Goldfrapp Tickets Available for UK Tour 2010 |
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Goldfrapp is an English electronic music duo, formed in 1999 in London, England, that consists of Alison Goldfrapp (vocals/synthesizer) and Will Gregory (synthesizer). Alison Goldfrapp began her musical career in the early 1990s as a guest vocalist with the electronic band Orbital and trip hop artist Tricky. In 1999, she was introduced to composer Will Gregory after he had listened to an early version of the song "Human". Gregory felt a connection with Goldfrapp and invited her to record a demo for the film soundtrack he was composing, to see if they could work together. The demo was never completed, but the recording session had been pleasant. In August 1999, Goldfrapp signed a recording contract with London-based record label Mute Records. Goldfrapp began recording their debut album over a six-month period, beginning in September 1999, in a rented bungalow in the Wiltshire countryside. Goldfrapp's debut album Felt Mountain was released in September 2000 and featured the singles "Lovely Head", "Utopia", "Pilots (On a Star)" and "Human". The album was well received by music critics, described as "simultaneously smarmy and seductive, yet elegant and graceful". It reached number fifty-seven on the UK Albums Chart, and was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry. In 2001, Felt Mountain was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, an annual music prize awarded for the best British or Irish album from the previous year. To promote Felt Mountain, Goldfrapp toured the UK, Europe and North America, supporting the alternative music bands Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and The Doves. Goldfrapp found it difficult to perform songs from the album live because of their complex arrangements which required up to forty musicians. Goldfrapp eventually settled on performing with violinist Davide Rossi, drummer Rowan Oliver and keyboardist Andy Davies. Goldfrapp's second album Black Cherry was released in April 2003. The album focused more heavily on dance music and glam rock inspired synths than its predecessor. The album received positive reviews from critics, who found it to be an "unexpected delight" and a "rare electronica album of warmth and depth..the ultimate chillout pleasure". Black Cherry peaked at number nineteen on the UK Albums Chart and number four on the Billboard Top Electronic Albums chart in the United States. The first single released from the album was "Train", which reached number twenty-three on the UK Singles Chart. "Strict Machine" was released as the album's second single. The song proved successful on several formats, and reached number one on the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart. In 2004, "Strict Machine" won an Ivor Novello Award for "Best Dance Single". In 2003, Alison Goldfrapp modified her image, from a sophisticated Marlene Dietrich inspired look to that of a New Wave diva. Supernature, Goldfrapp's third album, was released in August 2005. The album comprises pop and electronic dance music prominently featured on Black Cherry, but focuses more on subtle hooks instead of the large choruses that made up its predecessor. Supernature debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, selling 52,000 copies in its first week. It has sold one million copies worldwide and was certified platinum in the UK. The album received a Grammy Award nomination in 2007 for Best Electronic/Dance Album and "Ooh La La" was nominated for Best Dance Recording. "Ooh La La", the album's lead single, became Goldfrapp's first UK top five single. "Ooh La La" became the first song performed by Goldfrapp to feature the electric guitar and was often cited as a highlight of the album by music critics. In 2006, Goldfrapp released We Are Glitter, a North American-only compilation of remixes from Supernature. It included a Flaming Lips remix of "Satin Chic", Goldfrapp's favourite song from the album. |
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