GOLDFRAPP

The Singles
Mute / EMI

In what seems like no time at all electronic English duo Goldrapp have five albums under their belt and are well worthy of a singles collection even if it has come about as a way to fulfil a contractual obligation. Alison Goldfrapp offers her name and her voice to the group, and although she often finds the recording process somewhat confronting and difficult, the results speak for themselves.

The Singles kicks off with the outfit’s biggest hit Ooh La La, a song that captures Goldfrapp’s subtle hooks and warm beats during their period where Alison Goldfrapp’s outfits were as enchanting as the songs. Strict Machine has been a staple for late night Rage viewers and is as danceable here even without the film clip in tow. It’s not all late nights and bright lights though as Lovely Head could have been a James Bond theme and A&E brings in acoustic guitar and puts away the driving beats for a more restrained effort.

As is the way with singles collections, there are two new tunes for the completest. The most recognisable Goldfrapp moments have come from a time when they were writing club hits, but new additions Yellow Halo and Melancholy Sky are gorgeous slices of dream pop that hint that the best may yet be to come.

The Singles show Goldfrapp to be much more than a pretty face.

_CHRIS HAVERCROFT