The Useless Critic 2.0

After almost four years, Goldfrapp are finally back to save electronic music from all these shitty, insufferable DJs! After sharing a few mysterious teasers on social media starting earlier this month, last Monday, January 23 (yes, we're late, whatevs), the seminal British duo released the track "Anymore," the lead single from their upcoming seventh studio album, Silver Eye , which is set for a March 31 release. It is the follow-up to 2013's Tales of Us , which, in my opinion, wasn't bad at all, just a bit of a let-down. Longtime fans like me will most certainly rejoice as the song marks a glorious return to the pulsating, deliciously filthy electroclash of 2003's Black Cherry and 2005's Supernature . Though I haven't been quite as interested in electronic music as I used to be, a new Goldfrapp album is always exciting news, as the duo never fail to deliver fresh, interesting music with each new release.

This song is the shit, period. Man, I miss Goldfrapp's electro-sleaze so bad. As I've said before, the duo's latest album, Tales of Us , left me rather underwhelmed. That's not to say I dislike their trip-hop/ambient stuff— Seventh Tree is a masterpiece—but I didn't think Tales of Us had that unique Goldfrapp oomph to it. I truly hope they release another album of infectious, throbbing sex music in the vein of Black Cherry or Supernature sometime soon.

Whenever I have the energy and/or patience, I will be doing these features where I discuss a band/musician who has left an impact on me. You are welcome to contribute as well! theuselesscritic@gmail.com . Saint Etienne It took me several long years to warm up the retro pop sounds that define Saint Etienne. The music this band has made since the early '90s has been nothing but lush and intoxicating. Even Norwegian pop star Annie has claimed the three-piece band as a huge inspiration for her sound; Lush and Kylie Minogue have similar stories to share. Saint Etienne is not a band extremely popular in the United States. I don't know if they ever really have been. On the indie circuit, yeah, sure. But pretty much everyone- music snob or not- knows Goldfrapp, for example. Saint Etienne? Not so much. When you're really into music, you'll come across Saint Etienne eventually. I heard them the first time when I was in high school. And they didn't make much of ...

Goldfrapp will be invading cinemas worldwide March 4 for one night- and one night only ! The 80-minute film is partially based on last year's "Tales of Us" album- and partially a musical performance by Goldfrapp themselves. Says Alison Goldfrapp- the namesake and leader of Goldfrapp, obvs, "We’re very excited to present a unique event, the Tales Of Us film alongside an intimate live performance, to our fans across the world. We’ve loved touring the Tales Of Us album and can’t wait to bring our live show to local cinemas." Check out the trailer below, and get excited!  (That comma was for dramatic effect)

What's a better way to start the week than with a new Goldfrapp video? The duo have premiered the ethereal music video for "Drew," the first single from their upcoming album Tales of Us , due out September 9. It is set in a typically British Victorian mansion, and there are naked people in it. Alison looks stunning as well, per usual. I must say, as much as I love the idea of " Felt Mountain meets Seventh Tree ," I was also expecting some throbbing electro-sleaze a la Black Cherry and Supernature . Maybe next time?

Highly influential electronic music duo Goldfrapp have finally announced details of their new album!!! Their sixth studio album is titled Tales of Us and it's due out September 9. Check out the artwork and track listing below: 1. Jo 2. Annabel 3. Drew 4. Ulla 5. Alvar 6. Thea 7. Simone 8. Stranger 9. Laurel 10. Clay And here's a very intriguing album trailer: Perhaps I should lower my expectations, considering that most "comeback" albums released this year turned out to be rather underwhelming—I'm looking at you, The Knife. Oh, fuck it. PRAISE GODFRAPP. In unrelated news, I have a very special post in the works right now. It's cumming soon, so make sure you don't miss it.

Just keepin' it classy Ellie Goulding, "Figure 8" 2012 was definitely Ellie's year. I can't get over "Figure 8's" epic, bombastic chorus, I just wish I could inject it directly into my blood. Who knew dubstep could sound this good? Azealia Banks, "Liquorice" Despite her apparent attitude issues , Azealia is one of my favorite new artists this year. Her music is so fresh, I'm loving the throwback to early-'90s house music and R&B that's been going on lately. Of all the great jams she has put out, "Liquorice" is my anthem to sassitude. As some of you must know by now, it was reported a couple of months ago that Azealia and Lady fucking Gaga recorded two tracks for Gaga's upcoming ARTPOP album! Sleigh Bells, "Comeback Kid" This song and Alexis Krauss are the very epitome of badassery. I want her clothes so bad, especially the studded leather jacket. Little Boots, "Every Ni...

Konnichiwa! This is Irina Cummings and I'm here to discuss one of the most brilliant, innovative, and creative artists in the entire history of mankind: Goldfrapp – or as I like to call them , GODfrapp – the fantastique, highly inspirational, and sometimes criminally overlooked electronic music duo from London consisting of Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory, whose godly music has certainly influenced the vast majority of today's synthpop ladies, including Lady Gaga, Little Boots, La Roux, Annie and Florence + the Machine (not electro but still worth your while). They're primarily known for their mind-blowing music (which have spanned pretty much every style of electronic music – and some non-electronic as well), their abstract, sexually ambiguous – at times forthright – lyrics which are often not gender- specific , and their elaborate shows, not to mention the amazing visual aesthetics of their work, conjuring images that masterly complement ...

I feel like this could be said about her whole career, really. hmm. anyway, I applaud her for taking risks. "Elastic Love" with M.I.A. was a gutsy move. In fact- I listened to "Woohoo." the whole album plays like a gutsy move. what is Britney doing these days anyway? hiding in the south, trying to keep Sean Preston off her lap while she drives her tractor around intersections? Christina may have won the battle here. oh, but you know what Britney is thinking. SHE WILL WIN THE WAR. eat your cheesey poofs, Britney. plan your fifteenth comeback with Girl Talk and Calvin Harris. it will be okay. I just wikipedia'd (WHAT A SAVVY RESEARCHER I AM RIGHT) the new Aguilera album (Aguilera, arguably Wexford's most famous resident, no offense Rebecca!)- apparently GOLDFRAPP had songs riding on this. GOLDFRAPP. and let's be honest: today's pop stars, old and new alike, live in the post-Lady Gaga world. I mean, that girl changed things around some, for better or...

40 years ago, as I'm sure you haven't heard a bajillion times by now, we (and by we, I mean Americans everywhere, I mean God bless us, I mean mankind obviously) put a man on the moon. men on the moon. a PLAQUE on the moon. some people don't believe it and think it was a conspiracy. I don't really care about these people. http://news.aol.com/moon-landing?icid=main|aimzones|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Fmoon-landing ^ interesting stuff! (amateur astronomy nerd) I was pretty bummed as a youngster to hear that we hadn't done anything along that magnitude since the 1970s. But, apparently, we're looking to point someone on Mars in the near future (or at least Russia is). now a lot of people think, with the economy as is and other matters pressing, that the space program should be put on the backburner. but judging by the technology that we derived from the moon race, I disagree. LET'S GO TO MARS! Space Mix "My Moon, My Man"- Feist: http://www.sen...