Proof positive that there is indeed justice in this world, Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory deservedly received the prestigious Ivor Novello Inspiration Award at last month’s ceremony, a testament to their peers’ “recognition for the excellence of Goldfrapp’s songwriting catalogue and in particular how it has inspired the creative talent of other creators.” One of those peers influenced by the group’s music, CHVRCHES’ Lauren Mayberry has rightfully confided that, “Goldfrapp were exciting to me as a teenager because they seemed to go against the grain of what was popular in the UK at that time, yet somehow still managed to make an incredible career out of their art.”
An incredible career it has been and continues to be, indeed. And over the past few years, loyalists of the dynamic duo have had newfound reason to celebrate their radiant recorded repertoire by way of a steady cadence of vinyl reissues. To date, Goldfrapp’s first four studio LPs—Felt Mountain (2000), Black Cherry (2003), Supernature (2005) and Seventh Tree (2008)—have received the re-release treatment, and now the group’s fabulous fifth album Head First is slated to arrive November 26th.
Originally released in March 2010, Head First spawned three official singles (“Rocket,” “Alive” and “Believer”) and garnered a GRAMMY Award nomination in the Best Electronic/Dance Album category at the 2011 event. Out of print for years, the reissued album resurfaces on special magenta-colored vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve, with an exclusive art print of the original artwork.
“Over a decade later and this album still marks a very special Goldfrapp era and we know how much it means to many of you too,” the duo says in an official statement. “We hope you enjoy this special re-release.”
This spring, the pair will hit the road in the UK for an eleven-date “Felt Mountain Live 2022” tour, during which they’ll perform their Mercury Prize shortlisted debut LP in its glorious entirety. While a few of the shows have already sold out, tickets remain for additional dates and can be found here.
Be sure to clear room on your shelf for this special reissue arriving next month and, in the meantime, listen to the album and revisit the official videos for “Rocket” and “Alive” below.
LISTEN & WATCH: