Super...nature

I just got into Goldfrapp recently (it's kinda strange that I didn't get into them sooner). So I'm as happy as a clam that their brilliant album, Supernature, came out in the U. S. finally (the U.K. shouldn't be the only ones to get all the fun!)

Anyway, for those that aren't in the know, they are this duo/group from England that create this dark, surreal disco music. Well, actually, the disco thing kinda came about recently, as their first album, Felt Mountain, was more ethereal electronica, without the strong backbeat. Still good stuff, but I enjoy their newer stuff a bit better (but that's just me). This album is what Blondie should have sounded like when she made her "comeback" with "Maria". Now don't get me wrong, "Maria" was a perfectly fine song by Blondie standards, but a little too retro without any sign of artistic growth. Goldfrapp captures disco infused punk Blondie with a modern yet retro twist perfectly.

"Ooh La La", their first single, took Europe by storm when it came out so many eons ago. It has this cool redux of "Spirit in the Sky," with a dark and threatening backbeat. The video (directed by Dawn Shadforth of Kylie "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" Minogue fame) is very slick also, and is included in the limited edition release of the Supernature CD/DVD combo. Basically Allison Goldfrapp is a lovely chanteuse in black, backed by a "The Darkness" meets "Ziggy Stardust" cover-band. But the kicker is when she rides across the screen, with white silk taffeta flowing, on a disco ball mirrored horse. It's cool.

Also to be checked out is their most recent single (at least in Europe), "Ride A White Horse." Cool beyond belief. And the album ends with a great cooldown song, "Number 1," and the bonus track (previously released on the "Number 1 EP"), "Beautiful". Her voice can easily go between near growl as on "Ooh La La" to a beautiful siren of the seas on the latter track.

So, if you have a hankering to dance to something a little bit darker than all the usual Euro-pop fare, check out Supernature. Their last album, Black Cherry, is excellent also, and serves as a good transition between their earlier sound and the new album.