Customer Reviews

Seventh Tree [Vinyl]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are simply not enough words in the English language to describe how good this album is.

I had been thinking about buying a Goldfrapp album for years, but never took the leap. I came to them by way of Thievery Corp, Massive Attack, Potishead and Morcheeba, to name a few, but the heavy electronic sounds of albums 2 and 3 made me hesitate. I received notification about their Radio City show and decided to check their website out and was mesmerized by the loop that plays on the site. Clicked over to amazon and immediately downloaded this album. It has not stopped playing since! My classic rock husband is even a fan now.

You should not die without hearing this. It's summery and ethereal and just Happy! Each song is a work of art and I don't think there is a dud on it. Do yourself a favor and experience this album. Alison has a lovely voice.

Rather than Thievery et al, I would relate this album more towards a delightful mix of Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Pink Floyd and the Beatles with a tiny touch of the good aspects of Enya mixed in and the crescendo 'pop' song writing of Stretch Princess, although I would say it really is it's own thing and no copy of anyone else. I really find the songs emotional, lush and delightful.

I'm sorry that some people were disappointed with the album because of expectations of more dance music, but that is no reason to dislike this album for it's own strengths. Besides, they are kind enough to give us remixes of the songs to dance to.

Goldfrapp seems determined to confound expectations with each subsequent release. The electro of "Black Cherry" left some fans of her downtempo debut "Felt Mountain" upset, while Supernature's glam influence was even more of a departure. Now we have "Seventh Tree" and we're back to downtempo, sort of. Before saying anything further, I should point out that I'm one of those listeners who has thoroughly enjoyed all of her albums, so that's where I'm approaching the review from.

There is some lovely music on this disc. Maybe a bit too mellow for some, maybe a bit saccharine, or at least sentimental. That will depend on your personal taste. If "Felt Mountain" was a moody album with a distinctive gloom surrounding it, "Seventh Tree" is sort of the opposite - light, with a gentle optimism.

Deciding on a star rating has been difficult with this album. I'm giving it four stars, but I feel like I should be giving it three. I'll explain: the music here has the Goldfrapp touch, but it still feels like music somebody else *could* have written. When she and Will Gregory do their best writing, they sound so fresh and original. Some of these songs hit the mark, but the majority do not have that unique "Goldfrapp" sound.

I'm not one of those people who thinks artists should never change and should keep putting out more of the same. I'd be fine with that if that's what Goldfrapp chose to do, but they like to mix it up and I respect that. Not every album can be totally groundbreaking and spectacular. Considering their track record, this album is a bit of a disappointment. However, from most any other artist, this would be considered a really solid album.

I recommend this to fans and those who enjoy mellow music with excellent vocals. For those new to Goldfrapp, I'd recommend starting with Felt Mountain, or even Black Cherry. With the drastic stylistic changes we've seen from Goldfrapp in only four albums, I'm very interested to see where they go next.

Also - a word on the special edition for those deciding if they need to put down the extra money. The DVD has some interesting stuff and probably justifies the upgrade. It also comes with a strange little booklet hand drawn by Allison containing the lyrics and some pictures that she evidently feels reflect the songs. There's also a sort of foldout mini poster something like the booklet to Black Cherry. I'd say it's worth it, mostly for the DVD.

It is, I believe, very hard to argue that "Clowns", the lovely and complex opener to Seventh Tree, isn't a song about breasts:

Only clowns would play with those balloons
what do you want to look like Barbie for?
Titties that go on and on, on and on

That the lyrics are mumbly and indistinct, while the lyrics are bravely printed inside, is further evidence that the artist intended to hide the message beneath waves of haunting string arrangement and folksy soprano crooning.

Perhaps the real message, after the success of Supernature and its bit of TV sync candy "Ooh La La", is that Goldfrapp doesn't want to be reduced to a pile of breasts and analog synth hooks. Want me to install a couple of fake ones? Jiggle on stage and snag another Mitsubishi spot or two? No thank you, sir; only clowns would play with those balloons.

It's a terrific album at nearly every turn. Will Gregory's composition is timely and delicious. "Happiness" and "Little Bird" are also standouts. If you liked Zero 7's "The Garden", you'll like "Seventh Tree".

I have been a longtime Goldfrapp fan since I first heard FELT MOUNTAIN when it first came out several years ago. Although their next two albums are complete contrasts to their sensuous debut album with their infectious electro-pop sounds, I still loved the duo of Allison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory. Long before the duo's latest effort SEVENTH TREE came out, I knew that the duo had toned down the dance beats for this album.

A lot of people try to compare SEVENTH TREE to FELT MOUNTAIN. While the album is more laidback like FELT MOUNTAIN, SEVENTH TREE does not share the same orchestral qualities that permeates FELT MOUNTAIN. With FELT MOUNTAIN, I felt like I was listening to an Ennio Morricone film score with Shirley Bassey on vocals, and an occasional collaboration with Portishead. Here on SEVENTH TREE, the music is more contemporary trip hop. I personally love SEVENTH TREE the lush, catchy melodies, Allison's smooth vocals, and downtempo electronic beats. I think it is a good thing that Goldfrapp doesn't try to get stuck in a rut with one particular sound. That would get awfully boring to put out a regurgitated version of either FELT MOUNTAIN or SUPERNATURE. Some people might not like the change but I love it.

If like me you thought Supernature was Goldfrapp's weakest effort, this album will probably cheer you up. Supernature sounded to me like a watered-down version of Black Cherry; same basic set of sounds, same approach to songwriting, but only one or two memorable tracks, as opposed to almost a whole album's worth. Supernature was pretty disappointing not only because their first two albums were better, but because both Felt Mountain and Black Cherry imagined a wholly new sound, something that didn't really sound like anybody else - and Black Cherry barely sounded like the same band that made Felt Mountain. Seventh Tree moves back toward the acoustic instruments and more atmospheric songwriting of Felt Mountain, but with a much sweeter aura and many of the francopop elements other reviewers have noted. Paris in the 60s to Felt Mountain's Berlin in the 20s. It's not as much of a revelation as their first two albums, but it's as much a pleasure to listen to.

Not an album that you'll like at 1st listen. But grows on you, it sure will! One of my fav albums of the year!!

HELLO I've been wanting to review this album since I got it.I can only echo what most of the other reviewers have already said.I thought I could hear influences of sgt. pepper, pet sounds, even pink floyd but what emerges is totally new and unique sound.This album has changed GOLDFRAPP from music I always thought was really good to one of my top favorites I just can't stop listening.There have been a lot of "highly anticipated" new releases(MOBY,REM,etc.)that I wish I could get my money back,but this is the best record I've heard in along time.Also GOLDFRAPP have just not gotten the attention and exposure they deserve.Maybe this album will do it for them.THANKS DENNISC9

From 7th Tree on April 14th:
a Limited Edition -(supposedly) from MUTE UK only is an EP that contains:

1. Happiness (Beyond The Wizards Sleeve Re-animation)
2. Monster Love (Goldfrapp vs. Spiritualized) !!!
3. Eat Yourself (Yeasayer Remix) YEASAYER! too cool or what!


These guys are still way on top of everything!

I discovered Goldfrapp on "London Live," an excellent concert show on the late MOJO network. Somehow, Goldfrapp flies under the radar of popular music, not quite getting the attention it deserves. I hope other people discover this talented duo and give them a listen. This album continues their excellent production, but I would recommend starting with Supernature or Black Cherry.

I was so very excited to see there was a new Goldfrapp cd. But, when i first put it on....well, was kind of a let down. after there last release, which was to say a great cd, this one seemed kinda like a warmed over dinner from last week. By far A&E is the best song, and that is why it is the first single. Dont get me wrong, Goldfrapp is a wonderful band, but there are just too many slow songs. They really need to do a remixx ep....i would by that in a heart beat. Other songs on this cd that are outstanding, Little bird, Happiness, Cologne cerrone houdini and Caravan Girl, with out these songs, this cd would be a huge miss. So Goldfrapp.....how about a remixx. I love this group......but please give me something i can dance too. ps....i hated Clowns....zzzzzz.