Customer Reviews

A&E

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I would like to preface this review by saying that I am reviewing the A&E EP as a whole, not just the song itself. Many times, a wonderful song will be released on a lackluster EP with yawn-inducing remixes and less than stellar B-sides.

BUT, I am happy to report that Goldfrapp's "A&E" EP is worth every penny of its $5.00 cost. The original cut of the track is beautiful; plus the remixes are unique and interesting in their own right! This isn't just a group of remixes that add a pulsating disco beat behind the same vocals and instrumentation. They are thoughtful and distinguish themselves enough from the original cut to be stand-alone.

Of course, I only recommend this EP to those who enjoy the new track. You can listen to it (and watch the new video) on youtube. This release - and Goldfrapp's upcoming album "The Seventh Tree" - take the group in a different direction. I would urge even Goldfrapp fans to listen to the new track before purchasing the album because it is a very different direction. If you enjoy it, however, I would not hesitate to highly recommend this EP. It provides wonderful, new adventures for fans of the new single "A&E."

I was not crazy about the A&E song itself, but these are really interesting remixes. Certainly great for dancefloor but also good for listening on their own.
The only one that does not work too well is the last track, it has some sort of irritating tribal chorus thrown in. The other tracks are among the best Goldfrapp remixes released so far. I was overall disappointed with the Seventh Tree album, it was too slick and lightweight, this single was a very nice surprise. I guess this is quite a feat, it works for the people who really liked the A&E song in the first place, and would enjoy more versions, but it also works for people like me who sort of liked it, but wanted something different.
This is a great catch, for fans of Goldfrapp or just fans of good dance music, and it is well worth the price for the download. Actually the cover is very beautiful and whimsical, too, the Seventh Tree was little strange...

I've been a fan of Alison and Will's work for longer than I knew I was. It just took a few singles and years to realize that they were behind some of my favourite pieces of music.

So I was awaiting Seventh Tree with some anticipation. But after hearing the first single in music video form, I was sure that the end was nigh. Compared to the pulsing original beats mixed with the very best of synthesizers that defined Supernature, A&E sounded commercial, boring and, dare I say it, musically bankrupt. As with so many of my favourite bands over the years, it seemed that Goldfrapp had come to the end of the line. So it was with some trepidation that I bought the single over on AmazonMP3.com, fully expecting to pull my hair out in frustration.

Well, I do have something of a bald spot now.

A&E is, in fact, musically bankrupt. Fluffy instrumental junk. But then, a small miracle! Yes, the Gui Boratto remixes! They redeemed my faith in the single. Designed for the dance floor, they make for fantastic driving music, and they can be used to concentrate on a particularly difficult project. Quickly, the two remixes rose through my list of most played, and now sit comfortably near the top of the list. On the other hand, I found the other remix - the Hercules mix - utterly distracting. You might as well have Deepak Chopra reciting some fluffy new age feel good stuff as background.

Which brings me to title of this review: welcome to music 2.0. In music 2.0, established artists such as Goldfrapp will release music that is unfinished. Lacking original beats, great melodies and catchy hooks, these pieces will provide some grounding and foundation for the more talented DJs amongst the masses to create the most innovative and original pieces by adding beats, melodies and hooks that most appeal to them. Then these pieces will fly across the tubes of the internet to other like minded folk, who will download and enjoy these wonderful remixed works of art. Or most likely, not, considering the RIAA and IFPI and their stance on "their" music. Thus will end the short lived music 2.0 experiment that I think this album is meant to spur. C'est la vie.

So in the end, enjoy the two Gui Boratto remixes - the closest I've been to the excitement that Goldfrapp inspired in their Ooh La La heyday. The rest of the album is a bankrupt product not worth purchasing. Two stars out of five for the two songs out of five that have any hope.

I really love the original A&E, but the Gui Boratto remix is hands down one of my favorite songs of all time! It's a beautiful, chill, ethereal track that I promise you'll listen to on repeat. Buying this album isn't necessary, but downloading the Gui Boratto remix is a must!

THis is not as electronic and fast paced as previous albums. But it is a beautiful piece of work.

I ordered this Cd for my Nephew (he's 15). His only issue was that when it said the CD was to be released on February 12th he thought because he preordered he should have gotten it that day. He loves music and is way to wrapped up in having it before his friends can buy them from the store. It came in a timely manner, in good condition and he loves having it.