the 31 best of 2008 – 29: Goldfrapp – Seveth Tree

Ethereal, floaty, soft, meek, delicate, airy, and mesmerizing; none of these are words I would use to describe the former electroclash sound of Goldfrapp. However, with their recent release, Seventh Tree, they reinvented themselves once again, and in doing so, made one of the most understated, beautiful albums of the year. The marrying of Allison Goldfrapp’s angelic, whisper-driven voice with the subtle beats and mellow guitar plucking and synthesizer of Will Gregory is quite amazing.

I definitely see Goldfrapp as pioneering in many aspects; after the success of their single Oh La La, it seems that everyone has jumped on that bandwagon, and has tried to copy their sound (most recently, I’m looking at you Xtina). Perhaps that this is why they chose to revert to their more ethereal roots, and delve into a softer side of their music? Who knows the motivation, but one thing is certain, the result is an album that is filled to the brim with creativity, synth-driven subtlety, and something that is sure to please the music lover in anyone; that is, anyone that loves great music. For me, the record has this olden quality, that sounds as if it is being played back on an old timey phonograph; all it’s missing is the crackles and pops of the needle as it circles around the record. Likewise, it is one of those albums that contains song after song that sound as if they would be right at home being played during different pivotal moments during a film.

As I said, softness wasn’t something I would have considered with regards to Goldfrapp, because I unfamiliar with their earlier work, and I had only heard their more dance-themed electroclash sound (which, I will be honest, I wasn’t too much of a fan of). That being said, after hearing the amazing lead off single, A & E, from this album, I saw something that I hadn’t seen in them before, and instantly wanted more. The rest of the album pleased me more than I was expecting, and is filled with track after track of well crafted, beautiful anthems. I for one am glad that they have gotten in touch with this softer side, because the resulting record is amazing, and is definitely something that people will be trying to reproduce. I guess being a pioneer of sorts makes for several copycats down the line, but they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; and by now, Goldfrapp should be more than flattered. Judging by the quality of this record, I will predict that they have much more flattery to look forward to on the horizon.

Unrelated to the sound of the record, I do have to say that it is uncanny how much Allison Goldfrapp looks like Mary Kate/Ashley Olsen on the cover, no?

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: A & E, Monster Love, Caravan Girl, Eat Yourself.