Felt Mountain

That's a very impressive ability to alternate so dynamically between too boring and too weird.

This is great! This album is yet another reminder of why I love this 1000 albums project. I doubt I'd ever hear of them or hear their music, and I love this. I don't even usually listen to electronic music, but this is different. The mix in real instruments, too, and incredible vocals. Some tracks are dreamy and haunting, which I love. Some are also downright beautiful. Some are a bit too jarring for me, but overall, very good. Thank you, 1001 albums generator!

Woah!!! This was actually really really cool. Reminds me of a bunch of contemporary artists — like Sylvan Esso (male + female duo, less dance my though), Portis Head, and even gives me Billie Eilish inspiration vibes with the eerie vocals. Also a hidden Kanye sample in here. Really enjoyed this actually haha.

Never heard of this band, this album, or none of this. I LOVED IT! Kind of a trance techno jazzy tango thing. Super retro futurism of the early 2000s. I liked a lot of the remixes on the extended album. This is going into my rotation STAT.

Its unfortunate that trip hop music sounds so dated so quickly and even more unfortunate for Goldfrapp that other groups such as Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky or DJ Shadow were much better at it. I glanced at the global ratings and one descriptor came up more than any other "boring", and I can't disagree. Overall this album sounds like John Williams scoring a Bond theme while sleepwalking.

Interesting, a mix of Massive Attack-like electronic and lounge, jazz vocals. Blends really well and I can't help but wonder if they've ever done a theme to a Bond movie. "Oompah Radar" is a total miss though. Favorite tracks: "Human", "Utopia", "Felt Mountain"

goldcrapp

A good 10-12 years ahead of it's time. Wonderful album full of pleasantly strange sonic landscapes and beautiful vocals.

Okay, I saw electronic and 2000, and braced for at best a two star, but this is nothing like other electronic music! The consistent vocals and more ambient tone really made me feel like I was listening to a calmer song in Radiohead or Muse's discography, rather than repetitive dance music with no clear goal. Songs weren't overly long and I just really enjoyed a lot of this. Songs were similar but not repetitive, and it was just excellent all around. Super shocked by this one.

This sounded like the peaceful still of snow quietly falling on compost. Outside, it was beautiful, pure and serene, while beneath the surface was decaying leaves and discarded egg shells. Together it provided an interesting mix, one that I was happy to listen to.

I’m giving a ⭐️ because I have no idea why this would be on a list of best albums of all time. Not even close.

A limp nothing of an album. I'd say that it's not worth listening to, but it's so boring that there's barely anything to listen to at all.

I bought this album when it came out back in late 2000 based on a recommendation from someone at a favorite music store. I had no idea what it was even going to sound like. Music was kind of exciting like that back then when you took chances on an album without even hearing a single clip from it. I remember putting it on in the car and as soon as it started with that weird siren like sound I was like “Oh no, what the hell did I just buy?” But then the whistling at the beginning of “Lovely Head” starts and next the keyboard bass kicks in with the drums and harpsichord fill and finally Allison’s voice. I was sucked into an ethereal listen which pretty much lasted the whole ride home. The mix of electronic and natural instruments on this album with the added effect of Allison’s processed vocals taking the place of the keyboard at times was a great idea. I totally fell in love with it that first listen. Some tracks, like “Deer Stop” and “Oompa Radar” took a little longer but like any great album it becomes an indispensable part of the flow. Like “On the Run” from Dark Side of the Moon, you can’t imagine the album without it. Tracks like “Human”, “Pilots”, and “Utopia” are songs that have been favorites for years. It was great to revisit this album again for the top 1001 albums list and I can totally see why it should be on here. Even if you don’t like it, you have to admit that there aren’t many albums that sound like this.

Hän katsoo.. Hän näkee.. 2000.. Ei saatan helveette.. Sano ruuatsalainen.. kun.. Kun sano. Uskomaton kokemus! Mitä helluntai.. MITÄ HELVETTIÄ! Niin jumalattoman mysteerinen ääni ja maisema ONKO NAINEN NOITA!!!????? Musiikilla on kaksi puolta.. Toinen.. Ulkona.. kaunis.. koristeikas.. se toinen.. Sisältä mätä, viekas, kuolevainen, hetkellinen... ohimenevä..maailmaa katseleva. This is not real. 1960 luku on se minne tässä sukelletaan.. Eikä mikään pinkki bandi(pink band pink band haha charade you are).. EI MENNÄ KUUSKYT LUKUUN EDES VAIKKA JOTKUT LUULISI vaan mennään popsutteluun..sillä popittelulla 2000-luvun menetelmillä.. niin kaunista.. mitä? Kannattaako uskoa... Uskon kysymys.. Electronica.. EI TÄSSÄ YRITETÄ EDES KUULUA MIHINKÄÄN KUN LUODAAN ÄÄNIMAISEMAA!! JA SEN VOI HELPOSTI TEHDÄ VÄÄRINN!! ANTAA KUUNTELIJALLA KAIKKI MITÄ HALUAA!!!! tässä ei anneta.. vaan vedetään.. ei nenästä.. Voikohan sitä albumi edes antaa.. ensimmäisellä kerralla.. Sitä on niin muljuteltavana... Tässä kuin tyhmä aasi jota vedetään.. naru poikki ei... voi.. Tää olis hyvä soundtrack kun pääsee paikkaan jonne on halunnut mennä. Töissä kuunnellessa... Mutta sen näki.. Kuullostaa niin vaivattomalta kokonaisuudelta... LUETAAMPA PASKIMMAT TAKET "That's a very impressive ability to alternate so dynamically between too boring and too weird." Tylsyyttäs terottaa sais tero... VEITSESTÄ PUHUN!! TERO NIMINEN! SOPIS TEIKÄN KAULALLE, SILLÄ SAADAAN TEIDÄN KALTASELTA TYLSYYS POIS ELÄMÄSTÄ!! HARKITSE VAKAVASTI!! muutama hyvä otto tähän väliin.. ”in love from the first track” sama ”There was a time when Janey and I played this album almost every day. Incredible opening track.” I also choose this guys wife ”If I were in an intergalactic spaceship, we would have this on the intercom all the time. ” tuli sama fiilis mutta tarkistuskierroksella huomasin muutamassa biisissä avaruusaiheisia lyriikoita, jonka takia parempi jättää sanomatta emmää ny sen takiia… ”intricate orchestral arrangements and....yes it's ethereal. I can understand why some find it boring because it's not ordinary. It has all the ingredients I enjoy.” ”With the first sound, I ultimately immersed myself in that musical experience.” ”Okay, I saw electronic and 2000, and braced for at best a two star” ”Monet biisit ovat jännästi hyvin pelkistettyjä, mutta samalla todella suurieleisiä.” ”Their later records were fun and danceable. This was not. What IS this?” IDM EDM… Kirjaimen vissi ero.. hehe

in love with this. so fun so pretty so cool. portishead vibes

With the first sound, I ultimately immersed myself in that musical experience. The smooth and eerie voice of Alison Goldfrapp lined up with very mystical electronic sounds is a match made in heaven. What's important is that the music has different levels in itself, providing a variety of feelings and backgrounds to the album. The album is not only made with slow, calm and trippy songs, some of them are powerful in sound and hit harder than others. The album reminded me of the summer (mind you it's the middle of the autumn and I hate cold). Favourite tracks: "Human" and "Utopia", no least favourites.

Sumptuous and lovely. Shades of Portishead, intricate orchestral arrangements and....yes it's ethereal. I can understand why some find it boring because it's not ordinary. It has all the ingredients I enjoy.

I have CLEARLY missed out on this band for far too long. Headed for a deep dive this weekend! Lush and sensual. If I were in an intergalactic spaceship, we would have this on the intercom all the time. This could also be the soundtrack to parts of a James bond film. Oompah Radar is a little too lost in the funhouse and not even in a good Twin Peaks way. They lost me a bit on this one-- but only in the weird parts.. But with Utopia, we are right back on the space ship headed for Planet Xenon as we should be and everything is right with the galaxy The final track, Horse Tears is really far too good for the world we live in. It is a musical masterpiece. Opus.

I got into Goldfrapp last year and have gone through their entire catalogue once or twice since then. It was great to return to this album having become a lot more familiar with their music.

There was a time when Janey and I played this album almost every day. Incredible opening track.

Very cool. Have not been following the series. Which Bond Movie is this for?

in love from the first track

Absolutely loved this and reminded me I should listen to Goldfrapp more often

love love love!! very experimental yet orchestral

Wow, never heard of goldfrapp before, but this is sick.

I saw that this album is on this list and was very much looking forward because I dig trip hop. I was not disappointed. The strings are from heaven. Goldfrapps voice at times is so similar to Beth Gibbons (Portishead) I would have believed this to be a Portishead album if I wouldn't have seen the title. Absolute favourite. Only Critique: Oompa Radar feels out of place. And it could be a bit longer!

Great.

Me ha encantado, con la voz envolvente de la cantante y esa música evocadora

Perfect

fucking great

Very good

No nyt! Tämä oli tähän saakka ensimmäinen minulle ihan uusi artisti, joka osui ja upposi ekalla kuuntelukerralla. Näiden löytöjen toivossa tätä 1001 levyn projektia tulee kuunneltua. Piti laittaa heti levy uudelle kierrokselle! Tällaiset hyvät naislaulajat ja rauhalliset biisit toimii minulle, näitä on mukava fiilistellä. Levyn ekassa biisissä on vähän sellaista Bond-tunnari -meininkiä.

Absolutely love this album.

Very weird Berlin Babylon vibes, loved it

Spooky, weird, but generally enjoyable. Would listen again.

Masterpiece

Quite nice radiohead vibes

I was completely oblivious to this album but damn does that Alison Goldfrapp song some moodymusic.

A startlingly intimate and atmospheric album. Certain songs such as Deer Stop grabbed me immediately. Alison Goldfrapp's vocals are haunting and when they are altered the effect is electric.

A delightfully intriguing album with so many influences and styles that it is a perfect album to listen to multiple times and come away with a different emotion or understanding each time.

Beautiful lyrics, inspired me to listen to the slower Goldfrapp albus like Us and really enjoyed them, didn't realised the variety of styles the band has to offer. Really enjoyed the album, particularly the first 4 tracks!

This was an alright record, but, like, enough with the spy-movie electronica already.

Oof, not for me. I’d say this album is a fitting soundtrack for a pretentious coffee shop, but can’t keep up with the bangers on this list. Won’t be revisiting anytime soon.

Everyone I know who listens to this kind of "chill" music is the least chill person in the world.

Dette er så sykt min greie. Hver sang er et mystisk hav av lyd man kan drukne i. Elsker kombinasjonen av klassiske strenger og horn med elektronika og stemme-effekter her. En veldig komplett pakke av et album. Var litt usikker på ratinga, men dette er absolutt en plate som går inn i jobb-rotasjonen min, så dunker til med en 5-er. Favorittlåt: Horse Tears.

Goldfrapp - Felt Mountain First time in a long time where I listen to a beautiful album, this sounds majestic, every song on here tells it's unique little story using harmonies and melodies to accompany with. The vocalist blends really well in with the instrumentals, and overall, it makes up for what is a short yet cohesive, and well-arranged album, this is great! (also, didn't expect to see kanye sample "human", that took me by surprise lol) 1.- Lovely Head = 9/10 2.- Paper Bag = 10/10 3.- Human = 10/10 4.- Pilots = 10/10 5.- Deer Stop = 9/10 6.- Felt Mountain = 8/10 7.- Oompah Radar = 8/10 8.- Utopia = 9/10 9.- Horse Tears = 9/10 FINAL SCORE = 9.1/10

Interesting album. I'm not sure why this is labeled electronica. But this is the type of stuff I'm here for. Albums that I would never have heard. The mighty generator comes through again.

Wow this is gonna be the sixth perfect album through 517 albums and the first where I had no prior knowledge of the album/band beforehand. It is obviously not as groundbreaking as Portishead whom I love (haven't gotten any of theirs to rank yet so that might be another perfect score in future) but still incorporates the best of Trip-Hop along with taking influences from other genres I love. Every song felt unique to me and the album art is awesome too. Finds like this are why this 1001 albums project is so fun. You never know when you'll find another gem that's perfect for your taste. Rating: 5.0

Temacous

After suffering through a different Goldfrapp album on this list, I was not excited to pull this album. I'm glad I followed through and listened because this was not what I remember from the other album. Felt Mountain covers a lot of genres that makes you think of many of the great classics, but in the end, this recored felt like a 40 minute James Bond movie introduction - and that's not a bad thing. 5/5.

Incredible and unique! The genre fusions at display here are unlike anything else in electronic music. Is this even electronic? I have seen this album described as downtempo or trip-hop. And sure a song like "Utopia" definitely falls into downtempo, but I think those descriptions don't make it justice. To me this is a sort of uncanny valley lounge music, something you will hear in your dreams and then wake up and wonder if it really exists. All tracks here are top-notch, even the weird circus cut "Oompa Radar". Goldfrapp's subsquent albums all sound different from this and from each other, going into Electropop, Folktronica, Synthpop, and Chamber Folk, and mastering every single one of those genres as well. Key tracks: Lovely Head Paper Bag Human Pilots Utopia

Amazing! Sexy, jazzy, bond with an electronic twist. Goldfrapp hooked me with this album from the moment I saw the song and film clip for Utopia on Rage. This album has stood the test of time and sparked a love affair for me, with an artist as iconic as Kylie Minogue

beautifully melancholic vocals intertwined with hauntingly atmospheric electro-cabaret and cinematic soundscapes

Love this album equal parts magical and messed up.

Fantastic album.

viheltely alkaa ja ... mitä... mitä tapah... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... sleeper cell activated... ... yhtäkkiä nouseenä 100 kiloa penkistä, jaha mitäs.. pää heiluu laidasta laitaan levottomasti... 3600 coopperi aa ok... viimeinen neljäsataa 51sec aa mo farahesque.. pää tärusee kun kräkkivauvan... aha palomiespunnerruksia... 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... mitä vittua tapaJTUU??? silmät höröttää ulospäin punasena.. motä menit tekwmmään.... mitä taikaa... MKUltra tyylinen kokkailu... 2 naisalbumia putkeen... ja vitullisen hyviä molemmat... alkaa oppii tavoille... pikkuhiljattaiseen... just blow my whistle baby whistle baby here we go... lovely head

This is so sick and experimental

Awesome, hadn't heard all of this before :)

Perfect. I’m in awe

5/5

Ik weet niet wat het is, maar dit album heeft het

Heard bits of this before but never listened to it in full - great album. The only miss for me was Oompa Radar...

God, I am an absolute sucker for great vocals on top of experimental electronic vibes. Every song has a unique character to it that contributes to the gentle, delirious miasma of the album as a whole. It seems to me that there's a strong trip hop influence here, with effort to expand the types and sources of sound present in the classic stuff. It largely pays off and gives it more of an ambient backing. Frankly, this lit up my brain quite a lot when I listened to it, it strongly expanded my appreciation for a genre I've yet to get into very much, and for that, a five feels appropriate.

I'm a huge fan of The Seventh Tree, and haven't really listened to much else form Goldfrappe, and that which I have listened to has been a bit too 'disco' for me - yet this is definitely up there with Seventh Tree for me. Great album.

Gorgeous ethereal sound stage with excellent production. Use of the human voice as an instrument with no lyrics can be both frustrating and immersive. I loved this album

Kind of eccentric but surprisingly I fw it heavy. To be honest I kinda zoned out on a couple of the songs but on a second listen they are not bad, just weren't catchy enough to interest me the first time. Cool instrumentals and lots of unique ideas, I particularly liked the blend between electronic sound and real instruments (piano and strings). 4, a very stimulating listen that I may even consider giving a 5

It's been a while since I listened to this, but, it's still stunning.

Lush and lovely, I was absolutely swept away by this wonderful album. A little slice of electronified mid-century lounge exotica. I thought it was absolutely perfectly done.

We do appreciate a haunted cabaret circus around these parts.

Awesome find!!!

Muy bonito. No es precioso, pero merece un 5.

Fascinating artist... In this album she brings in 1960s pop and spy movie touches along with early 20th century burlesque.

A treat for the ears !

Really inspiring

Lovely, gorgeous. Loved this for many years. Soon as the theramin hits in Lovely Head you know you are in for something special. Clearly heavily influenced by John Barry in places, particularly Paper Bag. Properly blissful. Utopia is magnificent. Surprised by the divisive reviews, if this isn't for you fair enough, but one star reviews saying it's just... boring, or nothing, I cannot connect with on any level. I guess some people don't like interesting music, I quite clearly just don't understand. Listening today to Horse Tears I am reminded of the For the Damaged Coda by Blonde Redhead (Rick and Morty evil Morty theme) which came out around the same time.

Incredibly diverse, unique, catchy.

Liked it more with each time listening

Неожиданно классный альбом. Вокалистка поёт очень красиво, аранжировки мелодичные и крайне интересно продуманы. Сделано всё очень стильно. Напомнило более поздний проект Александра Титова и его жены.

I fucking loved this. Listened on the way to Bean's birthday dinner and then again this morning. I want this on vinyl!

Very much my vibe. Would definitely listen again.

Lovely

Every artist in the world of music who breaks the barrier of the easy formula, the sameness of the fashion of a decade or the convention of the record companies ends up standing out. Technical quality and stylistic harmony define this album.

One of my fav albums ever, glad to find it here.

Woow zelf buiten het ye sample vond ik dit een geweldige ontdekking. Heel mooi

It's criminal for an album to be this good

Very Good 8,5/10

Really haunting and beautiful album. I loved it from the get go. 😍 Love Alison Goldfrapp's vocals.

Aces. Atmospheric, cinematic, chilly and warm all at once. The hard heel turn Alison and Will took into the glam-rock stomp of Black Cherry put many people off, but I see the two as halves of a whole. Embracing the goddess in all her aspects.

je dois aimer les bizarreries par nécessité d'anticonformisme

Very sadistic and slowed

I've always been a big fan of Goldfrapp, I remember when this came out I was instantly into it. Listening now it's hard to choose a favourite track but I think Utopia would have to be it.

I liked this! Kind of like massive attack but with more of a big band sound.

Goldfrapp always brings me back to college Anthropology classes. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 3/5

Favourite song - Human

Lush and lonely. Tender and seductive. Was going to give a 3 but think it really works as a complete piece. Every track deserves to be here and compliments the record. It flows and tracks really well. Concise and to the point I was a bit sad when it ended

I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Lots of interesting work with a diverse set of influences. Some of it might have been good theme music for a Bond film.

## In-Depth Review of *Felt Mountain* by Goldfrapp Goldfrapp's debut album, *Felt Mountain*, released in September 2000, is a landmark in electronic music, blending elements of trip hop, folk, and cabaret into a unique sonic tapestry. The collaboration between Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory resulted in a collection of tracks that are both hauntingly beautiful and richly textured. This review will explore the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, influences, and its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *Felt Mountain* are characterized by their abstract and often surreal imagery. Alison Goldfrapp's writing draws on personal experiences and cinematic inspirations, creating a dreamlike quality throughout the album. - **Isolation and Introspection**: Many songs reflect feelings of loneliness and introspection. For instance, the lyrics from "Lovely Head" convey a sense of isolation with lines like "Nobody’s here, no-one but me," illustrating a deep emotional landscape. - **Cinematic Influences**: The lyrics often evoke visual imagery reminiscent of film narratives. "Utopia," for example, begins with stark descriptions of a desolate landscape—“It’s a strange day/No colours or shapes/No sound in my head”—setting a tone that feels both alien and familiar. - **Gothic Fairy Tales**: Themes of gothic fairy tales permeate the album. Tracks like "Horse Tears" juxtapose beauty with melancholy, presenting love as both tender and painful. ### Music Musically, *Felt Mountain* is an eclectic mix that defies easy categorization. It incorporates various genres and styles: - **Cinematic Soundscapes**: The production features lush orchestration with strings and synthesizers creating expansive soundscapes. The opening track "Lovely Head" introduces listeners to this cinematic style with its whistling motif and sweeping strings. - **Electronic Elements**: The album employs electronic beats and textures that are both modern and retro. Songs like "Human" showcase pulsating rhythms layered with Goldfrapp's ethereal vocals. - **Diverse Influences**: The music reflects influences from 1960s pop to contemporary electronic music. Tracks like "Oompa Radar" incorporate playful carnival sounds while maintaining an underlying sense of melancholy. ### Production The production of *Felt Mountain* is notable for its meticulous attention to detail: - **Collaboration**: Goldfrapp and Gregory's collaborative process involved extensive experimentation with sound. They utilized vintage keyboards alongside modern technology to create a rich auditory experience. - **Atmospheric Quality**: The album is praised for its atmospheric quality, where each track flows seamlessly into the next. This cohesiveness enhances the listening experience, allowing themes to resonate throughout the album. - **Layered Textures**: The use of real instruments alongside electronic sounds creates a dynamic listening experience. For example, the blend of strings with electronic beats in "Utopia" exemplifies this layered approach. ### Themes Thematically, *Felt Mountain* explores various motifs that resonate through its lyrics and music: - **Isolation vs. Connection**: A recurring theme is the tension between isolation and the desire for connection. This duality is evident in tracks like "Human," where sensuality meets vulnerability. - **Nature and Environment**: Nature plays a significant role in shaping the album's atmosphere. Lyrics often reference natural elements, contributing to the overall sense of place within the music. - **Dreams vs. Reality**: The dreamlike quality of the album blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. This theme is encapsulated in songs like "Pilots," which describes travelers floating above Earth, suggesting an escape from mundane existence. ### Influence *Felt Mountain* has had a lasting impact on both electronic music and pop culture: - **Pioneering Sound**: The album set a precedent for blending electronic sounds with organic instrumentation, influencing subsequent artists within the genre. - **Critical Acclaim**: It was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2001, highlighting its significance within British music at the time. Critics praised its innovative approach to songwriting and production. - **Cultural References**: The cinematic quality of the album has led to comparisons with film scores, particularly those by composers like Ennio Morricone. Its lush soundscapes have made it a favorite for use in various media contexts. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Innovative Sound**: *Felt Mountain* offers a unique blend of genres that was ahead of its time, combining electronic elements with orchestral arrangements. - **Emotional Depth**: The lyrics provide profound emotional insights that resonate with listeners on multiple levels. - **Cohesive Experience**: The album flows seamlessly from one track to another, creating an immersive listening experience that encourages full engagement. #### Cons - **Pacing Issues**: Some listeners may find certain tracks slow or meandering, which could disrupt the overall flow for those seeking more energetic compositions. - **Niche Appeal**: The abstract nature of the lyrics and sound may not appeal to mainstream audiences accustomed to more conventional pop structures. - **Comparative Lack of Hits**: While critically acclaimed, *Felt Mountain* did not produce major commercial hits compared to later albums by Goldfrapp, which might limit its recognition among casual listeners. ### Conclusion Goldfrapp's *Felt Mountain* remains an essential listen for fans of innovative music that defies categorization. Its intricate blend of lyrical depth, musical experimentation, and atmospheric production creates an experience that resonates long after the final track ends. While it may not cater to all tastes due to its niche appeal and pacing issues, it stands as a testament to Goldfrapp's artistry and their ability to craft an evocative soundscape that continues to influence artists today.

Dreamy, melty, mechanical album. Loved it so much.

Extremely cool. This one may have room to grow. 4/5

In th3 middle of this album i realized how beautiful it is. It's like Portishead meets Bond themes meets the opera singer from Fifth Element. Then I got bored by the penultimate song. As single I'm sure I like these songs. As an album it ends up being too much of the same thing