MuuMuse: Disco Electronic, Pop Music Philharmonic.

Womanizer: The Video

2008-10-11T00:03:00.006-04:00

Gorgeous. Stunning. Cheeky. Fun. Happy. Healthy. Pop. Brilliance.
Britney Fucking Spears.

Delivering the goods since 1998.

And if that isn't convincing enough, click "Read More..."

Need I say more?

Daily B: Doin' Somethin'

2008-10-10T18:27:00.008-04:00

Too much Britney news, not enough time. There's only one way to handle this barrage of information: Bullets.

·BritneySpears.com will be re-opening its doors for the first time in over two years with a completely revamped image. According to my countdown, this should be happening in little over one half hour. Who knows what will be offered...Rehearsal videos, sneak peek sound clips? I'm freaking out, y'all.

·The video for Womanizer is premiering at the END of 20/20 tonight at 11 P.M. EST. Watch accordingly.

·After the world premiere, the video will be streamed on Britney.com. But it won't be the same--Oh, no. The internet version (assuming iTunes and YouTube) will be the Director's Cut. What's that mean? According to Britannica:

It means this version will be more, longer, sexier. We can never have enough Britney! I sure as hell can't...

·Want some one-on-one time with Princess B? Give her a ring at 310.341.4438 and listen to the message! That's right...The B Line! Listen here for the recorded message.

·The new perfume set to release in January 2009 is called Hidden Fantasy. The promo shots can be found here. Rumor has it that David LaChapelle is behind the commercial spot for the perfume as well. ♥ UsMagazine has just published a release about the perfume:

The scent - described in a press release as being "all about expressing the many, mysterious sides of a woman" - will hit stores January 2009. In the television ad, Spears, 26, will appear through trees in a forest and ask, "What do you have to hide?"

·Britney's new documentary chronicling her return to glory will debut on MTV on November 30th.

Can't. Handle. It.

Dear Robyn...

2008-10-10T02:57:00.006-04:00

Thanks for the Robyn album from 2005. Truly incredible moment in pop; loved it as soon as it arrived.

Thanks for then releasing it in the UK in 2006.

And then for the USA in 2007.

Do me a favor, though? Can you please stop making videos for the same album and record some new tunes?

That'd be really great.

Thanks, lovey!

Daily B: For The Record

2008-10-09T23:12:00.002-04:00

There are truly no words to describe this moment aside from:

OMGOMGOMG.
OMGOMGOMG.
OMGOMGOMG.
<33333333

November 30th. MTV.

Red Blooded Women: Can U See?

2008-10-09T15:13:00.005-04:00

Too far gone, it's been too long...I've not yet posted about Red Blooded Women! After receiving their debut single "You Made Your Bed" in the post, I was determined to do a write-up about the properly excellent first effort and its somewhat superior B-side, "4 2Nite." Instead, I forgot.

My second chance has just arrived after perusing their MySpace: The threesome have posted a new track on their page called "Can U See," a '90's-tinged moment of piano and brooding, modern electro stomp. The band refers to the track as one of their slower works, which is somewhat silly, yet also entirely thrilling if accurate. Further down the music player is a wonderful mash-up with House king Eric Prydz's "Pjanoo" and Red Blooded Women's "Colour Me Dirty." The result is a wonderful burst of bright color and energy, a wonderful upgrade to either original track.

Check out Red Blooded Women at their MySpace here!

Danity Kane: A Retrospective

2008-10-09T13:42:00.007-04:00

It's time to get a bit Danity in this bitch.

I remain unfazed by the allegations of shake-ups within Danity Kane's line up. Call it a hunch or call it mere common sense, but the band was formed within a MTV program first and foremost. The producers of the show will not knowingly allow a Making The Band season to end without some seriously heated in-fighting and melodrama before signing off. The live finale is next week, where we will inevitably find that Diddy has decided to re-unite the band much to our great relief. If he doesn't? Now, that would be a surprise, and a truly grim indication of DK's future. Then again, we are living within a recession. Maybe we'll find out that Diddy has been streamlining the business and cutting costs...A sign of the times, surely.

For argument's sake, let's pretend that the band remains intact, because I'd like to discuss their last (perhaps literal?) release.

Welcome To The Dollhouse was released in April, and remains one of my most played albums of 2008. Of the entire album, the only track worth skipping is the embarrassingly schlocky sign-off track, "Key To My Heart". While other albums have come and gone this year (Hey, Lady GaGa), I've continued to return to this album. The album's tracks remain as solid as its first play for me: Unstoppable melodies, vocal acrobatics, and glittering production value. While it may go unrecognized, this is the Pussycats Dolls album that should have been. One listen of the breathy, electro-stung aural orgasm "Strip Tease" requires no further explanation.

One of the rare joys of Welcome To The Dollhouse is its determined focus within the present: This is an authentic 2008 album. Considering the recent onslaught of '80's inspired electro-glitch and feel good '60's airy pop (who isn't claiming to be making music inspired by one of these two eras these days, honestly?!), it's becoming difficult to carve out a decidedly "now" sound of the '00's. Luckily, it's a sound happily achieved within this Dollhouse.

Whether or not there will be more to come from Danity remains unknown. It's unlikely to me, as the members have already begun persuing solo interests and projects. Either way, Dollhouse has gone on to become an overlooked album, lacking in both promotion and airplay.

Girls Aloud: Tangled Up Tour

2008-10-09T13:13:00.004-04:00

Well then, I suppose this offers an explanation for the dropping-of-the-ball known as the single art for The Promise.

Glorious, dramatic, and utterly epic: It's the official cover art for the Girls Aloud Tangled Up Tour DVD, to be released October 27th. If you take a look at the photo in its entirety, you may notice that it is literally perfection. Surely it must be a goof on the designer's part?

Click "Read More..." for the tracklisting of the DVD!

1. Sexy! No No No...
2. Girl Overboard
3. Sound Of The Underground
4. Close To Love
5. Can't Speak French
6. Love Machine
7. Black Jacks
8. Biology
9. Whole Lotta History
10. With Every Heartbeat
11. I'll Stand By You
12. Fling
13. Push It
14. Wake Me Up / Walk This Way
15. Control Of The Knife
16. Call The Shots
17. Jump
18. Something Kinda Ooooh

Bonus Material:
19. Sexy! No No No... - Music Video
20. Call The Shots - Music Video
21. Can't Speak French - Music Video
22. Album Teaser Ad
23. Album Teaser Ad 2
24. Behind-The-Scenes Documentary

The Presets: Talk Like That, Win Like This

2008-10-09T12:36:00.004-04:00

The Presets are having themselves a bit of a competition. Using this widget, fans are invited to try and crack the code by posting the correct string of words as their message. I've been trying for a while now, but to no avail. Presets fans, come on and give it a go!

Frankmusik: 3 Little Words

2008-10-07T18:31:00.003-04:00

As promised, the music video for Frankmusik's next single, "3 Little Words," has just arrived in all its technicolor magesty. Not much complexity going on here, just Mr. Frank banging about with a couple of ex-Sugababes members or something. Success! I find him rather charming here. I can't pinpoint why, though the combination of squinty-eyed glances and plaid may have something to do with it.

Now as you all may or may not know, Stuart Price was enlisted to master the tracks for Frankmusik's upcoming debut. I can't believe I'm finding myself saying this, but I'm not so sure about the mixing of this track as compared to its original version on the Frankisum EP! Many moments of brilliance that sparkled throughout the original are sorely missing here. The song lost a huge layer of luster toward the end, especially with the rather mediocre layering of real vocals on top of the superior, synthsational "'Cause you don't know..." middle eight bit. It's nothing majorly damaging, but I wish the track hadn't been touched in the first place.

Anywho...Onward and upward, Sir Vincent Frank!

Alesha Dixon: The Boy Does Nothing

2008-10-06T01:17:00.004-04:00

Unsurprisingly, the new Alesha Dixon track is as amazing as it's been made out to be. If not more, really.

This ought to come as no surprise. Lest we forget, Mizz Dixon was already to be lauded and revered for a certain shelved release a few months back.

Let us pray The Alesha Show drops as promised on Nov. 17. Now go fetch your dancing shoes...Alesha's orders!

Daily B: Womanizer Video Clip

2008-10-05T21:54:00.005-04:00

ABC is really sticking it to us this time around. Give it to me already! Click to make it big. Props to B for already making a video better than "Gimme More" by featuring more than one outfit!

Oh, Frankie Baby!

2008-10-05T18:40:00.006-04:00

Posting about this artist is more than a pleasure, though it presents more than a mere problem for me to try and express the sheer amount of approval I have for Frankmusik. I guess I can't do it...He is just incredible. It's not only rare, it's damn near impossible for me to think of an artist who's tunage I dig consistently from track to track, aside from the notable Queens of Pop that already make themselves quite visible across my blog feed.

To me, Frankmusik is the Most Exciting Thing In Modern Male Pop. You can quote me on that! A creamy, rich voice, devastatingly addictive melodies and riffs, a keen sensibility with instrumentation and vocal effects, and to top it all off...A bit of a fox.

Frankmusik's got a video coming along verrry soon (Spoiler: It features a large keyboard!), so while we wait on that, I thought I'd post the corresponding track, "3 Little Words," a relentlessly chugging number that sounds something like being dipped in glitter and tossed into a Nintendo game, run-and-jumping your way over disco-ball shaped Goombas and neon glow Koopa Troopas. Go ahead and lose yourself in the stomping, glittering brilliance of the track, released on the supreme Frankisum EP. Seriously, it's damn near pop perfection.

Christ, I'm treading into Rachel Zoe territory over here. Seriously...Shut it down. Nail me in a coffin right now: Witch vibes, witch vibes, hero song...I die.

Girls Aloud: The Force

2008-10-05T16:00:00.006-04:00

Make it a point today to read through The Guardian's fabulous interview with Girls Aloud. The writer (Sylvia Patterson) offers an impressive, articulate profile of the rapidly rising five-some and their indescribable glory. Truly, read it...Top pop-mindedness at its finest!

I shall sign off with the quote that set the article in motion, which came from Coldplay's Chris Martin:

"I love Girls Aloud. I'm obsessed with Girls Aloud. I've been trying to write them a song and I can't come up with anything good enough. They're amazing. It's the combination of extreme physical attraction and fantastic music. I think they might be the ultimate form of life."

Damn right.

Look On The Bright Side: Anastacia

2008-10-03T15:30:00.004-04:00

Erm, well...At least you've hit number one in Slovenia!

Microfilm: Teenage Symphonies

2008-10-02T23:38:00.008-04:00

My my, what have we here? Pop minimalism--that's what!

M. Mercer and Matt Keppel are the bodies behind the force known as Microfilm. After relocating from Chicago to Portland, the group is releasing their sophomore album on Nov. 11, entitled Teenage Symphonies.

I'm slightly in love with Microfilm's overall sound--It's raw, yet maintains melodic moments of dance and trip-hop that elevate each track's overall composition. Formulated with all of the flavors that make pop minimalism so delectable in the first place, Microfilm's sound contains tiny droplets of all of my favorites: The throbbing intensity of Kaito, the melodic crafting of the Pet Shop Boys, the electro tingles of Télépopmusik, and occasional flarings of Royksopp's vocal techniques." Beautiful work, especially considering this as a fully independent release.

Thanks to the band, we've got the title track of the album right here for download! This is a great one, similar to Royksopp's "Poor Leno" off of their first album, Melody AM.

DL: Microfilm - Teenage Symphonies

Have a listen at the group's MySpace here, or go to iTunes to buy their music!

Annie: 2 Of Hearts

2008-10-02T17:58:00.006-04:00

When I first heard Annie was doing a Richard X-produced cover of "2 Of Hearts," I figured it would be amazing.

Now that the track is available for all to hear, I have deduced that the track is in fact, uh-mazing.

It's a properly jazzed-up edition of the Stacey Q original. By that, I mean "jazzy" as used by the older generation, meaning showy and flashy. It is also quite a gay little number. Here, I use the term in the modern sense. It is indeed homosexual.

Have I mentioned that "2 Of Hearts" is nearly a work of perfection?

The fact remains that the track will not be found on the tracklisting of Don't Stop. Annie's "people" said that the track doesn't fit the general feel of the album. Having heard the album already, I can confirm that it doesn't, though I never really understood the problem with "fitting" on albums.

While a song may be sonically dissimilar from the rest of the album, does that fact discredit its value? Should it not still see the light of day? "Long Hot Summer" was surely an ill fitting choice for Chemistry, but wasn't that still a brilliant album? And isn't it still a major pop injustice that "State Of Grace" was left off of Britney's Blackout?

Yes and yes. Case closed. Listen to "2 Of Hearts" as much as possible, and maybe they shall reconsider.

DL (Right click - save as): Annie - 2 Of Hearts

When Bad Covers Happen To Good Girls

2008-10-02T17:45:00.003-04:00

Why is this happening? Really, graphic designers? Was there no general looking to-and-fro across the design room? Did nobody stop to say, "Hmm...Those letters look stretched and amateur. Better fix them. We are, after all, professional graphic designers." REALLY, GRAPHIC DESIGNERS?!

Oh, the cursed, continued saga of pop divas + bad fonts. Will Satan stop at nothing to wrap his greasy (I imagine they're greasy) paws around our beloved purveyors of pop?

Boa: Eat You Up

2008-10-02T13:28:00.011-04:00

At long last, BoA's American debut track "Eat You Up" has found its way onto the net! As suggested through the preview clips, its a pretty bold, bassy stomper. Benefiting from some nice Bloodyshy & Avant vocal gymnastics, the bridge to this bad boy is absolutely lush, hovering somewhere just below Kylie's electro-stung X material.

BoA, the artist, is certainly growing up: It's unnerving to find the same bright-eyed girl who once jumped around with squeaky-clean hits including "Shine We Are" and "Sara" now chirping merrily about taking you to her room and, well, eating you up! I suppose even K-pop artists must someday suffer the crumbling of innocence.

Do I think she'll be able to take on the titans of today's pop? Not quite yet, as the song cannot stand on its own. Still, it's a valiant effort, and if she puts the right focus and promotion into drilling the tune into our heads, we might all be in for an incredible surprise. I hope I'm right!

Check out BoA's "Eat You Up" in full here!

Nicole: More Than A Pussy

2008-09-30T19:10:00.007-04:00

So, I've got to get something off of my chest...It's not quite a confession, but not a proud moment either. There's a certain song that I've been absolutely adoring lately. Not just for now, but for the past two months. Literally. The song in question? The flop-tastic "Whatever U Like" by Miss Nicole "Poon" Scherzazingagger.

There are reasons plentiful to be shaking your enraged fist at the screen at this point. The track is unoriginal for one, and to anyone unaware, check out Chili's unreleased track "Straight Jack 'Em" with Missy Elliot.

Doesn't stop there, though. The next offending rip was from Kelis' "Blindfold Me." Not that it's a coincidence--both tracks share the same producer: Polow Da Don.

Riding high off of the skanky-sweet success of PCD's fairly brilliant debut album, Nicole Scherzinger's eyes were set firmly on a solo recording career in 2007. An album was in the works, singles were being selected, and success seemed only one solid floor-filler away from forcing everyone in America to finally memorize her dreaded last name. Thus, "Whatever U Like" was born.

Far from a standard booty shaker though, "Whatever U Like" features several elements combined into one: Multiple breakdowns, playful lyrical round-a-bouts, and a seriously addictive chorus. Lyrical moments of genius were found in the verse bits, including "First stop, let me drop, pop like a helicop', pay attention to me while I show you the scenario."

The track debuted during the last week in August, around the same time that "Gimme More" burst out of the stratosphere. To promote, Nicole would be performing as the final artist of the pre-VMA ceremony. On a night during which Britney's comeback would provoke an onsalught of media scrutiny for her shaky performance, Nicole too displayed an equally unbalanced effort: Her vocals were jittery and nervewrecked; her moves unfocused. The entire ensemble provided a perfect example of why live vocals do not always "qualify" a performance. Instead of making the song come alive, the microphone proved a huge stalling point for Nicole. Promotion soon stalled, and the single never lifted off the airwaves. It peaked on the Hot 100 at #104, took a quick dip in and out of the clubs, and was never to be heard from again.

Fast forward to September '08. Purely by accident, I stumbled across the video for "Whatever U Like" while perusing (note: procrastinating) through YouTube. After an initial eye roll, it suddenly hit me: This song was worth more than a passing moment! It's got a well-crafted video in its defense. If you can get past the "Ring The Alarm" bells and whistles and more expected ass-and-tits shots, thre are still about a half-dozen moments of genius, including grungy cinematography that wavers somewhere between low budget film and art house.
With the release of Doll Domination this year, it was clear that the label was doing its best to place Nicole at the forefront to prepare her for an actual debut in 2009. The package includes a double-disc with solo material from each Doll, as well as recycled tracks from Nicole's stalled first attempt. However, with tanking CD sale numbers and sub-par song quality in comparison to the first attempt, things continue to appear quite dubious regarding Nicole's solo dreams.

Nicole has a healthy amount of potential, and it's a shame that she isn't reaching onto the proper material or promotion to do so on her own. Her voice is wonderful in the studio, and she does showcase it live quite often. She's sporting an indeterminable future at the moment, sort of like Alesha Dixon's Fired Up fiasco. For now, let us revel in times that were quite promising..."Whatever U Like," a deserving opportunity.

There now...I feel resolved.

Daily B: Womanized

2008-09-30T18:58:00.005-04:00

Faisal of Ohh! Crapp... is doing us all a great civic duty by taking on the monumental task of compiling any and all "Womanizer" remixes available into one tidy post. But it's not that he's simply compiling...he's asking for help from everyone! Anyone willing to put their own spin on Britney's latest can contribute their mixes, and some bigger acts such as The Teenagers and Loose Shuus have already contributed!

Head over to Ohh! Crapp... now to see all of the mixes that have been submitted already. The electro-dazzling Dominik von Werdt mix is already a surefire success with me, while the Loose Shuus mix is a glorious, glamorous combination of '80's teased game show theme songs and space-age vocal detailing.

Oh yeah! While you're there, make sure you check out the "Break the Ice" remix by Rochelle. It's official, but was left off of the final single. Juicy!

I <3 The Dancefloor

2008-09-29T17:25:00.006-04:00

I have a very good track for you.

It is called "I Love The Dancefloor," by a group of happening youngsters going by the name of Kovak. Their sound is sort of like if Stefy was a bit heavier and rockier with Blondie-like influences, but a bit more modern electro-rock.

I am of the mind that this song isn't entirely delicious until a proper viewing of the accompanying video:

Very nice, yes?

You can find more from Kovak at their MySpace or official website. And if you're feeling particularly frisky, you can pre-order the single here!

PS: How glorious is the cover work? It's by cover artist Bill Smith. It goes smashingly with the MuuMuse theme!

Girls Aloud: Out Of Control

2008-09-29T17:09:00.006-04:00

Take that, Mutya...Yes, you heard right! According to BBC News, it's the title of the new Girls Aloud album! The group's fifth original studio album, Out Of Control, is scheduled to be released approximately two weeks after the October 27th release of "The Promise"!

According to Kimba, the album's title stems from the group's response to their label:

"They said: 'We don't know what to say, you lot are out of control. We can't tell you anything.'"

"So that's where that came from. 'Out of control' means you can't tell us what to do."

The album will also seemingly follow the sound of "The Promise," however unintentional:

"The whole album's a lot older sounding," she confirms. "It wasn't intentional - it was just kind of how it went, you know?"

Say no more. I get you, Kimberley...I get you. November 10th, here I come! I'm starting to like this whole winter release thing: One Britney, one Girls Aloud. It's not far from my perception of heaven, you know.

Original Bitch

2008-09-29T16:24:00.004-04:00

Which is better?

The original...

Or this?

I'll reserve my judgment.

...No I won't. The drag show is vastly superior.

Daily B: TOURING THE WORLD.

2008-09-29T15:56:00.009-04:00

Britney is in New York City right now to promote "Womanizer," and has quite unexpectedly dropped into Z100 for an interview with JJ on Elvis Duran, during which she revealed that Circus is finished and that she will be going on a W-O-R-L-D TOUR next year!

She also confirmed that she found the "Piece Of Me" video to be one of her less wonderful videos, and was confused as to why she kept winning for the track. OH! And she said there's more room to go further with her videos! Eeee!

Actually, I'm just reiterating everything she said and finding it impossible to type in this sort of hurried panic, so perhaps you should just follow the link and listen or WATCH the interview right here!

Girls Aloud: The Promise (Video)

2008-09-27T18:56:00.006-04:00

I distinctly remember someone once predicting that the video for "The Promise" was to be shot at a drive-in theater within one of the fan forums, so it was greatly pleasing to see a fan's dream shoot finally come true.

As per usual, I've sectioned off the bits and pieces that are most pressing in terms of the Aloud's new video:

Specific Points Of Interest:

-Girls Aloud likes to watch themselves. Lustfully. Cheryl and Nadine especially, though this really comes as no surprise to no one in particular.

-Girls Aloud in black and white are as equally talented as their colorful counterparts.

-Big Hair is quite in these days.

-The choreography is quite complex, probably as difficult as their "Biology" routine. Christ alive, these girls cannot move in synch for their lives.

-"Sexy! No, No, No" eye makeup has been borrowed once more.

-Note: Not a problem.

-There is, at last, a lengthy focus on Kimberley during her "section," no doubt to appease the overly rabid Kimba-fans.

-Sadly, "Walking Primrose" apparently does not refer to the actual walking of some sort of animal named Primrose as many had suspected, but rather the actual location. Way to let us down Sarah. Loving the Edie Sedgwick look, though!

-Nicola is continuing to DROP THE BALL. Good Lord woman, would it kill you to mime that sub-par intro with the rest of 'em? Don't you know how utterly bizarre it looks to have everyone else down the line singing but you? We're fighting.

And last but not least,

-Girls Aloud's '60's influenced up-tempo celebration> Sugababes' 60's influenced up-tempo celebration. Let it be known always.