I experienced a bit of Dr Who-esque forward time travel this week. OK it was only three months into the future and I didn’t actually enter a Tardis... but I did have the new Goldfrapp album in my hands and, to some, this is nearly as ace and exciting as time travel itself. ‘Seventh Tree’ is its title; I haven’t worked out why yet and it doesn’t really matter... as it is AMAZING. I first listened to their last album, ‘Supernature’, on the way to NYC which was just perfect as that album was v Studio 54 supercharged disco. ‘Seventh Tree’ made me want to run through the nearest enchanted forest - I’ve still to find my nearest enchanted forest by the way.

Miss Goldfrapp it seems is a wee bit frustrated at being copied by those other two International Pop Blondes and has decided to take a completely new and original direction. Single number one, ‘A&E’, if I had to sum up in pop shorthand, is the Cocteau Twins meets Dolly Parton - yes it's that ace. I’ve not yet worked out what exactly is going on in the lyrics but it sounds like something a bit sinister has happened, hence Alison ending up in a pastel hospital ward wearing a backless dress. Single number two, ‘Happiness’, couldn’t have a better title - if it doesn’t fill you with joy, I would go and see a doctor - not a Timelord. Expect the owl shawl look to be very big in 2008 (see picture).

There was more 2008 anticipation and excitement to be had at the Hot Chip gig. Five new songs from ‘Made In The Dark’ all sounding electrotastic and for their new 2008 look the band appear to be taking inspiration from ‘Teen Wolf’. Not sure how many of us will be adopting this new look next year but I do know that both Goldfrapp and Hot Chip have already nailed two of the best albums of 2008.

Best use of a Wham! sample this week (not sure how many times I will get to type that in the next year), goes to Mr Shayne Ward. He uses ‘Everything She Wants’ to great effect on his new ‘Breathless’ album. This track also made an appearance on the Michael Parkinson Best Of last Saturday when we saw a clip of George Micheal performing the track in 2006... but did anyone else notice who was singing backing vocals with George? I could have sworn it was Beverley, the humble school teacher who only moments earlier had been booted off of 'X Factor'! Roll on 2008 I say.


By Nick Neads - T4's Head of Music

T4 Music Maestro Part One featuring Girls Aloud, Leona Lewis, Alicia Keys and The Ting Tings.

T4 Music Maestro Part Two featuring Duffy, Spice Girls and The Brit Box.

Watch exclusive performances from Leona Lewis, Westlife and Hard-Fi at T4