Calling all Lana Del Rey lovers!

Last week, my good friend Jonny of LoveJonny Designs (he’s the one who made that “Cupid Boy” tee for me when I was going to see Kylie!) tweeted a photo of an adorable Lana Del Rey tote that he’d recently created.

Given that MuuMuse has been so Lana Del Loco lately, I asked Jonny if wanted to design something special for MuuMuse readers…and so he did! Check out the tote above, inspired by “National Anthem” and “Born To Die.” Isn’t it gawgeous?

To enter to win the custom-made Lana Del Rey tote,
tag yourself in this photo on MuuMuse’s Facebook page.

A winner will be randomly selected and notified on Thursday, February 16. Good luck!

Money is the reason we exist. Everybody knows it, it’s a fact…kiss kiss.

Born To Die was released on January 31. (iTunes)

“Body Work,” Morgan Page‘s sensational new club anthem recorded alongside Canadian alt-pop crooners Tegan & Sara, has been a steady favorite on my iPod ever since the Club Mix of the song first premiered back in December. Seriously…obsessed.

And judging by the newest versions that just cropped up this week, it’s unlikely that the song will be leaving my playlists anytime soon.

Yesterday, the acclaimed DJ released the Album Mix of “Body Work,” which replaces the scorching electronica of the Club Mix with lush, trance-like beats, as well as gorgeous new vocals in the bridge.

It’s a much less frantic take on the track, yet it proves just as brilliant–in fact, it’s even better!

Page also provided his blessing on two other excellent mixes: The Lazy Rich remix, a dark, scrambling electro-attack with one hell of an explosive breakdown, and the Richard Dinsdale mix, a deeper House production.

All in all, an impressive package. (Get your head out of the gutter, I’m talking about the single release.) So drop what you’re doing and listen to all the mixes now!

Morgan Page feat Tegan & Sara – Body Work (w/Remixes) by morganpage

“Body Work (Album Version)” was released on February 7. (iTunes)

What doesn’t kill you makes you…WIN!

Kelegendary Clarkson just hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” the second single (and title track) from her fifth studio album, Stronger.

From Billboard:

In what an RCA Records representative terms a “perfect storm” of radio airplay, digital sales and pop culture prominence, Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” rises from No. 2 to No. 1 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. The uptempo pop anthem becomes the original “American Idol” champion’s third leader on the list.

Not only is this Clarkson’s first #1 since 2009′s “My Life Would Suck Without You,” but it’s also producer Greg Kurstin‘s first #1 single ever–a long overdue achievement. In other words? A whole lot of celebrating is in order!

Congratulations, Ms. Slay It All! You did it!

“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – The Remixes was released on February 3. (iTunes)

Earlier today, I featured this track as one of my Top 5 Must-Hear Pop Songs of the Week for MTV Buzzworthy. Now, I’ve got to show it some love on MuuMuse as well!

UK DJ Gareth Emery has been a fixture on the trance scene for well over a decade at this point, but has only recently begun making a serious splash in the mainstream, having whipped out remixes for the likes of Above & Beyond, dance floor queen Nadia Ali and the legendary Miss Britney Spears (remember his stutter-happy remix of “I Wanna Go”? Yes, Godney remains a trailblazer.)

To kick off 2012, the Garuda Music founder is now planning on releasing a brand new record beginning with “Concrete Angel,” a massive trance anthem due out on February 13.

Aided by a gorgeous vocal from British singer-songewriter Christina Novelli (daughter of celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli–how you like dem apple fritters?), the dance floor thumper cuts deep with its teary-eyed synthesizers and unexpectedly emotional lyrics: “I know how you were from the start, but now I don’t know who you are/Soon there’ll be nothing at all/’Til the concrete angel falls,” Novelli sadly declares on the chorus. It’s a devastating moment–quickly shattered by a wicked surge of beat blasts that pulse the pain away.

While I’m all for a good ol’ night-on-the-own anthem or a classic ode to the club, nothing quite beats sad disco. Isn’t that right, Robyn?

“Concrete Angel” will be released on February 13. (iTunes)

And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: The official announcement of Madonna‘s 2012 World Tour!

From Billboard:

Fresh of her halftime performance at Super Bowl XLVI (which was viewed by a record 114 million people) comes details of the Madonna 2012 World Tour. The trek will begin May 29 in Tel Aviv, Israel, and will be her most extensive tour ever in terms of number of dates, according to Arthur Fogel, CEO of Live Nation Global Touring, worldwide producers of the tour. The tour will take Madonna to Australia for the first time in 20 years, as well as many markets she has never played before.

Here’s the key facts to know before buying tickets:

+ Tickets go on sale to the public via Ticketmaster on February 10 in Tel Aviv and the U.K.
+ North American tickets begin going on sale via Ticketmaster on February 13. Tickets range from $90 – $355.
+ All tickets purchased for a U.S. performance will come with a choice of a digital or physical copy of MDNA.
+ Citi cardmembers will be able to buy presale tickets beginning tomorrow, February 8 through Citi’s Private Pass.
+ Lifetime Legacy members of Madonna’s fan-club Icon will receive first access beginning today.
+ Free Icon members have the opportunity to purchase an Icon Live Pass for access to pre-sale and VIP packages.

For details on the VIP packages, as well as a full list of tour dates, check below the cut!

THERE’S SO MUCH TO CONSIDER ALL AT ONCE. Fingers crossed for all!

KEEP CALM AND DANCE ON.

MDNA will be released on March 26. (iTunes)

Ultimate VIP Package

One reserved ticket in the front row
Exclusive pre-concert party
One parking space per order (where available)
Specially designed Madonna concert shirt
Limited edition tour poster (numbered, exclusive)
Official tour program
Exclusive tour gift item
Official VIP laminate
Commemorative ticket
Crowd-free merchandise shopping
On-site VIP host

VIP Party Package

One reserved ticket within the first 10 rows of the stage
Exclusive pre-concert party
One parking space per order (where available)
Specially designed Madonna concert shirt
Limited edition tour poster (numbered, exclusive)
Official tour program
Exclusive tour gift item
Official VIP laminate
Commemorative ticket
Crowd-free merchandise shopping
On-site VIP host

VIP Tour Package (Reserved Floor)

One reserved ticket within the first 20 rows of the stage
Specially designed Madonna concert shirt
Limited edition tour poster (numbered, exclusive)
Official tour program
Exclusive tour gift item
Commemorative ticket
On-site VIP host

VIP Tour Package (Reserved Bowl)

One premium price level two reserved bowl ticket
Specially designed Madonna concert shirt
Limited edition tour poster (numbered, exclusive)
Official tour program
Exclusive tour gift item
Commemorative ticket
On-site VIP host

MADONNA 2012 WORLD TOUR ITINERARY

EUROPE
29-May Tel Aviv, Israel Ramat Gam Stadium On Sale Feb. 10
3-Jun Abu Dhabi Yas Arena On Sale Feb. 27
7-Jun Istanbul, Turkey Turk Telecom Arena On sale soon
11-Jun Zagreb, Croatia Maksimir Stadium On Sale Feb. 17
14-Jun Milan, Italy Stadio San Siro On Sale Feb. 13
16-Jun Florence, Italy Stadio Franchi On Sale Feb. 13
20-Jun Barcelona, Spain Palau Sant Jordi On Sale Feb. 16
24-Jun Coimbra, Portugal Estadio Cidade de Coimbra On Sale Feb. 11
28-Jun Berlin, Germany O2 Arena On Sale Feb. 13
2-Jul Copenhagen, Denmark Parken Stadium On Sale Feb. 13
4-Jul Gothenburg, Sweden Ullevi Stadium On Sale Feb. 17
7-Jul Amsterdam,The Netherlands Ziggo Dome On Sale Feb. 11
12-Jul Brussels, Belgium Stade Roi-Baudouin On Sale Feb. 17
14-Jul Paris, France Stade De France On Sale Feb. 14
17-Jul London, UK Hyde Park On Sale Feb. 10
21-Jul Edinburgh, UK Murrayfield Stadium On Sale Feb. 10
24-Jul Dublin, Ireland Aviva Stadium On Sale Feb. 17
29-Jul Vienna, Austria Ernst-Happel-Stadion On Sale Feb. 24
1-Aug Warsaw, Poland National Stadium On Sale Feb. 17
7-Aug Moscow, Russia Olimpiski Arena On sale soon
8-Aug St. Petersburg, Russia SKK Arena On sale soon
12-Aug Helsinki, Finland Olympic Stadium On Sale Feb. 14
15-Aug Oslo, Norway Telenor Arena On Sale Feb. 20
18-Aug Zurich, Switzerland Stadion Letzigrund On Sale Feb. 24
21-Aug Nice, France Stade Charles-Erhmann On Sale Feb. 14

NORTH AMERICA

28-Aug Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center On Sale Feb. 13
30-Aug Montreal, QC Bell Centre On Sale Feb. 18
1-Sep Quebec City, QC Plains of Abraham Site On Sale Feb. 17
4-Sep Boston, MA TD Garden On Sale Feb. 13
6-Sep New York, NY Yankee Stadium On Sale Feb. 13
10-Sep Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place On Sale Feb. 13
12-Sep Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre On Sale Feb. 13
15-Sep Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall On Sale Feb. 27
19-Sep Chicago, IL United Center On Sale Feb. 13
23-Sep Washington, D.C. Verizon Center On Sale Feb. 13
29-Sep Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena On Sale Feb. 13
2-Oct Seattle, WA Key Arena On Sale Feb. 13
6-Oct San Jose, CA HP Pavilion On Sale Feb. 13
10-Oct Los Angeles, CA Staples Center On Sale Feb. 13
13-Oct Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand On Sale Feb. 27
16-Oct Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center On Sale Feb. 27
20-Oct Dallas, TX American Airlines Center On Sale Feb. 27
24-Oct Houston, TX Toyota Center On Sale Feb. 27
27-Oct New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena On Sale Mar. 5
30-Oct Kansas City, MO Sprint Center On Sale Mar. 5
1-Nov St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center On Sale Mar. 5
3-Nov St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center On Sale Feb. 27
10-Nov Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena On Sale Mar. 5
15-Nov Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena On Sale Mar. 5
17-Nov Atlanta, GA Philips Arena On Sale Mar. 5
TBC Miami, FL To Be Confirmed On Sale Soon

One of MuuMuse’s favorite up-and-coming acts, Tinashe, has done a lot of growing up these days.

After separating from short-lived girl group The Stunners in 2010 and releasing “Artificial People,” her collaboration with OFM back in September of 2011, the blossoming 19-year-old singer-songwriter has just released In Case We Die on February 1, a conceptual mixtape (yes, that means free!) that serves up an unexpectedly more mature, introspective sound than any of her dance-pop productions of the past.

“I was very inspired by the thought of a lover’s last words before death–bearing their soul and their secrets before it was too late…and trying to capture that half-fear we all secretly have that the inevitable is sooner than we are ready for,” she explains of the mixtape.

The collection was reportedly self-penned, produced and record alone over a three week period. And if that’s truly the case, then Tinashe has just become more of a “One to Watch” artist than ever.

Harnessing the ghostly trip-hop production of artists like Canadian spook-R&B maker The Weeknd, Kanye West, and even subtle shades of Prince, the mixtape glides along wisps of drippy beats, echoed yelps, sultry Cassie-like icy R&B and strange, atmospheric sounds in the distance.

There’s plenty to soak in from this rich 15-track collection of tunes–from the moans and purrs above the super slow, slinky swag of “Boss,” to the autotuned Kanye-like grit of “Another Season,” to the unbelievably amazing “I Tried”: “I want you to know that I tried!” the songstress yelps above the song’s soldiering hip-hop thump and blazing synthesizers.

While not everything on this mixtape is as Top 40-friendly as her past releases (though tracks like “This Feeling” bounces with enough of a Rihanna-like bump to certainly prick some ears at radio), In Case We Die is by far her most impressive moment yet–an incredible display of stone-cold serious artistry, featuring daring production and introspective lyricism that deserves to have the blogosphere going positively abuzz.

Pay attention now, because this collection should seriously not be overlooked.

In Case We Die was released on February 1. (Download Now)

Before Madonna set the arena ablaze during her half time performance at last night’s Super Bowl XLVI, Queen Kelly Clarkson took to the field to kick off the game with a performance of the national anthem.

Backed by a massive children’s choir, the powerhouse chanteuse absolutely knocked it out of the park–err, arena! Not only did she look gorgeous, but she sounded incredible, delivering a thoroughly melodic, controlled performance of the song. Then again: Who’s surprised? She always nails it.

As for something slightly more out of left field (all this sports references–dad’s going to be so proud!): Earlier in the weekend, Kelly also performed a cover of Madonna’s “Crazy For You” (!) as the fan request during her show in Bossier City. While we already knew Dumb + Dumb = You, we can now confirm that Kelly + Madonna = SO MUCH WIN.

Really! It’s absolutely gorgeous. So romantic, so sweetly-sung…le swoon.

Check out Mizz Clarkson slaying the anthem above, and check out a video from the audience during her cover of “Crazy For You” below!

Stronger was released on October 24. (iTunes)

Last night, Madonna performed at Super Bowl XLVI. It was, according to my calculations, quite literally everything.

There was an almighty entrance, flips on top of bleachers, head straddling, a weird acrobatic Grecian (or something), pom poms, a marching band, millions of dancers, insane floor projeftctions, glamorous Givenchy costumes, Cee-Lo Green, LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A–even God made a brief cameo at some point.

While there were countless amazing moments during Madonna’s performance last night, I selected 12 13 of my favorites to highlight.

Luckily, my friend Matt Cherette captured some of these moments in GIF form (my favorite form of communication, second only to carrier pigeons) for Buzzfeed, which I’ve used below. Be sure to check out his full collection!

1.) That opening.

This word is overused, yet there’s no other word is more suitable or appropriate to describe that entrance: Epic.

The crown. The throne. That cape. The poses. Cleopatra. “Vogue.” That opening sequence is Madonna’s most awe-inspiring moment in years. And all at once, The Queen returns once again.

Was it a little Mighty Aphrodite Kylie with the whole being pulled in on a chariot by muscly man slaves? Yes, very much. (Which is surprising, as you’d think Camp Madonna would be close enough to Camp Kylie to notice the similarities.) But it’s fine–Madonna’s was Egyptian, Kylie’s was Grecian, and their performance styles are entirely different anyway. (Like, say, the mid-air splits and such.)

2.) You’re such a plucking lyre, Madonna.

She plucks our heartstrings, and a dulcet tune is sounded.

3.) UH, UH.

Following a quick OH-MY-GOD-SHE’S-FALLING-just-kidding-no-she’s-not teeter totter on the top bleacher during “Music,” Madonna whips up this awkward move that simply will not quit being amazing.

4.) Look away, Lourdes. LOOK AWAY.

Madonna delivers a series of mind-blowing flips and cartwheels across the bleachers before providing an erotic glimpse into the nightly bedroom exercises with Brahim. Now that’s what I call giving head! (Too far? Too bad!)

5.) Cue aggressive crotch smashing!

A Richard Simmons-lookalike randomly pays a visit onstage dressed as Cupid (or something) and begins flopping up and down on a wire. We’re all very alarmed and concerned, but at least Madonna’s doing that amazing lunge-y thing that she does in the background.

6.) Little Bunny RedFoo…

Madonna straddles something called a “RedFoo,” because…well, why not?

7.) Erryday I’m shufflin’!

What I dreaded most about the performance actually became a highlight: LMFAO and Madonna doing their high-energy silly feet jig together? I’M HAVING FUN!

8.) Bun in the oven.

Mizz Minaj churns some butter during her verse. I’m oddly aroused.

9.) Wait for it, wait for it…NATIONAL CONTROVERSY.

The country gets as butthurt about a middle finger as they did about an exposed nipple 8 years ago. Who says we haven’t progressed as a nation?! At least there’s more buzz for MDNA’s performance…thanks M.I.A.!

10.) Football sucks (into space.)

The magnitude of the opening choir in “Like A Prayer” causes the football field to be SUCKED UP INTO A VORTEX, leaving Madonna’s disciples to come gliding in on stars. The most astonishing projection of the night by far.

11.) She’s down on her knees…

Madonna takes us to church with an unbelievably amazing rendition of “Like A Prayer.”

12.) OK, BAI THO.

Madonna disappears into a stream of smoke like the ALMIGHTY GODDESS THAT SHE IS. The haters stay mad, the lovers are forever slayed, and your favorites are off weeping in a corner.

13.) That one time Madonna created world peace.

The lion sleeps with the lamb and the Madonna sleeps with the Brahim and there shall be war no more: Middle East crisis? Officially solved! North Korean tensions? Totes dunzo! THE POWER OF MADONNA.

Madonna, Queen of Everything.

After charming our pants off with heartbreaking New Wave synth-pop demos like “Maybe Tonight” and “Take Me Out” back in December of 2010, followed by the delightfully camp video for “Stay In Touch” last October, the Aussie-bred electro-pop duo known as Garçon Garçon are finally unleashing their debut EP on February 14, entitled–well EP.

To preview the collection, the boys have been premiering snippets all across the blogosphere, including “Save Our Souls” at It’s The Money Shot, “Maybe Tonight” at Electroqueer and “Take Me Out” at ArjanWrites. Now, MuuMuse is proud to give an Excluusive taste of their upcoming collaboration with Cazwell: “Hollywood Song.”

From Garçon Garçon’s vocalist, Nathan:

We came up with the chorus for this song very quickly when we started working together and tried so many different versions, but it sat on the shelf for quite a while. Nothing seemed to gel. Then one day Nick played this really cool, simple bassline and we both looked at each other and knew we had it. I went on a holiday to L.A and came back and wrote the lyrics for it straight away. I was really inspired by the nightlife, amazing people and just the energy in the city. This song is all about going out and just having an amazing time and not wanting the party to end.

Filled with bouncy ’80′s-encrusted beats, “Hollywood Song” finds the boys briefly steering away from their more melancholy tunes and diving in for a night on the town: “Basically, one day I was playing around with a basic synth riff and rhythm, and I could hear my sister scream ‘wooooh’ from the other room and clap her hands,” adds Nick. “I kinda knew we were on the right track. Ha!”

Nick describes “Hollywood Song” as a reaction to penning one too many “vanilla songs” for the upcoming EP:

After all, the EP is largely centered around our lives as teenagers, growing up in the 80s and 90s. From what I can remember, I was a pretty arsehole kid! We really wanted to inject some of that ‘I don’t give a shit’ attitude into the EP, and I think this definitely follows through onto the cover art which turned out hilariously perfect.

To give the track a little extra mmm papi, the boys enlisted sexy NYC rapper Cazwell to lay down one of his signature sizzlin’ verses for the track: “We really wanted to collaborate with someone on this track and had been fans of Cazwell for a long time so we called him up and showed him the track and asked him to rap on it,” explained Nathan. “Luckily for us, he agreed so we sent it over and he nailed it! His rap is perfect for track and really adds something to it. We wanted this to be a fun summer song and I think we got that.”

Naturally, the rude boy MC delivered with his signature sass: “My pink tuxedo’s on, bring your leopard thong/Smokin’ that Cheech & Chong in the back of a Chevrolet/Glass up/Picking up hookers, face down, ass up,” he demands.

From Cazwell:

The Garçon Garçon boys are A LOT of fun. I got to party with them when I was in Sydney for Mardi Gras. I love their new wave disco sound! I loved “Hollywood Song” as soon as I heard it and knew I wanted to rap on it.

Below, take a first listen to “Hollywood Song (feat. Cazwell),” which will be released on EP on February 14.

EP will be released on February 14. (Official Website)

This evening, the impossibly amazing Kristen Wiig donned a long blonde wig and a lacy white dress to play the role of the ever-divisive Miss Lana Del Rey during the Weekend Update segment on Saturday Night Live.

The result? A smart, hysterical middle finger back to the general public for the unnecessarily critical onslaught following her nerve-filled Saturday Night Live debut last month.

“In this age of dangerous school bullying, you have set an important message: If you think someone is weird, you should criticize them as much as possible.”

…Need I say more?

I’m so proud of Saturday Night Live (and Kristen!) for sticking up for my girl.

Lana Del Lovers and haters alike, watch the parody below now!

Born To Die was released on January 31. (iTunes)