2005 triumph, Bleed Like Me, was released. After taking some time apart as a band (including Manson’s failed foray into crafting a solo album with Greg Kurstin and Paul Buchanan that was rejected by labels for being “too noir” and will forever remain one of the world’s greatest musical injustices), the group is back. As Butch Vig told Billboard, the album will feature “noisy guitars, big electronic beats, atmospheric film moments.” And judging by the samples that they’ve teased to fans over the past few months–they’re hitting harder than ever.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: More head-spinning electronic rock production, mind-numbingly catchy hooks and razor-sharp lyricism from the one and only Miss Manson.
Charli XCX, TBA (Debut Album)

What it is: A young Goth-pop princess on the verge of exploding.
Expected shelf date: TBD.
Confirmed tracks: “Stay Away,” “Nuclear Seasons”
Production by: Ariel Rechtshaid, Patrik Berger
What we know: The 19-year-old UK club kid’s dark, industrial 2011 buzz single “Stay Away” is easily one of my favorite songs of the year, while the bouncy, vintage ’80s sheen and crackle of lead single “Nuclear Seasons” finds the 19-year-old songstress blending elements of Marina + The Diamonds, Kate Bush and Gwen Stefani.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Gloom ‘n’ doom beats and spooky vocals.
Ke$ha, TBA (Second Album)
What it is: The trash-pop glamazon’s long awaited follow-up.
Expected shelf date: May 2012, according to Dr. Luke.
Confirmed tracks: None
Production by: Dr. Luke, Max Martin
What we know: Earlier in the year, Ke$ha told MTV that the new album was going to be “balls-out, irreverent rock and roll.” Recent leaks like “Shots On The Hood Of My Car” and “Only Wanna Dance With You” suggest more of the same glitter-drenched party pop, although it’s unclear if they’re from recent sessions. The only definite new recording is her sobering cover of Bob Dylan‘s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.” Why the long wait? Simple. She has a goal: “To reinvent pop music.” Easy, right?
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Crunchy, rowdy beats and even sleazier debauchery. But even as the rough gem she is, Ke$ha shines brightest on her balladry–fingers crossed for at least one or two.
Lana Del Rey, Born To Die (Debut Album)
What it is: The end result of a whole lot of hipster hype.
Expected shelf date: January 30, 2012
Confirmed tracks: “Video Games,” Blue Jeans,” “Born To Die”
Production by: Justin Parker, Robopop
What we know: She’s been unfairly thrust into way too bright of a spotlight for only one or two songs so far (the genius “Video Games” and “Blue Jeans”) thanks to a nearly creepy obsession by indie bloggers both hailing and criticizing the singer (yes, she got her lips done–we get it). But the husky-voiced Del Rey–formerly Lizzy Grant–has since held her own, delivering yet another staggering, weepy-eyed smash with “Born To Die”–the title track off of her upcoming Interscope Records debut. With any luck, the album will follow suit.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Sweeping, dramatic classics sung atop hip-hop beats and Western twangy noises with all the grandeur of a James Bond theme.
Miike Snow, TBA (Second Album)
What it is: One of pop’s greatest production troupes returns for another moment of left-of-center pop-rock ingenuity.
Expected shelf date: TBA
Confirmed tracks: “Devil’s Work”
Production by: Miike Snow
What we know: Andrew Wyatt and Bloodshy & Avant–here known individually as Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg, delivered one of pop’s greatest surprises with their 2009 record, Animal. After spending over a year recording, the trio returned with buzz single “Devil’s Work”–a sharp, staggering mixture of crashing drums, mighty horns and electronica. The accompanying tease of a video, featuring a man running down an empty desert highway, hints at an upcoming story to be told about the birth of a new human race. It’s weird, captivating and it’s all very promising.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Strange Swede-pop production and poignant lyricism.
Diana Vickers, TBA (Second Album)

What it is: The delightfully darling X Factor Alum’s sophomore attempt.
Expected shelf date: TBA
Confirmed tracks: None
Production by: Donkeyboy, Amir Amor
What we know: The quirky electro-pop songstress isn’t straying far from the twinkling sound of her 2010 debut, Songs From The Tainted Cherry Tree. Newly premiered buzz tracks–“Music To Make The Boys Cry” and “Kiss Of A Bullet”–suggest both bright, twinkling beats and cutting Rachel Stevens-esque synth-pop.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: More of the same winning electro-pop charm, but with new and up-and-coming producers.
Sky Ferreira, TBA (Debut Album)
What it is: Pop’s most thrilling enfant terrible finally finding her footing.
Expected shelf date: TBA
Confirmed tracks: None
Production by: TBA, presumably Bloodshy & Avant
What we know: Nothing’s guaranteed. In early 2011, Ferreira released the year’s best pop EP–As If!–boasting five crunchy, forward-thinking pop cuts like “Traces” and “99 Tears.” But between album push-backs, label misfires and her own personal rebellions, no one’s certain about the fate of a Sky Ferreira LP. The underrated chanteuse has been leaking songs left and right onto her official SoundCloud, teasing everything from drifting alt-pop rock, to delicious deep disco jams, to crunchy Bloodshy & Avant unreleased gems. According to the singer herself, a new single will be released in early 2012. Let us pray.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Anything. Sky doesn’t make bad music.
Yesterday, Hunger TV–the digital counterpart to photographer Rankin‘s new fashion/lifestyle publication Hunger Magazine, brought us a vamp-tastic video for Sky Ferreira‘s “Traces.”
Today: Hunger TV presents a new feature called “Tear It Up,” starring the one and only Cheryl Cole.
Posing to the tune of Alpines‘ “Drive (Akira Kiteshi Remix),” the scientifically proven Perfect Being gets positively smoldering for Rankin’s high fashion clip, whipping her sweat-drenched hair and pouting seductively.
It’s all a very greased-up “I’m A Slave 4 U” aesthetic–therefore, it is entirely amazing. Plus, she looks bangin’ as hell. (Well, duh.) Nice work, Chezza!
Sky Ferreira has just unleashed a brand new video for “Traces,” the Neon Hitch/Colin Munroe co-penned track taken from her debut EP released back in March of this year, AS IF!.
Wait–WHAT?! No, I–I KNOW! I had no idea she was shooting one either!
Naturally, the clip’s all shades of brilliant: Produced by Hunger TV, the video offshoot of Rankin‘s newly unveiled bi-annual fashion/lifestyle magazine called Hunger Magazine (which features Ferreira on the first cover), the video captures the dirty blonde teen dynamo writhing and rolling around on a couch and sulking in front of a window, looking fashionably disheveled and endlessly flaw-free.
Oh, and she’s wearing vampire teeth. Why? Um, WHY NOT? God. Stop asking such stupid questions.
EDIT: Sky tweeted earlier today that this clip is just a feature for Hunger Magazine, not an official video, so…GET IT RIGHT.
Flawless Indie-Pop Princess remains Flawless Indie-Pop Princess TBQH.
AS IF! was released on March 22. (iTunes)






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