Utopia [EP] [Digipak]

Performer: Goldfrapp
Engineer: Nick Batt; Jim Barr; David Lord
Producer: Daniel Miller; Goldfrapp; Tom Middleton
Distributor: Caroline Distribution

Notes: Goldfrapp: Alison Goldfrapp, Will Gregory. Additional personnel includes: John Contretas (vocals, nylon guitar); Alexander Balanescu, Sonia Slany (violin); Nick Barr (viola); Nick Cooper (cello); Davide Rossi (violectra); Andy Davis (keyboards); Steve Claydon (synthesizer); Mary Scully (double bass); Roan Oliver (drums, octapad); Tony Orrell (drums). Personnel: Joel Burns (lap steel guitar, nylon-string guitar, mandolin, vibraphone, glockenspiel, upright bass, cymbals, guiro, shaker); Alexander Balanescu, Sonia Slany (violin); Nick Batt (viola, programming); Nick Cooper (cello); Andy Davis (keyboards); Mary Scully (double bass); John Convertino (drums, claves); Rowen Oliver, Tony Orrell (drums). Audio Mixers: Dave Bascombe; Goldfrapp; Kevin Paul. Audio Remixers: Daniel Miller; Tom Middleton. Recording information: Ancienne Belgique. Arranger: Goldfrapp. Goldfrapp's "genetically enriched" Utopia EP combines all the tracks from both of the U.K. singles and features a whopping five versions of the title track, including the album version as well as several remixes. Jori Hulkkonen, Tom Middleton, and Tim Wright take the song in various dance-oriented directions, all of which are pleasant enough but not especially distinctive, especially when compared to the sweeping, icy grandeur of the original. Likewise, the live version of "Human" is notable more for how well Goldfrapp re-creates the atmosphere of Felt Mountain in a concert setting than for any variations or improvements on it. However, the whispery, exotica-tinged "Utopia (Sunroof Mix)" adds a subtle, fresh twist to the song, while Calexico's Spanish cover of "Human" expands on that song's filmic feel and takes it in a very different direction. Last but not least, the witty, electro-inspired rendition of Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" -- known here as "U.K. Girls (Physical)" proves that for all of Goldfrapp's haughty drama, the duo's tongues are placed firmly in their sculpted cheeks. Fans of the group who haven't already bought the U.K. singles from which this EP is derived will be pleased to know that Utopia is as entertaining as any mini-album with five versions of the same song can possibly be. ~ Heather Phares

Alison Goldfrapp first gained notoriety for her astonishing vocal work on albums by Tricky and techno duo Orbital. She joined forces with composer Will Gregory in the late 1990s to create her own moody, sensual version of contemporary electronica. With a succession of critically lauded albums, the duo honed their approach and utilized an assortment of influences ranging from traditional soundtrack themes and vintage pop to '80s synth sounds, disco, and glam rock to create one of the most intriguing and satisfying electronica hybrids to emerge from the genre since its inception.

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