"If Stevie Nicks and Jake Shears had a daughter..." (Goldfrapp)

[Livia]

http://www.my.highschooljournalism.o...6430&aid=96709

Goldfrapp's remixed C.D., "We Are Glitter," receives mixed reviews. (Photograph: Caitlin McGuire)

Is “We Are Glitter” Gold?
Goldfrapp releases

By Caitlin McGuire

If Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac and Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters had a daughter, and sent her to be taught by Madonna, the result would be the husky-voiced, disco queen Alison Goldfrapp, lead singer of British two-man band, Goldfrapp. The October 17 release of the Mute Records band, blends the film score sensibilities of multi-talented instrumentalist Will Gregory, the glam rock appreciation of singer Alison Goldfrapp, and the mixing talents of deejays across the planet. Goldfrapp’s record “We Are Glitter” is derivative, but danceable.
Most of their remixes come across as white noise, rather than "Glitter,” as their title suggest. A first time listener of the electronic duo would be better off listening to one of their previous releases, "Supernature" or "Black Cherry," both nominated for United Kingdom awards. The twin remixes of "Number 1," "Satin Chic" and "Ride the White Horse," while pleasant enough dance tracks, fade into the background of the album. Fans of Portishead will latch onto the singles, “You Never Know (Mum Remix)” and “Fly Me Away (C2 Remix 4).” Both songs are quieter “chill-out” tracks that hearken to a time of quieter Goldfrapp releases.

Goldfrapp is known best in the UK, where they have been met with consistently overwhelming positive reviews. Their unique combination of folk music, 80s synth rock, and classic film scores garnered play from most electronically inclined Europeans, and have slowly begun invading American airwaves. The American success of Goldfrapp is apparent: "Strict Machine," "Ooh La La" and "Number 1" have all reached the highest rank on the Billboard Charts (Hot Dance Music/Club Play), and their past hits have been featured on commercials for Nip/Tuck, Chocolate™ phones and Gameboy Advance™. With their newly remixed sound, will their hits grab the American public again? Only time will tell.