Latest releases reviewed

GOLDFRAPP
Wonderful Electric: Live In London Mute
****

With their astonishing 2000 début (Felt Mountain) and 2003 follow-up (Black Cherry), Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory effortlessly fused aching melodies, gorgeous electronica and lush orchestration with La Goldfrapp's extraordinary voice to create cinematic songs of delicious yearning, as passionate as Fellini and as hip as Godard. This double concert DVD is all about composer and singer Alison Goldfrapp. Very svelte in a bustier and high heel boots, she struts the stage with the self-reflexive irony of a performance artist, but her voice soars from soprano trill to jazz croon and rock wail with the emotional power of a real rock diva. In both concerts, recorded in Somerset House and Shepherd's Bush last summer, Goldfrapp has never looked or sounded better - indeed, Felt Mountain's Pilots and Human are particular standouts. Featuring two making-of documentaries and interviews, Wonderful Electric is a gem. www.mute.com

Jocelyn Clarke

VARIOUS
Stones Throw 101 Stones Throw
***

It's not just indie kids who put their faith in labels - many hip-hop fans have discovered that a 12-inch carrying the Stones Throw imprint is worth holding onto, especially if it's a headline-grabber like Breakestra, Quasimoto or Madlib. The US West Coast hip-hop and heavyweight funk label founded by Peanut Butter Wolf marks its 101st release with a fine CD/DVD package that covers all the bases. The DVD is a fine piece of work, laying out a visual history of the underground label's runnings since 1996. An interview with P.B. Wolf sets out the stall, but promo flicks for Madvillain (especially All Caps), Quasimoto and Jaylib also tell the tale of how the label has developed. There's some excellent bonus material, too: footage tracking down funk band LA Carnival showing the label's ingrained affection for old-school funk. www.stonesthrow.com

Jim Carroll