The Singles Mute/Parlphone****

Doesn't time fly? Iit's astonishing to think that Goldfrapp (aka Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory) have been around for more than 13 years. This, their first hits collection, is a contractual obligation to former record company EMI, and a new album for a new label has yet to be announced. In the meantime, fear not: the quality on offer here is very high. Whatever about Goldfrapp's commercial popularity (the duo have never really set the charts alight), songs such as Ooh La La, Number 1, Strict Machine, Utopia, A&E, Ride a White Horse, Rocket and Black Cherryooze a knowing blend of sexuality and pop nous across genres as diverse as electropop, trip-hop, folk, ambient and glam. Two superb new songs ( Yellow Haloand Melancholy Sky) point the way forward. The only way for Goldfrapp is still up. goldfrapp. com

Download tracks: Number 1, Utopia, Black Cherry, Ooh La La