The new Goldfrapp record (Black Cherry) is really disappointing. I guess they've moved on from the straight Portishead-style trip-hop of Felt Mountain, but where they've gone instead isn't any less derivative. Felt Mountain was sexy and dangerous and luscious, and there was always this delicious film noir aspect to it - there's even a violinist in the band. Black Cherry, on the other hand, whips out 80s synths and drenches each song in them. Nothing's poignant or sultry - everything's cheesy and dance-fever-filled.
If electro is the new trip-hop, however, with synthesizers standing in for string samples, then maybe this 80s revival is gonna happen for real. We've already seen grasy rock revived, as well as new penchants for metal (Andrew WK) and rawer blues-based r'n'r (the white stripes)... maybe new wave will take over the charts (and maybe The Arcade Fire's Neil-Young-meets-New Order dreams could climb the pop billboard...).
I just wish I didn't think the eighties sucked.