By Paul V.

Kylie Minogue - 2 Hearts (import)

Kylie’s sizzling new single might make you ask: Which came first—the Kylie or the Goldfrapp? We all know the answer, but here, Ms. Minogue purrs ‘n struts like a glammed-up ’70s sex kitten. And is that Jake Shears on the backing “wooohs!”? I’m in love!

Britney Spears - Blackout (Jive)

Do you believe in miracles? Ever put your faith in something that seems nearly impossible? Britney Spears’ fans have been doing this for over a year now, and somehow during the complete meltdown that we’ve all watched in public, in private (or at least in the recording studio), Spears was able to manage making one hell of a new album. Granted, there’s loads of studio trickery going on here, and she’s practically straddling the stripper pole under the disco ball on the majority of these songs, but damn—the girl’s still got it. “Piece Of Me” crackles like synthetic whips ‘n chains, creating a crunchy backdrop to the autobiographical, vocoded, bitch-slap lyrics. “Break the Ice” (most resembling the “old” Britney) is all breathy chants and the least processed, except for the hip-swaying electronic beat. “Radar” has a neo-new wave Bloodshy & Avant-produced flavor that sticks in your head just like “Toxic” did. “Heaven on Earth” hums like Donna Summer meets Gwen Stefani, and “Freakshow” nods to the sounds of modern electro, with a lightning-crack backbeat and lots of synthy squiggles and gurgles to keep the dance floor jamming. Oddly, she nods to the Turtles’ “Happy Together” (melody) and Gary Glitter’s “Rock and Roll” (beat sample) on the hop-skipping “Ooh Ooh Baby”—but, unfortunately, it’s one of the filler tracks. This is certainly no life-changing record or deep rocket science, but you have to give the girl props for stepping up the plate.

Seal - System (Warner Bros.)

RuPaul once sang she was “going back to my roots,” and it looks like the ultra-talented Seal decided to give that a try, too. Because, lest we forget, Seal got his start on the rave dance floors of the world 17 years ago, first working with DJ/producer Adamski on the aptly-titled “Killer.” But then he seemed to evolve into the poster-boy for those quiet, mega-selling ballads mined for movie soundtracks and adults sipping triple-lattes No shame in that game, but we wanna dance, man! And how could this possibly fail? Seal enlisted none other than mega producer/remixer man Stuart Price (best known for Madonna’s Confessions CD), and the collaborative combo mines some gold. Like everything Price touches, System is bristling with richly lacquered textures built around glistening synth lines, layers of acoustic guitars and strings, and just enough pulse in the beats. There’s a wealth of single-worthy contenders here: Opening track “If It’s in My Mind, It’s on My Face” is penultimate classic Seal; first single “Amazing” is exquisite; and both the title track and “Just Like Before” quietly burn and build into glorious dance-pop winners. You’d probably groan if I told you that his hottie wife, Heidi Klum, sings on “Wedding Day,” yet she holds her own (think Claudine Longet?). And just for lovers, “Immaculate” covers the ballad quotient. Mind you, Seal ain’t headed for the circuit party anytime soon (thankfully), but System scores as the thinking man’s dance music.

Johnossi - Johnossi (Control Group)

I think I wanna move to Sweden. Aside from the low crime rate, socialized healthcare, extremely cute blond guys, Ikea warehouses and the chance to meet Abba, Sweden has been turning out all my favorite musicians lately. A la the White Stripes (with a better drummer) or the Black Keys, Johnossi is only two-people strong, but they sure sound thrice their size, especially when it comes to fiery, infectious rockers like “Execution Song” and the toe-tapping, punk-inflected wallop of “Man Must Dance.” In spite of their Scandinavian roots, this Stockholm-based duo is inspired by the sounds of rootsy Americana and edgy indie rock, and they blend it all together with real panache. At times they add just a pinch of alt-country twang to the mix, most enjoyable on tracks like “Family Values” and the soaring “The Lottery.” Something about their sound reminds me of very early R.E.M. (“Glory Days to Come”), or perhaps even a more restrained Kurt Cobain (“Rescue Team”), and also Jeff Buckley, on the gorgeous, stripped-down closer, “Summerbreeze.” I’m really in love with singer John Engelbert’s voice—he can really dish it out with a crisp and powerful rasp or a honeyed, poignant hush, sometimes in the same song. All told, this debut is packed with totally hummable melodies, smart lyrics, varying emotions and a tight, polished delivery. If your Swedish swoon includes Peter, Bjorn and John or the Shout Out Louds, add Johnossi to the list ASAP.

Check out DJ Paul V. spinning: Bootie L.A., the first Saturday every month at Safari Sam’s, and Miss Kitty’s Parlour on various Fridays. Tune in to Indie 103.1 FM Fridays at 5:30 p.m. for the “Smash Mix” and “Neon Noise,” Saturdays midnight-3 a.m. For more info, visit www.myspace.com/smashmix.