Open Your Box 15: Global Rhythms

Despite my inability to understand the lyrics of (most) world music, sometimes an exotic beat is just the thing. Featured below are upbeat selections from some of my favorite international artists. First up, Gotan Project have proven their distinguished spot on the electronica scene with addictive numbers like "Diferente," infusing jazz sounds with dance music elements and a Latin flair to amazing effect. Pizzicato Five have quickly become one of my favorites since I discovered them about two months ago. The ridiculously catchy "Week-End" is an upbeat jaunt that brings incorporates bossa nova into their already highly quirky pop style. Pink Martini are an American group that perform songs from a number of genres, spanning many languages at the same time, as in the bouncy "Dosvedanya Mio Bombino." Seu Jorge rose to fame with his Portuguese David Bowie covers, but his own tracks are just as noteworthy. Last, but far from least, a classic from the much-loved French provocateur, Serge Gainsbourg, and his mistress at the time, silver screen vixen Brigitte Bardot. "Bonnie and Clyde" was recently sampled by none other than Kylie Minogue on her track "Sensitized," but be sure to check out the original first.

Gotan Project, "Diferente" [YSI] (from Lunático)
Pizzicato Five, "Week-End" [YSI] (from Playboy & Playgirl)
Pink Martini, "Dosvedanya Mio Bombino" [YSI] (from Hey Eugene!)
Seu Jorge, "Mania de Peitao (Large Chested Mania)" (Jamais Plus Jamais Mix) [YSI] (from Cru)
Serge Gainsbourg & Brigitte Bardot, "Bonnie and Clyde" [YSI] (from Initials SG)

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Hits 23: Another Comeback, Another Letdown

As many of you may know by now, Coldplay are offering up their new single for free for one week only (starting April 29). "Violet Hill" is the lead-off track lifted from their ridiculously-titled fourth album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends. Due out this June, the album is produced mostly by Brian Eno, the result of many months of recording and revision. "Violet Hill" gets a traditional download release next week, alongside a strictly-limited 7" packaged with the upcoming issue of NME magazine.

I love, love, love Coldplay. I caught on around A Rush of Blood to the Head and by now probably have most of their songs committed to memory. I even drove an hour on a school night to see them on their Twisted Logic tour, despite my mediocre seats. That said, I can't say I'm all that impressed by "Violet Hill." It lacks a solid tune, I've already forgotten the chorus (was there one?) and it doesn't really seem to go anywhere. It's nice enough, and wouldn't be too bad as album filler, but as a first single? Props to them for changing up their sound a bit though; the track is definitely darker in tone and Chris Martin's voice is outside its usual range. I get that they're trying to evolve as a band and seem less pretentious and complacent with their success, but that doesn't mean they should abandon what made them great! That said, I'm still anxiously anticipating the new album and will without a doubt be listening to it as soon it hits stores (or the internet, but I'll still be buying of course!). Somehow it seems like a trend lately of my favorite artists coming back with underwhelming first singles. First, Kylie failed to excite with "2 Hearts," a track that lost its luster over time and was outshone by the entire rest of the X album. More recently, Madonna's comeback "4 Minutes," while still a pretty good track, failed to compare to her past lead-off singles and ended up paling in comparison to much of Hard Candy. Here's hoping that Coldplay can match the precedent of the two pop icons by following up a less-than-stellar first single with a solid album.

Download: Coldplay, "Violet Hill" [YSI] (from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends)

Links: Coldplay's website | NME magazine + 7" pre-order

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Classics 21/Dear Ibiza 15: Let's Just Dance!

This post needs no explanation. There are times when all that is needed is a classic song about dancing. Here are four essentials from way back that don't need any introduction whatsoever. If at least two of them don't force you to get up and dance around shamelessly, I'd seriously recommend getting some immediate medical help! Following the basics are three more recent updates on the theme. Sophie Ellis-Bextor's massive Ibiza hit "Murder On The Dancefloor" is a fun and addictive pop classic. Dannii Minogue's cover of "He's The Greatest Dancer" is hardly a must-have or even a worthy update, but it fits the theme and will satisfy your needs for a trashy club throwaway for at least the few minutes it's on. Supafly Vs. Fishbowl get catchy with "Let's Get Down," here in a radio edit by the just-featured Full Intention (see Mixed & Mashed 17). Also necessary is The Freaks' "Creeps (Get On The Dancefloor)," unforgettable thanks to its juicy bassline and simple call to get up and dance. Toploader's "Dancing In The Moonlight" is a big change of pace from the floorfillers, perhaps best for after the party ends. It's an uplifting song that anyone can get into despite its occasional cheese factor, and is more than a little fun to sing along to.

Classics 21:
ABBA, "Dancing Queen" [YSI] (from Gold: Greatest Hits)
David Bowie, "Let's Dance" (Single Version) [YSI] (from Best of Bowie)
Whitney Houston, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" [YSI] (from Whitney)
Madonna, "Into The Groove" [YSI] (from The Immaculate Collection)

Dear Ibiza 15:
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, "Murder On The Dancefloor" [YSI] (from Read My Lips)
Dannii Minogue, "He's The Greatest Dancer" (Fugitive Remix Edit) [YSI]
Supafly Vs. Fishbowl, "Let's Get Down" (Full Intention Radio Edit) [YSI]
The Freaks, "Creeps (Get On The Dancefloor)" (Vandalism Vocal Mix) [YSI]

Bonus:
Toploader, "Dancing In The Moonlight" [YSI]

***Note: Links removed***

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Mixed & Mashed 17: Full Intention

One of my favorite remixers has proven to be Full Intention. With a large discography of remixes and production work, their mixes are consistently great floorfillers, ranging from straight-up house to more chilled out club reworks. As with many of my favorite mixers, Full Intention remakes are loaded with deep, throbbing bass and solid grooves. Unfortunately, I don't have a great deal of their mixes on my hard drive, but here are some of my favorites. Duran Duran's "(Reach Up For The) Sunrise" is transformed into a big summer house anthem that immediately makes the listener want to head for the clubs. Jamiroquai's underappreciated single "You Give Me Something" gets a nice extended mix, also perfect for warm weather listening. Bob Sinclar's classic "Love Generation" gets a pretty straightforward mix, but its the mixes of the solo Spice Girl tracks that will stay in your head for a bit longer (especially the throbbing mix of Geri Halliwell's trashtastic "Ride It").

Jamiroquai, "You Give Me Something" (Full Intention Club Mix) [YSI]
Geri Halliwell, "Ride It" (Full Intention Mix) [YSI]
Duran Duran, "(Reach Up For The) Sunrise" (Full Intention Mix) [YSI]
Bob Sinclar ft. Gary Pine, "Love Generation" (Full Intention Remix) [YSI]
Victoria Beckham, "Let Your Head Go" (Full Intention Remix) [YSI]

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Shameless 05: Spice Girls Go Solo

Recalling the inaugural Shameless post, here's a round-up of some of the best guilty pleasures you'll ever find. Of course, the Spice Girls are necessary for any pop fan and aren't even all that guilty of a pleasure considering their ubiquitous presence. Solo Spice Girls, however, are another story. As seen with Geri Halliwell, it's not always so easy to admit to liking an ex-Spice Girl's work. Regardless, I have a decent collection on my computer and feel the need to share, so feel free to anonymously download and listen in the privacy of your own headphones as needed. First up are two of Emma Bunton's singles, both of which are excellent 60s bossa nova-infused retro pop numbers. Victoria Beckham has only released a few singles, but (if nothing else) her single "Let Your Head Go" is a throbbing dance track worth hearing. Previously featured Geri Halliwell flopped hard with her last album Passion, so the great "Love Never Loved Me" unfortunately never saw the light of day. After those selections, check out some hot remixes, including old and new Spice Girls club mixes and two Emma remixes.

Emma Bunton, "Maybe" [YSI] (from Free Me)
Emma Bunton, "Crickets Sing For Anamaria" [YSI] (from Free Me)
Victoria Beckham, "Let Your Head Go" (Radio Edit) [YSI]
Geri Halliwell, "Love Never Loved Me" [YSI] (from Passion)

Remixes:
Spice Girls, "Who Do You Think You Are" (Morales Club Mix) [YSI]
Spice Girls, "Wannabe" (Soulseekerz 2007 Club Mix) [YSI]
Emma Bunton, "Free Me" (Dr. Octavo Seduction Remix) [YSI]
Emma Bunton, "Downtown" (Element Remix) [YSI]

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Mixtape 05: Contemplation Continued

The last mixtape I made had so many contenders that I had to craft a follow-up. A similarly alternative rock-based selection with a twist, this playlist continues the themes of contemplation, unanswered questions and timeless dilemmas (especially of the heart and loneliness). It's a long one, so I won't comment on every pick. Opener Suede's "Beautiful Ones" gets things off to an upbeat, albeit slightly bitter, start. Stereophonics' hit single "Dakota" is a hopeful ode to a flame, like similarly optimistic "This Time Tomorrow" by The Kinks. Red Hot Chili Peppers' classic "Scar Tissue" and The Raveonettes' "Heartbreak Stroll" are more pessimistic about past disappointments, as is Alanis Morissette's essential "Ironic." Desperate pleas for stability from Camera Obscura ("I Need All The Friends I Can Get") and Oasis ("Stop Crying Your Heart Out") balance the inward reflections of Tori Amos ("Taxi Ride"), The Flaming Lips ("Ego Tripping At The Gates Of Hell") and Blur ("Tender"). The message behind Nouvelle Vague's "Dancing With Myself" is worth hearing, and perfectly describes my state of mind at the moment, alongside Pulp's "Common People" with its desire for normalcy. Delicate ballads from R.E.M. and U2 bring up the end of the mix, which stand among their best works ("At My MOst Beautiful" and "The First Time," respectively). Don't be surprised if the recent flood of blog post inspiration dries up soon, but for the moment enjoy another premade compilation.

1. Suede, "Beautiful Ones" [YSI] (from Singles)
2. Stereophonics, "Dakota" [YSI] (from Language. Sex. Violence. Other?)
3. Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Scar Tissue" [YSI] (from Californication)
4. The Raveonettes, "Heartbreak Stroll" [YSI] (from Chain Gang of Love)
5. Camera Obscura, "I Need All The Friends I Can Get" [YSI] (from Let's Get Out of This Country)
6. Coldplay, "White Shadows" [YSI] (from X&Y)
7. Tori Amos, "Taxi Ride" [YSI] (from Scarlet's Walk)
8. The Kinks, "This Time Tomorrow" [YSI] (from The Darjeeling Limited [Soundtrack])
9. Oasis, "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" [YSI] (from Heathen Chemistry)
10. Pulp, "Common People" [YSI] (from Hits)
11. Nouvelle Vague, "Dancing With Myself" [YSI] (from Bande À Part)
12. Alanis Morissette, "Ironic" [YSI] (from Jagged Little Pill)
13. Blur, "Tender" [YSI] (from The Best Of)
14. The Flaming Lips, "Ego Tripping At The Gates Of Hell" [YSI] (from Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots)
15. R.E.M., "At My Most Beautiful" [YSI] (from In Time: The Best of 1988-2003)
16. Cat Power, "Maybe Not" [YSI] (from You Are Free)
17. The Velvet Underground & Nico, "I'll Be Your Mirror" [YSI] (from The Velvet Underground & Nico)
18. U2, "The First Time" [YSI] (from The Best of 1990-2000)

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Tender Ballads 07

Picking up where the last "Tender Ballads" entry left off, here's another batch of songs for the brokenhearted. Shirley Manson sings her most tragic lyrics ever in the heart-wrenching ballad "Cup Of Coffee," telling the all-too-common story of love without reciprocation. Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys both mourn the possibility of losing someone with two of their biggest hits ("My All" and "If I Ain't Got You," respectively). Robbie Williams yearns for true love in the (slightly) more upbeat "Feel." Try referring back to some old club tracks if all these sad songs go too deep (I'll definitely be doing just that)!

Garbage, "Cup Of Coffee" [YSI] (from Beautifulgarbage)
Mariah Carey, "My All" [YSI] (from Greatest Hits)
Alicia Keys, "If I Ain't Got You" [YSI] (from The Diary of Alicia Keys)
Robbie Williams, "Feel" (Radio Edit) [YSI] (from Greatest Hits)

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Fresh 06: Ambient & Downbeat

Following up on the recent Fresh posts, here's a selection of more downbeat and ambient tracks from little-known artists and remixers. Sigur Ros get a nice spread-out remix treatment courtesy of recently-featured Robjn. Laserlong's "The City" wouldn't sound out of place on a Nu Cool compilation, while Silje Nes remind me of old Mazzy Star tracks to great effect. Downliner Sekt intrigue with an update on the sound of Boards of Canada and Mogwai (plus all of their music is up free for download on their website!). Also check out Synthar (with a nod to Postal Service and Death Cab) and The Epochs.

Sigur Ros, "Glosoli" (Robjn's Fairy Kiss Cake Mix) [YSI] [website]
Laserlong, "The City" (Single Version) [YSI] [website]
Synthar, "Small Coastal Towns" [YSI] [myspace link]
Silje Nes, "Drown" [YSI] [myspace link]
The Epochs, "Giving Tree" [YSI] [website]
Downliners Sekt, "Scope Creep" [YSI] [website]

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Open Your Box 14: Radio Sessions

Most artists promote their latest projects with TV performances, one-off gigs and special engagements. The best results often come from radio sessions, especially when more adventurous artists are paired with independent or under-the-radar radio programmers. Air, for example, have a number of outstanding radio sessions under their belt, including notable sets for the BBC and KCRW (check out the radically reworked "Sexy Boy" for proof). Goldfrapp and Róisín Murphy also have countless memorable radio performances behind them. I've included some notable downtempo takes here, including non-album Goldfrapp track "Sartorius" and excellent stripped-back acoustic versions of Róisín Murphy's two most recent singles. The Cardigans give similarly excellent laid-back reinterpretations on "Erase/Rewind" and a country-flavored cover of Black Sabbath's "Changes." Radiohead are well represented with Thom Yorke's solo performances of "The Clock" and "Videotape," and covered to amazing effect by The Flaming Lips ("Knives Out"). Last, but of course not least, Vampire Weekend give a nice straight-up live performance of album standout "Mansard Roof" on KEXP. Other than blogs, keep an eye out on radio station websites like KCRW, KEXP and the BBC for more great sessions (the podcasts on iTunes for these stations are also definitely essential).

Air, "Sexy Boy" (Live BBC 1998) [YSI]
Goldfrapp, "Clowns" (Live on 4Music Special) [YSI]
Goldfrapp, "Sartorius" (Live on KCRW 2001) [YSI]
Róisín Murphy, "You Know Me Better" (Live on De Laatste Show) [YSI]
Róisín Murphy, "Let Me Know" (Live Acoustic on Music Control) [YSI]
The Cardigans, "Erase/Rewind" (Live on KCRW 2004) [YSI]
The Cardigans, "Changes" (BBC Radio 2 Session) [YSI]
Radiohead, "Videotape" (Thom Yorke live on From The Basement) [YSI]
Thom Yorke, "The Clock" (Live on KCRW) [YSI]
The Flaming Lips, "Knives Out" (Radiohead Cover) (Live on KCRW) [YSI]
Vampire Weekend, "Mansard Roof" (Live on KEXP) [YSI]

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Fresh 05: Robjn

This Fresh feature is all about remixes, specifically by Laserlong member Robjn (not to be confused with Swedish pop star Robyn). They range from laid back to amped-up electro and everywhere in between. The standouts is are the juicy take on CSS's "Alala" (a song that I otherwise completely despise) and the deep, driving rework of Daft Punk's oldie "Oh Yeah." Also featured is a nice alternative take on Fischerspooner's "All We Are."

William Orbit, "Snake" (Robjn Remix) [YSI]
William Orbit Feat. Beth Orton, "Water From A Vine Leaf" (Robjn's 2007 Version 2) [YSI]
CSS, "Alala" (Robjn Edit - Acapella Outro) [YSI]
The Chemical Brothers, "Galvanize" (Laserlong's 80s Glory Mix) [YSI]
Daft Punk, "Oh Yeah" (Robjn's Mix) [YSI]
Fischerspooner, "All We Are" (Robjn Radio Mix) [YSI]

Link: Robjn's website

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Fresh 04

At last I'm posting some new stuff in the Fresh series! For the first round, here are a handful of tracks, taken from emails sent to me with new tunes as well as free downloads from Insound's cool MP3 of the week feature (check those out here). Two tracks are taken from a sampler from Apteka, both of which are strongly reminiscent of earlier Smashing Pumpkins songs in the best possible way. The next is a recent single by Eugene Francis Jnr, an indie rock track that wouldn't sound out of place on The O.C. or other musically-informed modern shows. The Fashion's "Solo Impala (Take The Money And Run)" is a sleek blend of musical styles worth checking out for fans of Chromatics or The Teenagers (also featured with their hot single "Starlett Johansson").

Apteka, "Blackout Baby" [YSI] [myspace link]
Apteka, "If You Were Here" [YSI] [myspace link]
Eugene Francis Jnr, "Poor Me" [YSI] [myspace link]
The Fashion, "Solo Impala (Take The Money And Run)" [YSI] [myspace link]
The Teenagers, "Starlett Johansson" [YSI] [myspace link | official website]

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Mixtape 04: In Progress

The last few days have been full of lots of contemplation and excitement across the board. I just watched I Heart Huckabees this past weekend (already one of my absolute favorites), and it's triggered a whole lot of big questions in my mind about life and the meaning of all the day-to-day drama of college. Of course, making a mixtape isn't going to answer any of those big questions, but it would be entirely relevant to compile some tracks that fit my mood and mindset. The themes range from realizations and resolutions to questions and dissatisfied reflections. Some are about living in the moment, like Smashing Pumpkins' "Today" and U2's "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of," while others are more about looking back on the past (Oasis' "Don't Look Back In Anger," The Killers' "All These Things That I've Done"). The best are the grand statements made in tracks like Garbage's "Happy Home" (about the suffocating thought of a perfect life). Whatever the message, the songs are united in tone and a roughly similar alternative rock genre. All are essentials (and fit perfectly onto a single disc for a readymade mixtape).

1. The Smashing Pumpkins, "Today" [YSI] (from Rotten Apples: Greatest Hits)
2. Radiohead, "There There" [YSI] (from Hail To The Thief)
3. U2, "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of" [YSI] (from The Best of 1990-2000)
4. Depeche Mode, "Walking In My Shoes" [YSI] (from Singles 86>98)
5. Feist, "I Feel It All" [YSI] (from The Reminder)
6. David Bowie, "Teenage Wildlife" [YSI] (from Scary Monsters)
7. The Killers, "All These Things That I've Done" [YSI] (from Hot Fuss)
8. New Order, "Turn My Way" [YSI] (from Get Ready)
9. Oasis, "Don't Look Back In Anger" [YSI] (from (What's The Story) Morning Glory?)
10. Manic Street Preachers, "The Second Great Depression" [YSI] (from Send Away The Tigers)
11. Placebo, "You Don't Care About Us" [YSI] (from Once More With Feeling: Singles 1996-2004)
12. The Feeling, "Never Be Lonely" [YSI] (from Twelve Stops And Home)
13. Travis, "Safe" [YSI] (from The Invisible Band)
14. The Flaming Lips, "Do You Realize??" [YSI] (from Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots)
15. Garbage, "Happy Home" [YSI] (from Bleed Like Me)

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Hits 22: Videos On The Cheap

Kylie Minogue, well-known on these pages as one of my favorites, has made a number of questionable decisions lately with regards to her US fanbase. Not only did she (or rather, her record label) delay the release of her latest album X (losing countless import sales from fans), but they picked "All I See," a mediocre smooth R&B jam, as her first US single. Instead of standing out like she did with the surprise US hit "Can't Get You Out Of My Head," she's so far failing to make many waves with the new sound. To make matters worse, there is no official video in the pipeline for the single. All we're left with is a cheaply-done video made "for fans" by Kylie and one of her dancers during tour rehearsals. And it shows! Check below for possibly the worst Kylie video since the horrendously camp (but secretly enjoyable) "Your Disco Needs You." To balance that embarrassment, check out a surprisingly nice acoustic take on "All I See" from those same KYLIEX2008 tour run-throughs.

Kylie Minogue, "All I See" (from X)


Kylie Minogue, "All I See" (Acoustic Version) [YSI]

Up next is the production mastermind of the Black Eyed Peas, Will.I.Am. His Songs About Girls album landed without much success late last year, but new single "Heartbreaker" rivals many of his catchiest tracks with the Peas. The single mix features Girls Aloud member Chery Cole on backing vocals, and she's also featured in the budget video, redeemed only by Will.I.Am's impressive dancing abilities.

Will.I.Am Feat. Cheryl Cole, "Heartbreaker" (from Songs About Girls)


Will.I.Am Feat. Cheryl Cole, "Heartbreaker" (Radio Edit) [YSI]

Madonna never stops giving chart freaks something to talk about. This week is no exception, as her latest single "4 Minutes," from the forthcoming Hard Candy, becomes her 13th number one hit in the UK. Coming just over two years after she hit the top with back-to-back hits "Hung Up" and "Sorry," it's hard to discount her commercial skills, whether or not you're a fan of her new urban-tinged dance sound. To celebrate the achievement, here are two more mixes of the track that you won't find on upcoming releases. First up is a remix by her Confessions on a Dance Floor producer Stuart Price (aka Jacques Lu Cont), followed by another mash-up, this time with Garbage's "I Think I'm Paranoid." It's not as well-done as the "4 Minutes 2 Forget" mix (check that out here), but it's a bold take regardless.

Madonna Feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbland, "4 Minutes" (Jacques Lu Cont's Thin White Duke Mix) [YSI]
Madonna Feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland Vs. Garbage, "4 Paranoid Minutes" [YSI]

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Dear Ibiza 14: Time For The Club

Another club rewind is here, this time with a theme of time. To kick things off, check out an extended vocal mix of Madonna's classic "Hung Up," followed by a Can 7 mix of Moloko's "The Time Is Now" (as featured in the recent megamix). Jamiroquai gets funky in a white label remix of their Dynamite album track "Time Won't Wait." StoneBridge's featured singer Therese gets a nice shot at solo stardom with "Time." Jacques Lu Cont's band Les Rythmes Digitales raise the bar for throwback electro with "Sometimes," while Daft Punk get chopped up by Para One in an ace remix of "The Prime Time Of Your Life." As a bonus, check out a (decent) mash-up of "Hung Up" with another time-centered hit, Gwen Stefani's "What You Waiting For?". Time flies when you're listening to good dance music!

UPDATE: Check out the revised 12" mix of the Gwen/Madonna mash-up below. The previous link is for a rougher demo mix.

Madonna, "Hung Up" (SDP Extended Vocal) [YSI]
Moloko, "The Time Is Now" (Can 7 Soulfood Mix) [YSI]
Jamiroquai, "Time Won't Wait" (Groove Assassin "El Beako" Remix) [YSI]
Therese, "Time" (StoneBridge Extended Mix) [YSI]
Les Rythmes Digitales, "Sometimes" [YSI]
Daft Punk, "The Prime Time Of Your Life" (Para One Remix) [YSI]

Bonus Mash-Up:
Demo Mix
Gwen Stefani Vs. Madonna, "What You Hung Up For?" [YSI]
12" Mix ***updated***
Gwen Stefani Vs. Madonna, "What You Hung Up For?"

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