I've listened to this CD over and over... I can't stop. It's pure perfection as far as I am concerned. It's the best CD I've heard in quite some time. So, bought it in San Francisco and listened to it there. Just now put it into my car CD rotation. I need more time to provide a respectable review, but I had to submit my five star review to help contribute to the overall rating for this CD. Upon the first few listens, I was immediately reminded of Cocteau Twins... that seems like a very kind comparison!! I'm not too familiar with older Goldfrapp. I am not one that is a fan of the two CDs between Felt Mountain and Seventh Tree, not because I don't like the music, I just haven't had the opportunity to listen closely. I am listening closely to Seventh Tree. I really love it... enough to write this rather pitiful review. I guess sometimes great music leaves one speechless. This CD is Joyous and I love it!

The perfect CD to listen to after a long day at work. Currently, my favorite album. All I can say is BEAUTIFUL work! Congrats!

It starts out with just Alison and a guitar accompaniment, slowly adding strings, then bass as it comes into full flower. Near the end, bird sounds and delicate but full harmonies enrich "Clowns" even more. It's the first track we experience and it is simply delicious. It's also one of my favorites from this album. "Little Bird" begins with a sublime keyboard melody and also becomes musically fuller as it progresses. Alison's voice sounds a bit older on this cut which matches the slightly melancholy tune. If it weren't for the totally organic-sounding addition of a psychedelic arrangement and drums near the end, "Little Bird" wouldn't have sounded out of place on "Felt Mountain". This is where the influences of "Black Cherry" and "Supernature" begin. "Happiness" is done as a bit of Beatlesque march/anthem that wouldn't have been out of place on "Supernature". Swooshing synthesizers, acoustic guitar and layers of Alison's vocals color the sweet "Road To Somewhere". Will Gregory's contributions to this album are not to be dismissed. His playing is inventive and tasteful as always. "Eat Yourself" is a folksy piece, just beautiful with a sad undercurrent that really touches me despite the absurd (though great) title. Although "Some People" has its charms, it sounds like an outtake from "Black Cherry". It's gorgeous anyway, with its swells of sound, a nice ebb and flow.
One of Goldfrapp's most joyous songs is "A&E". This song gets me high and is probably my favorite of their entire catalog. It doesn't sound like anything from their previous discs and in that we find them evolving as artists. "Cologne Cerrone Houdini" is one of the songs on "Seventh Tree" along with "Clowns" and "Eat Yourself" that come closest to "Felt Mountain". Like "A&E", "Caravan Girl" and the closing "Monster Love" are also different sounding pieces for Goldfrapp. All in all, only "Felt Mountain" is better than this album to these ears and this is a very close second. I also loved "Cherry" and "Supernature" but if you're looking for more glam and more beats, you won't find them here. I would encourage you to get the deluxe version of "Tree" as it comes with a beautiful (and odd) poster of Alison and a marvelous little handwritten lyric book. The artful postcards and the DVD that contains a short film and a video are pretty cool too.

I seem to be one of the few that thinks that Felt Mountain was a beautiful album and Seventh Tree is just a step up from that album. Both just take me to a different world. Agreed thats it's not the Goldfrapp that we are used to as in Black Cherry or Supernature, but her voice just takes us there, no matter where that "there" is.

This album represents a dramatic rethink for Goldfrapp: out go the stomping glitter beats and whip-crack synthesisers, in comes "psychedelic folk". Most of the material on Seventh Tree focuses more on subtle, slow-moving ambience. Some more up-tempos would have been nice, but Seventh Tree still makes for good post-party chill- out music with style.

This Deluxe Edition comes with a DVD, some postcards and a little notebook with the lyrics. Great presentation.

The mind altering tones and lyrics allow me sit back and listen ..... not only enjoying the beautiful melody but the mood that each song creates. In my estimation the best Goldfrapp CD yet.

Since the actual music seems already to have been discussed to death here, all I can really say is, put it on and just enjoy it ... and if it takes you somewhere go along. Other than that, the Deluxe edition of Seventh Tree is definitely worth buying over the standard CD, maybe for the little lyrics booklet included alone, with the DVD and poster making it all the better, not to mention the good-quality box it all comes in. Especially if you're already a Goldfrapp fan.

I was really shocked when I first listened to this album. It was like wanting to see a hardcore porn and getting stuck with softcore instead. The album is good, because Goldfrapp is an excellent musician but it is better suited to be background music rather than the best track on your dance party mix like "Strict Machine," or "Slide In" were. I could swear that in some parts I thought I was listening to Enya, my worst nightmare.

Seventh Tree is a return to the softer, more atmospheric incarnation of Goldfrapp. It's all good weekend morning listening music, but does not challenge your emotions like SuperNature. I do like the single A&E - but little else stands out.
Fans of early Goldfrapp will like this album...

Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory have been known for their arty, strange visuals and dramatics since their release in 2003 titled Black Cherry,. It had images of wolves' heads with Goldfrapps' sexy "pin-up girl" image. Then there was Supernature, both albums good with their eclectic/glam/disco alternative style of music. Now here's album four, so you have to wonder what is she going to do next?

You open the inside and you'll see Alison holding a giant owl suit and under the CD tray there is a drawing of an owl head on a human body. I guess she may have picked an owl because they are nocturnal and solitary and the music on this album is dark and moody, owl like. It's the type of music to play on lonely nights, when you can lose yourself into the songs. It's a softer, dreamier and poppy album, way different from her prior releases.

The album opens with "Clowns", a soft finger-picked melody of a song, very atmospheric. "Little Bird" is more energetic, with a driving chorus and neat electronic sounds. Overall this is a beautiful album, showing a more mature side of Alison Goldfrapp.

Alison Goldfrapp has come a long way musically from her infamous art school performance at Middlesex University, during which she milked a cow while yodeling, to her most recent albums Felt Mountain and Supernature. I recently discovered her truly amazing fourth album, Seventh Tree, on a trip to Paris. (Goldfrapp is actually the British electronica duo, Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory.) It is tempting to compare Goldfrapp to the likes of Kate Bush, Nick Drake, PJ Harvey, Serge Gainsbourg, or the Cocteau Twins. Seventh Tree is a sensual, 60s retro fusion of electro-hippie-chill (psychedelic folktronica?), featuring Alison Goldfrapp's ethereal and mesmerizing vocals. This album is beautiful and tres cool. The ten album tracks include:

1. Clowns
2. Little Bird
3. Happiness
4. Road to Somewhere
5. Eat Yourself
6. Some People
7. A & E
8. Cologne Cerrone Houdini
9. Caravan Girl
10. Monster Love

G. Merritt

If you're looking for a return to the dark melodies of Felt Mountain, this is the one. This release isn't as dance oriented as the last two and I consider that a good thing. I was also surprised at the humor of the lyrics, "Clowns" especially. Great!

This is one of the most beautiful Albums you could ever own. It's music in it's finest and purest form. The music and the vocals jump straight into your soul. I recommend this Album to everyone out there looking for an amazing experience.

It was obvious that when Goldfrapp announced their 4th album, it will be something very different than the previous albums as always. What I like from them is that they don't repeat the same formula of the previous one.

I find Seventh Tree relaxing (Clowns, Road to Somewhere), enjoyable (Caravan Girl), sometimes funny (Happiness, Cologne Cerrone Houdini), a few times sad (A&E), and even weird (Eat yourself). But all together, the album is a masterpiece, it shows how much they have involved by passing through differend genres.

My favorite songs in this album are "Caravan Girl" because of it's vibe. On "A & E" even after the lyrics are kind of sad, the music is peaceful and enjoyable. "Happiness" puts a smile on my face, specially on that line of "give us all your money", and "Cologne Cerrone Houdini" has that something that makes me love that song. "Road to somewhere" and "Clowns" are a couple songs that will relax you and make you enjoy a moment of peace.
"Little bird" is kind of funny, the first time I heard the song (without reading the lyrics) I thought she said "You lie", instead of "July", reminding me of a funny line in Invader Zim (Nothing in common, but just reminds me of that). Also in "Some people" that she makes reference about her mysterious age... "Monster Love"... the title sounds interesting, although I have never checked carefully the lyrics, I like the vibe as well, smooth and calm.
"Eat Yourself" is the weirdest song in the album, I don't catch all the lyrics at all, but that doesn't mean is not good. This song and Clowns are "Deer stop" style, with bizarre singing, but slow and enjoyable.

Although "Satin Chic" is still my favorite song, I must admit that this album is their best, it is one of the very few albums I listen from beginnig to end at least 2 times a day... that gives me an idea of a Listmania!

Frankly, it's a disappointing follow up to their last album. Where's the "beat"? Thank GOD I didn't go see them last Saturday as I probably would have been bored stiff as they wallow through some pretty lifeless music from this album. It feels like Goldfrapp was listening to a lot of Kate Bush to me. I love Kate Bush but this is not what I expected from Goldfrapp and Kate does "it" so much better. I dug Goldfrapp's last album. Maybe this will grow on me the more I listen to it but I'm afraid it will end up in the stack of less played cd's. A highlight on the record is the 60's inspired, Roberta Flack like song titled "Cologne Cerrone Houdini". There is nothing on this album that is as good as their song, "Number 1" for example. If you want some real mellow music, stuff that floats by and you like Goldfrapp's vocals then you might enjoy this record. However, if you liked their synthesizer POP influenced sound with BEATS then you should pass on buying this record.

Sounds like Enya and Joni Mitchell -- post-sex change, of course -- popped out a baby who as a young child dreamed of growing up to become some cheap casio Madonna ripoff. A plastic statuette breeding styrofoam. This stutter, this putrid remainder of a burp hanging in the air, makes Eisley come across like Black Sabbath by comparison.

"A&E" belongs on the Hallmark Channel during a particularly introspective moment on "Seventh Heaven" or "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." Don't even get me started on the video for that sonic bit of parsley-on-the-plate: mocking nature via some chick on LSD belittling tree leaves, turning them into servile apes that have nothing better to do than dance around and around her like she's some woods goddess, some Ursula K. Le Guin-mindmelded, ointment-coated masseuse from a small fishing town. It's not important where. And her stupid la-z-boy husband plucking his junior Roebuck and drinking hot water, snorting coke and playing computer chess.

I know everybody's trying to jump onto the '70s bandwagon again cuz it's in season (The National, Ester Drang, Midlake, Grandaddy, Band of Horses), but why choose to emulate Captain and Tennille? I think I'm getting cancer on an area of my body to which I do not know the name. My cat likes jumping on boxes and scratching my face up when I sleep.

If you are used to "Black Cherry" and "Supernature" get ready for a seduction into a vast world of farscapes beyond your wildest imgination. From the slinky "Clowns" to the upbeat "Happiness"; You will be lost in a magical world of Goldfrapp like no other. This SHOULD be on your list of must haves this season!

Everything that is unique about this artist has been sacrificed for commercial appeal. Pretty songs, no doubt, but lacking personality and as insubstantial and lightweight as any top 40 singer.

Listening to Seventh Tree leaves behind a certain kind of calm, the type you probably wouldn't find in Supernature, their last discoball effort. From the haunting first single A&E that talks of suicide resonates on many levels. Continued listens of Tree reveal a more basal Goldfrapp stripped of the multi-layered colouring of their last effort, moving them a bit closer to Felt Mountain but not quite. The atmospheric Clowns with its melodious guitar strums open the album, suggesting a facet that withholds a melancholic interior. Most songs border on sounding depressing. Caravan Girl comes the closest to being a mood lifter. Though it may take some adjusting to a less gaudy Goldfrapp, they are never far from being best. (B+)

Feels like a belated follow-up to the classic "Felt Mountain". A very different sound to the two intervening albums. To my ears not in the same league as the debut but pretty good all the same.

I'd give the music four stars - but dock this "deluxe" package to three stars as I don't think the extras are worth the additional cost. As well as some postcards and an arty little lyric booklet, there's a DVD of the video for A&E, and a sort of rambling home movie by Alison and Will which isn't particularly illuminating - the video is more laughable than anything really, reminding me of a pisstake of the original "Wickerman" movie, though I'm sure that wasn't the intent. It's the sort of video that can damage your enjoyment of the actual song. The little CD-sized box everything comes in is good quality however.

Seventh Tree is definitely a step back for Goldfrapp. Not in quality, only in time. I might have a soft spot for this record, because my love for Goldfrapp started with Felt Mountain, got deeper with Black Cherry, trembled a little bit when Supernature moved to the mainstream direction... With Seventh Tree the duo has returned to their roots, yet through a matured and more sophisticated approach. Many who like to have Goldfrapp on the dancefloor will be disapponted, but those who search for the touch that makes this band unique will love it.

And the artwork of the Deluxe Edition is really outstanding.

Goldfrapp was brought to my attention by a young woman with multiple piercings and tattoo art (I'm 57). It was hidden under the tag "Electronica". Ha! There's more of Enya here than Moby (and he's good, too). Alison Goldfrapp has the most beautiful voice and the instrumentals are gorgeous. Try "A&E" and/or "Little Bird". My teenager has taken my copy back to school with him but I've luckily put it on my iPod, too.

She is the epitome of what is New Age Alternative music. Her voice shares the likes of Kate Bush and Tori Amos.
Great CD!

El nuevo disco de goldfrapp es mucho menos electronico que el anterior (supernature), sin embargo conserva toda la calidad de la banda, y la increible voz de Alison. A pesar de este giro, lo sigues identificando con ellos... a pesar de los importantes cambios, la esencia del grupo no se pierde y se sigue escuchando en cada cancion.
Todas las canciones son muy buenas, y podria definir al disco como muy "armonico y glamouroso".
La edicion especial viene en un empaque muy bonito, y trae buen arte (como unas postales), ademas de un dvd (no puedo dar mi opinion al respecto puesto que no lo he checado).

Just when I was about ready to consign them to the thumping, dance club slag heap, they double back and uncork a great one. Terrific pop music, with dashes of the Beatles, St. Etienne and Stereolab. A & E is a perfect pop song. It takes off, swoops and soars and stops on a dime. Lush, gorgeous and addictive, this one's been in heavy rotation in my house since its release. Bravo.

This is another departure for Goldfrapp. Felt mountain was in my opinion unlistenable stuff, while Black Cherry and Supernature were on the verge of greatness. Here she takes a step back away from the lectronica of these two albums and produces an album of dreamy songs. It has been described as psychedelic but I am not so sure that does apply. I feared a lot from the reviews but it is not that bad. It is however surprisingly "commercial" sounding for an artist or band of this type. She will undoubtedly lose a great part of the fans who liked the glammy techno of the last record. One positive point is that she is trying to renew her approach but I am not sure this is the right direction.

...you must respect them for being artists who are about the music and not chart success. To go from the hardcore-dance "Supernatural" to the soft-elegant "Seventh Tree" shows alot of guts from these two artists. Alot of people are comparing this album to their classic "Felt Mountain", but I disagree. This album is much more warmer and much more pop, whereas "Felt Mountain" feels colder and jazzier. All the songs are great, but the highlights of this album are:

*I love Clowns, even though you can barely hear Alison sing the words. I suspect this song is more about the 'feel' and not what the song's actually meaning.

*Little Bird is a light, sunny song about dealing with self-doubt and becoming free like a bird with your life and thoughts. Musically, this song reminds me of the Beatles.

*Eat Yourself is my favorite song from this album, but I must admit...I don't know what this song is about. For me, this song takes me to another place and allows me to dictate the song's meaning based on my own personal experience.

*A & E is the first song from this album and it certainly sets the mood for this album. Beautiful, rushing with emotions, and wildly strange, this song deals with a woman who so missed her love, that she tries to commit suicide only to be rescued.

*Cologne Cerrone Houdini is my second favorite song. Its one of the 'faster' song and its quite sexy but sophisticated in its approach.

I know alot of people are disappointed that Goldfrapp switched their style on them, but this is what being an artist is all about. My suggestion to those who can't understand that is open your mind. Having said that, this is not Goldfrapp best album but this shows the evolution of this risk taking group.

I like Goldfrapp--I have all four of their cds. Beyond this simple fact things become more complicated. For example, I can't help but feel that Goldfrapp are re-treading ground already covered by Roxy Music, Eurythmics, Kate Bush, and more recently, Dido and Morcheeba. So I have the feeling of, "What else have you got to offer?"

I also have the feeling that Goldfrapp haven't quite figured out their true musical identity yet. "Felt Mountain" was quiet ambience like Mazzy Star or Loreena McKennitt, then "Black Cherry" went more into Eurythmics and Depeche Mode territory, followed by "Supernature" which delved even further into Eurythmics back catalogue. Now we have "Seventh Tree" which seems to be a hybrid of "Felt Mountain" and "Black Cherry". I can't say this is a progression. In fact, I was hoping they would take their electronic approach to a new level and try something really daring, but no, they take a step back to their roots (rather early in their career I think).

If I like Goldfrapp, then why three stars you might ask? Well, one of the issues I have with the duo is that on each of their cds they pick a sound and stick with it, with not as much variation as I would prefer. The same is true of "Seventh Tree". Ambient all the way through with little variety. Still, each Goldfrapp cd has something good about it. In this case, I found myself liking "Happiness", "Road To Somewhere", "A&E", "Cologne Cerrone Houdini" and "Caravan Girl". "Clowns" and "Eat Yourself" would be my next choices. "Little Bird" and "Monster Love" are next, and then the weakest track has to be "Some People".

A word about the packaging. Will Gregory looks like he's 60 years old in the terrible picture on the insert. Underneath the cd, in the jewel case, you have a drawing of a nude woman with an owl head--what? You open up the insert completely and you have a person in a giant owl costume consuming Alison Goldfrapp who is dressed like a carnival clown. Hmmm. I know Annie Lennox was challenging with her orange hair buzz cut and business suit attire in "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)", but what exactly are Goldfrapp going for?

I'm hoping the next Goldfrapp cd will be more daring and less sleep inducing.

I'll keep it simple and short; I've been a fan of Will and Alison since day one and I love ALL of their albums. The quirky retro sci-fi mood of Felt Mountain, the claustrophobic and irresistible electronica of Black Cherry and the decadent Weimar-disco of Supernature. Seventh Tree quite simply features the best overall songwriting of all their outings.
Period.

One of the albums of 2008 already, skip it at your own peril. Especially the Special edition.

If you threw Supernature and Felt Mountain into a boiling cauldron, you'd get Seventh Tree. This recipe has made for a very bland album, unfortunately (2.5 stars, but they get an extra .5 for their previous work and their YouTube Christmas caroling efforts).

I prefer when bands make groundbreaking albums, and this one is clearly not, but its still amazing. While Black Cherry and Supernature were more edgy sounding, this album creates much more of a sound landscape. And its more refined, and utilizes Allison's great vocals better, than Felt Mountain. Whether you are an old fan or a newcomer to Goldfrapp, I highly recommend this whole album. Do not just purchase particular songs because they won't have the same impact as the entire album.

Oh my.

Just wait till July-ly-ly.

Vaguely, but only vaguely, reminiscent of the similarly exquisite From Gardens Where We Feel Secure by Virginia Astley which was recorded at John Foxx's [we are not worthy] studio. English pastoral. Cathedral Oceans. Revolving Birdsong, etc.. Europe After the Rain. All in the golden afternoon, full leisurely we glide...

Tomorrow Never Knows drum loops; Kinks' 'Village Green Preservation Society'/'Walter'; Trespass era Genesis; The Wicker Man; Kick Inside/Never Forever/Lionheart Kate Bush; Joni Mitchell 'Chalk Mark in a Rainstorm'; Basil Kirchin's soundtrack to "I Start Counting"; Bracknell newtown; quiet West Country market-towns on cool, long light summer evenings heavy with possibilities...

The kind of hangover Sunday morning comedown music that makes you glad/thankful to have been born in these islands.

Fragile. Strong. Resiliant. Truthful.

As if the music wasn't more bliss than we deserve, AG's cover shot is pure Goldie Hawn in "There's a girl in my soup." Gorgeousness and gorgeousity made flesh. Sigh.

Oh my. Oh my. Oh my.

I know a lot of people keep saying this is a change of pace for Goldfrapp but I don't really think so. Certainly the erotic glam beat of other works is missing this time around HOWEVER a more pastoral sound isn't really out of character. Those who listened to ALL the songs on Black Cherry and Supernature will know that Goldfrapp has done quieter material that is just as engaging as the rock/disco/stomp (and of course let's not forget Felt Mountain which some newer fans seem to disregard)that got them a more rock oriented audience. So relax. Let Allison and company pull you into their wonderful world. It'll be great. And even better, there's no telling what they'll come up with next time.

Just a quick bit of input, I LOVE Goldfrapp as fun and often strange makers of danceable and toe-tap-able music. But I have to say I was a bit shocked and disappointed when I gave this album a once over. I bought it without hesitation, and without giving it a preview listen, which was probably not wise on my part. I pre-ordred it and couldn't wait to listen to it. I had just finished listening to Black Cherry and was really pumped, but this album is a total 180. It is mellow and low key and doesn't feature any danceable tracks. Not saying it's not beautifully performed and all that, but if you are expecting typical club-type Goldfrapp, well, you may want to skip this album and stick with Supernature and Black Cherry instead.

This disk is FAB. If you jumped on the Goldfrapp bandwagon with Supernature or Black Cherry, then you will be disappointed, but if you are are fan have been since Felt Mountain, you will covered in velvety smooth vocals and warm textured melodies. I will admit this took me by surprised when I first heard the single A&E, but it only made go back and revisit Felt Mountain and yearn for this disk to be released. Stand out tracks Road to Somewhere and Little Bird are stunning. The whole cd is worth giving all your friends. Goldfrapp are original, intelligent and should be the biggest thing in music.