Funny. I got sent the leek by a friend. So it was there for a while in my drop box and of course like any red blooded frapp fan would (be honest folks) I took a listen. I was going to resist, but mainly due to my overly heavy expectation rather than an moral issue.

But I have listened to it a couple of times and it is indeed well written, beautifully put together (even at low quality) and Ali voice is on form. It also feels like a complete album rather than a collection of songs (that recent albums have had). But, not sure why, I haven't put it on again. All I can think is it very orchestral and real sounding, but bar Thea (electronic) and Jo (effects/treatments) and it is generally played pretty straight (i'm guessing this was the idea). At the moment am just not in the mood for that sound. I am into stuff like IAMX, Daughter, Sigur Ros, Boards, Emika, Phantogram, Outfit at the moment (the later shaping up to be an album of the year). I always liked Goldfrapp for their mix of classic instruments and electronic sounds so maybe that is just how i see them. So although i like the album and it's much better than recent releases just not inspired to put it on. Maybe need to wait until the fuss has died down on this one sure the songs will pull me through.

Yeah except that whole scenario stunk of bullshit, within 15 minutes of them putting that out the song was playing on every radio station and she herself was doing interviews, that to me scream massive PR stunt. You don't get a song through approval and get radio time in that short a window, even if you are Gaga. Wouldn't be the first time she's done it either, and it seems to have worked, her album is #1 on every countries iTunes pre-order chart. If that really was the excuse the entirety of Burqa (or Aura, whatever its called) leaked the week before the Applause snippets did and that didn't get a rush release, so it makes no sense.

I read that she was pissed that the Demo of Aura (and it was a demo) had leaked and let loose by bringing the release forward. I honestly couldn't give less of a fuck about it, even if I was paid to not give a fuck.
The foolish and the feckless might believe that cynical, but no, in a hundred years I'll be dead and I'll spend emotion on something thats worth it.

Like Madonna and many others, a born businesswoman.  Of course, the costumes, etc are a dead giveaway for that.

Like Madonna and many others, a born businesswoman.  Of course, the costumes, etc are a dead giveaway for that.

Alice Cooper, at least, was relevant.

In truth, it'll have nothing to do with Gaga or anyone ellse.