Black Cherry was a great album... managing to juggle the lulled ambience of songs like Deep Honey, Hairy Trees and that beautiful title track, alongside the more abrasive, glam-inspired dance numbers, like Strict Machine, Train and Twist. Here, we see the continuation of the more in-your-face stylings of the latter songs, with Goldfrapp once again fusing glam-rock, disco and early-80's style electro-clash to great effect... only here, the results seem less self-conscious. This certainly isn't as "arty" or as forward thinking as something as brilliant as the mighty Strict Machine, with the duo and their band seemingly growing in confidence, cleaning up their sound, and sorting through their musical ideas to create a pop-song that is both different and captivating, but still wholly commercial.

Since the album isn't out yet, we can only guess as to whether or not Oh, La, La is a clear indication of a new shift in sound... something less expressive and experimental, and instead, more towards the catchy, energetic and dance-worthy. Well, perhaps?

I think it's a great song regardless, carrying a strong electronic melody, Bolan-style handclaps and fuzzy guitars, and that great nonsense hook - Alison chanting the title "oh, la, la, la, la, la..." to great effect. It's perhaps not as great as past songs, like Black Cherry and Strict Machine... but then again, why compare? This is a strong, intelligent and energetic pure-pop single that you can even dance to (that is, if you're not a gloomy soul like me). The video is pretty good too, a colourful, 70's inspired performance of sorts, bolstered by shots of Alison riding a silver computer generated horse (...that minx!!), which defines a new-style for the band, with platforms and cat-suits, as opposed to stilettos and horse-tails.


Oooh ooooh it's hot!   August 8, 2005
 7 out of 8 found this review helpful

What can I say? Collect all three formats for the total Ooh La La experience.

The video? A total synth-glamfest, reminiscent of the sublime Sparks during their Kimono My House pomp or maybe Chichory Tip shot through with T-Rex and The Human League. Yes, if you've ever wondered what Bolan would've sounded like incanting his famous intonations over a hard sequencer beat, wait no more!

Alison and the various hired hands certainly look the part and it's obvious to see that the video will help sell the single across The Box, MTV etc.

The 'Little Pictures' feature is an assemblage of Will and Alison working on the album in their rented farmhouse in deepest Somerset, having fun and some behind-the-scenes footage of how the Ooh La La video was made. Interesting stuff.

If you weren't already captivated by the sheer horny wickedness and creativity of Goldfrapp, now is the time to find out. When the album comes it's going to hit big (with any justice and some luck) so this is one chunk of Gold (sic) you can't afford to miss out on!