All that Glitters

I was first introduced to Allison Goldfrapp almost exactly nine years ago via one of the greatest electronic acts to ever grace the face of this earth – Orbital.

Goldfrapp lent her vocals to, in my mind, Orbital’s seminal album, Insides. It was this album that would ultimately shape my musical tastes and, in those formative years, foster what has turned out to be a deep love of electronica.

Today, Orbital has disbanded and Goldfrapp is three albums into her solo career

Goldfrapp’s latest album, Supernature, is nowhere near the scope of Orbital (but what is?) however it is good, heartfelt electronica and shows a steady progression in her musical abilities. Her first album Felt Mountain was so slow and laid back it almost put me to sleep every time I listened to it. Her second effort Black Cherry was a prelude to Supernature as Goldfrapp’s sounds moved from ethereal crooning to a crunchy, electroclash stomp backing her sultry cooing. She is now completely entrenched is her world of hulking beats and strange dance panache.

I don’t know when this album will be out in the states. It doesn’t much matter anymore. “Release dates” have become meaningless to me, thus stripping Tuesdays of any significance. *Sigh*

Stuff to Sample: From Orbital’s Insides “Sad but New” and Middle of Nowhere “Nothing Left 1” and from Goldfrapp’s Supernature “No. 1” and “Slide In”