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Goldfrapp: Supernature

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Golfrapp performs "Ooh La La" on "Supernature"

To: Queen Elizabeth II

CC: Prime Minister Tony Blair

Re: Goldfrapp embargo

Dear Your Majesty and The Guy Who Actually Runs Your Kingdom Or Whatever It Is:

On behalf of the United States, Artvoice demands to know why you have conspired to keep Goldfrapp’s third album from reaching our shores until now, a full eight months after its release in the UK. Perhaps you are still smarting from that whole Declaration of Independence thing, or from how we bring up World War II every time we want a favor. Still, that is no reason to deny us the sonic pleasure of vocalist Alison Goldfrapp, whose trademark purr deftly maneuvers through rafter-shaking dance cuts (“Ooh La La,” “Ride a White Horse”), gorgeous balladry (“Let It Take You,” “Time Out from the World”), and modern cabaret (“Satin Chic”). We concede that the disc has flaws—its pacing is rather manic-depressive, and please ask her what’s up with the creepy “Omen”-style intro to “You Never Know.” But Goldfrapp recovers after every false step with memorable melodies, as on the pseudo-house of “Koko” or the oddly sweet “Number 1,” in which she assures a distant lover that “You’re my favorite moment/You’re my Saturday.” Supernature is not as consistent as the icy electronica of 2003’s Black Cherry or 2000’s trip-hop-heavy Felt Mountain, but its risks have numerous rewards. In conclusion, we humbly request that you please not suppress any future kick-ass Eurotrash disco releases. After all, you still owe us big for torching the White House.

Love,