Jump to content

A&E (song): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit
 
(32 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|2008 single by Goldfrapp}}{{For|the Clean Bandit song|A+E (song)}}
{{short description|2008 single by Goldfrapp}}
{{For|the Clean Bandit song|A+E (song)}}

{{Use British English|date=November 2010}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2010}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = A&E
| name = A&E
Line 12: Line 12:
| album = [[Seventh Tree]]
| album = [[Seventh Tree]]
| released = {{start date|df=yes|2008|2|11}}
| released = {{start date|df=yes|2008|2|11}}
| format = {{hlist|[[CD single|CD]]|[[7" single|7"]]|[[Music download|digital download]]}}
| recorded = 2006–2007
| recorded = 2006–2007
| studio =
| studio =
| venue =
| venue =
| genre = {{hlist|[[Folktronica]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Martyn |url=http://diymag.com/archive/goldfrapp-the-singles |title=Goldfrapp – The Singles |work=[[DIY (magazine)|DIY]] |date=5 February 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref>|[[dream pop]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Gittins |first=Ian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/nov/27/goldfrapp-review |title=Goldfrapp – review |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=27 November 2011 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref>}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Folktronica]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Martyn |url=http://diymag.com/archive/goldfrapp-the-singles |title=Goldfrapp – The Singles |work=[[DIY (magazine)|DIY]] |date=5 February 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref>|[[dream pop]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Gittins |first=Ian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/nov/27/goldfrapp-review |title=Goldfrapp – review |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=27 November 2011 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref>|[[synth-pop]]<ref name="AllMusic">{{AllMusic |class=album |id= mw0002285795|title= Goldfrapp - ''The Singles'' (2012): Review |last= Phares|first= Heather|access-date= January 10, 2024}}</ref>}}
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=19}}
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=19}}
| label = [[Mute Records|Mute]]
| label = [[Mute Records|Mute]]
| writer = {{hlist|[[Alison Goldfrapp]]|[[Will Gregory]]}}
| writer = {{hlist|[[Alison Goldfrapp]]|[[Will Gregory]]}}
| producer = {{hlist|Alison Goldfrapp|Will Gregory|[[Flood (producer)|Flood]] {{small|(co.)}}}}
| producer = {{hlist|Alison Goldfrapp|Will Gregory|[[Flood (producer)|Flood]] (co.)}}
| prev_title = [[Satin Boys, Flaming Chic]]
| prev_title = [[Satin Boys, Flaming Chic]]
| prev_year = 2006
| prev_year = 2006
| next_title = [[Happiness (Goldfrapp song)|Happiness]]
| next_title = [[Happiness (Goldfrapp song)|Happiness]]
| next_year = 2008
| next_year = 2008
| misc = {{Extra album cover
| header = Alternative cover
| type = single
| cover = Goldfrapp - A&E (CD 2).png
| border = yes
| alt =
| caption = CD single #2
}}
}}
}}
"'''A&E'''" is a song by English [[electronic music]] duo [[Goldfrapp]] from their fourth studio album, ''[[Seventh Tree]]'' (2008). The song was written and produced by [[Alison Goldfrapp]] and [[Will Gregory]], with co-production handled by [[Flood (producer)|Flood]]. It was released as the album's lead single on 11 February 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=10&storycode=1032212 |title=Goldfrapp Seventh Tree (Mute) |work=[[Music Week]] |date=5 November 2007 |accessdate=10 November 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201082945/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=10&storycode=1032212 |archivedate=1 December 2007}}</ref>
"'''A&E'''" is a song by English [[electronic music]] duo [[Goldfrapp]] from their fourth studio album, ''[[Seventh Tree]]'' (2008). The song was written and produced by [[Alison Goldfrapp]] and [[Will Gregory]], with co-production handled by [[Flood (producer)|Flood]]. It was released as the album's lead single on 11 February 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=10&storycode=1032212 |title=Goldfrapp Seventh Tree (Mute) |work=[[Music Week]] |date=5 November 2007 |accessdate=10 November 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201082945/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=10&storycode=1032212 |archivedate=1 December 2007}}</ref>


==Background and writing==
==Background and writing==
"A&E" was composed as a collaborative effort between [[Alison Goldfrapp]] and [[Will Gregory]] in 2007 in a recording studio near [[Somerset]], England.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kleinfeld |first=Justin |url=https://www.emusician.com/gear/countryside-manner |title=Countryside Manner |work=[[Electronic Musician]] |date=1 February 2008 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref> Its lyrics were inspired by Goldfrapp's visit to the [[emergency department]] of a hospital on a Saturday afternoon. The doctors "pumped [her] up with loads of painkillers" and she described the situation as a "bit surreal."{{cn|date=January 2020}} The track finds Goldfrapp reflecting on a bad situation which resulted in an "accident and emergency" (A&E). The situation made her "feel blue", and at the end of the song she concludes that finally "the pain has started to slip away", even though she admits there might be "pills at work."<ref>{{cite web |last=Timmermans |first=Arjan |url=http://www.arjanwrites.com/arjanwrites/2007/12/listen-to-golfr.html |title=Goldfrapp's New Single "A&E" + Remixes |publisher=ArjanWrites.com |date=27 December 2007 |accessdate=24 April 2009}}</ref>
"A&E" was composed as a collaborative effort between [[Alison Goldfrapp]] and [[Will Gregory]] in 2007 in a recording studio near [[Somerset]], England.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kleinfeld |first=Justin |url=https://www.emusician.com/gear/countryside-manner |title=Countryside Manner |work=[[Electronic Musician]] |date=1 February 2008 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Timmermans |first=Arjan |url=http://www.arjanwrites.com/arjanwrites/2007/12/listen-to-golfr.html |title=Goldfrapp's New Single "A&E" + Remixes |publisher=ArjanWrites.com |date=27 December 2007 |accessdate=24 April 2009}}</ref> Its lyrics were inspired by Goldfrapp's visit to the [[emergency department]] of a hospital on a Saturday afternoon. The doctors "pumped [her] up with loads of painkillers" and she described the situation as a "bit surreal."{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}

Writing for ''[[Pitchfork Media|Pitchfork]]'', Matthew Perpetua interpreted the song's storyline as "showcase for both her lyrical and vocal strengths...from the perspective of an incredibly lonely woman driven to a suicide attempt while waiting around for a phone call from a man she's not even sure she likes."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Perpetua |first1=Matthew |title=The Singles |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16261-the-singles/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=19 June 2023}}</ref>

In 2023, Goldfrapp commented "it’s so autobiographical. It’s not fantastical at all, it’s kind of [about] what happened. You know, I was in A&E in a hospital gown having a bit of a meltdown. So it does feel slightly odd now when I sing it."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Levine |first1=Nick |title=50 Questions With Alison Goldfrapp |url=https://www.anothermag.com/design-living/14863/50-questions-with-alison-goldfrapp-interview-the-love-intention-album |website=AnOther |access-date=19 June 2023}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
"A&E" received positive reviews from music critics. John Murphy of ''[[musicOMH]]'' called the song "a beautifully paced ballad, with a memorable hook [...] which buries its way into your head after just a couple of listens".<ref>{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=John |url=http://www.musicomh.com/singles/goldfrapp-11_0208.htm |title=Goldfrapp – A&E (Mute) |work=[[musicOMH]] |date=2008 |accessdate=12 February 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620180242/http://www.musicomh.com/singles/goldfrapp-11_0208.htm |archivedate=20 June 2013}}</ref> ''[[Digital Spy]]'' reviewer Nick Levine described "A&E" as "lush, folky and [...] organic" and wrote that Goldfrapp's vocals were "full of longing and slow-burning sexuality".<ref>{{cite web |last=Levine |first=Nick |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/review/a87500/goldfrapp-ae/ |title=Goldfrapp: 'A&E' |work=[[Digital Spy]] |date=25 January 2008 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref> [[Popjustice]] described the song as "fucking brilliant".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.popjustice.com/songs/goldfrapp-ae/ |title=Goldfrapp – 'A&E' |publisher=[[Popjustice]] |date=18 January 2008 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref> Alex Denney of ''[[Drowned in Sound]]'' was less impressed, writing that "the sparks [...] fail to fly".<ref name="drownedinsound">{{cite web |last=Denney |first=Alex |url=http://www.drownedinsound.com/articles/2916800 |title=Single Review: Goldfrapp – A&E |work=[[Drowned in Sound]] |date=11 February 2008 |accessdate=23 April 2009}}</ref>
"A&E" received positive reviews from music critics. John Murphy of ''[[musicOMH]]'' called the song "a beautifully paced ballad, with a memorable hook [...] which buries its way into your head after just a couple of listens".<ref>{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=John |url=http://www.musicomh.com/singles/goldfrapp-11_0208.htm |title=Goldfrapp – A&E (Mute) |work=[[musicOMH]] |date=2008 |accessdate=12 February 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620180242/http://www.musicomh.com/singles/goldfrapp-11_0208.htm |archivedate=20 June 2013}}</ref> ''[[Digital Spy]]'' reviewer Nick Levine described "A&E" as "lush, folky and [...] organic" and wrote that Goldfrapp's vocals were "full of longing and slow-burning sexuality".<ref>{{cite web |last=Levine |first=Nick |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/review/a87500/goldfrapp-ae/ |title=Goldfrapp: 'A&E' |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |date=25 January 2008 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref> [[Popjustice]] described the song as "fucking brilliant".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.popjustice.com/songs/goldfrapp-ae/ |title=Goldfrapp – 'A&E' |publisher=[[Popjustice]] |date=18 January 2008 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref> Alex Denney of [[Drowned in Sound]] was less impressed, writing that "the sparks [...] fail to fly".<ref name="drownedinsound">{{cite web |last=Denney |first=Alex |url=http://www.drownedinsound.com/articles/2916800 |title=Single Review: Goldfrapp – A&E |work=[[Drowned in Sound]] |date=11 February 2008 |accessdate=23 April 2009 |archive-date=26 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726022816/http://www.drownedinsound.com/articles/2916800 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The song appeared at number 73 on ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''{{'}}s "The 100 Best Tracks of 2008" list.<ref>{{cite web |last=Orme |first=Mike |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/7572-the-100-best-tracks-of-2008/?page=3 |title=The 100 Best Tracks of 2008 |work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |date=15 December 2008 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref>
The song appeared at number 73 on ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''{{'}}s "The 100 Best Tracks of 2008" list.<ref>{{cite web |last=Orme |first=Mike |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/7572-the-100-best-tracks-of-2008/?page=3 |title=The 100 Best Tracks of 2008 |work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |date=15 December 2008 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref>
Line 47: Line 42:
"A&E" debuted at number 18 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] for the week ending 16 February 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20080210/7501/ |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |date=10–16 February 2008 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref> The following week the song reached its peak position at number 10 and spent nine weeks on the chart.<ref name="UK peak"/> Elsewhere, the track saw modest chart success. "A&E" debuted and peaked at number 33 on the [[Irish Singles Chart]],<ref name="IRE"/> while reaching number 38 in Belgium, number 85 in Australia number 98 in Germany.<ref name="AUS"/><ref name="ultratop"/>
"A&E" debuted at number 18 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] for the week ending 16 February 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20080210/7501/ |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |date=10–16 February 2008 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref> The following week the song reached its peak position at number 10 and spent nine weeks on the chart.<ref name="UK peak"/> Elsewhere, the track saw modest chart success. "A&E" debuted and peaked at number 33 on the [[Irish Singles Chart]],<ref name="IRE"/> while reaching number 38 in Belgium, number 85 in Australia number 98 in Germany.<ref name="AUS"/><ref name="ultratop"/>


The single reached number 65 on the [[European Hot 100 Singles]] chart.<ref name="eurochart"/> It also reached number 12 on the [[Euro Digital Tracks]] chart and number 14 on the [[Euro Digital Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f[0]=is_bmdb_track_id%3A1505123&f[1]=itm_field_chart_id%3A401&refine=1 |title=A&E (Single Version) – Goldfrapp: Euro Digital Tracks |work=Billboard |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f[0]=is_bmdb_track_id%3A1505123&f[1]=itm_field_chart_id%3A846&refine=1 |title=A&E (Single Version) – Goldfrapp: Euro Digital Songs |work=Billboard |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref> In the United States, "A&E" reached number one on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot Dance Singles Sales]] chart and number two on [[Hot Singles Sales]] chart.<ref name="Dance Singles Sales"/><ref name="Hot Singles Sales"/>
The single reached number 65 on the [[European Hot 100 Singles]] chart.<ref name="eurochart"/> It also reached number 12 on the [[Euro Digital Tracks]] chart and number 14 on the [[Euro Digital Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=is_bmdb_track_id%3A1505123&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A401&refine=1 |title=A&E (Single Version) – Goldfrapp: Euro Digital Tracks |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=4 December 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=is_bmdb_track_id%3A1505123&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A846&refine=1 |title=A&E (Single Version) – Goldfrapp: Euro Digital Songs |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=4 December 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In the United States, "A&E" reached number one on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot Dance Singles Sales]] chart and number two on [[Hot Singles Sales]] chart.<ref name="Dance Singles Sales"/><ref name="Hot Singles Sales"/>


==Music video==
==Music video==
The music video for "A&E" was directed by [[Dougal Wilson]] which, in sharp contrast to the song's hospital theming, is more nature-themed than the song.<ref name="pitchfork">{{cite web |last=Hogan |first=Marc |url=http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/download/47842-goldfrapp-a-e |title=Video: Goldfrapp: "A & E" |work=Pitchfork |date=8 January 2008 |accessdate=23 April 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516084617/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/download/47842-goldfrapp-a-e |archivedate=16 May 2008}}</ref> The video is set in a forest and opens with Goldfrapp in a white dress lying in a [[clearing (forest)|clearing]], looking up at the camera. She is soon joined by several leaf-men who dance around her as she sings. Midway through the video, day turns into night and Goldfrapp is joined by several [[woodland]] creatures. The video concludes with Gregory playing a guitar and making tea beside an orange tent.
The music video for "A&E" was directed by [[Dougal Wilson]] which, in sharp contrast to the song's hospital theming, is more nature-themed.<ref name="pitchfork">{{cite web |last=Hogan |first=Marc |url=http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/download/47842-goldfrapp-a-e |title=Video: Goldfrapp: "A & E" |work=Pitchfork |date=8 January 2008 |accessdate=23 April 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516084617/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/download/47842-goldfrapp-a-e |archivedate=16 May 2008}}</ref> The video is set in a forest and opens with Goldfrapp in a white dress lying in a [[clearing (forest)|clearing]], looking up at the camera. She is soon joined by several leaf-men who dance around her as she sings. Midway through the video, day turns into night and Goldfrapp is joined by several [[woodland]] creatures. The video concludes with Gregory playing a guitar and making tea beside an orange tent.


The video premiered on 12 January 2008 on [[Channel 4]] in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.berlinista.com/en/article/goldfrapp-aande-seventh-tree/4142 |title=Goldfrapp – AandE, Seventh Tree |publisher=Berlinista |date=9 January 2008 |accessdate=13 January 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707224514/http://www.berlinista.com/en/article/goldfrapp-aande-seventh-tree/4142/ |archivedate=7 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In a review for ''[[Drowned in Sound]]'', Alex Denney described the video as "weird" and compared it to music videos by [[Kate Bush]] and [[The Mighty Boosh]].<ref name="drownedinsound"/> ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' reviewer Marc Hogan wrote that the video was a "good fit for Goldfrapp's bright, folksy turn" and praised its "twist ending".<ref name="pitchfork"/>
The video premiered on 12 January 2008 on [[Channel 4]] in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.berlinista.com/en/article/goldfrapp-aande-seventh-tree/4142 |title=Goldfrapp – AandE, Seventh Tree |publisher=Berlinista |date=9 January 2008 |accessdate=13 January 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707224514/http://www.berlinista.com/en/article/goldfrapp-aande-seventh-tree/4142/ |archivedate=7 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In a review for [[Drowned in Sound]], Alex Denney described the video as "weird" and compared it to music videos by [[Kate Bush]] and [[The Mighty Boosh]].<ref name="drownedinsound"/> ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' reviewer Marc Hogan wrote that the video was a "good fit for Goldfrapp's bright, folksy turn" and praised its "twist ending".<ref name="pitchfork"/>


==Track listings==
==Track listings==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
*;UK CD single #1
*'''CD single 1'''
#"A&E"&nbsp;— 3:16
# "A&E"&nbsp;– 3:16
#"Clowns" ([[Super 8 film]])&nbsp;— 4:10
# "Clowns" ([[Super 8 film]])&nbsp;– 4:10


*;UK CD single #2 / German CD maxi single
*'''CD single 2'''
#"A&E"&nbsp;— 3:19
# "A&E"&nbsp;– 3:19
#"A&E" ([[Gui Boratto]] Remix)&nbsp;— 7:02
# "A&E" ([[Gui Boratto]] Remix)&nbsp;– 7:02
#"A&E" (Gui Boratto Dub)&nbsp;— 7:20
# "A&E" (Gui Boratto Dub)&nbsp;– 7:20
#"A&E" ([[Hercules and Love Affair]] Remix)&nbsp;— 7:07
# "A&E" ([[Hercules and Love Affair]] Remix)&nbsp;– 7:07


*;UK 7" limited picture disc
*'''7-inch limited picture disc'''
#"A&E"&nbsp;— 3:19
# "A&E"&nbsp;– 3:19
#"A&E" ([[Maps (musician)|Maps]] Instrumental Mix)&nbsp;— 5:36
# "A&E" ([[Maps (musician)|Maps]] Instrumental Mix)&nbsp;– 5:36

*;US CD maxi single
#"A&E" (Album Version)&nbsp;— 3:19
#"A&E" (Maps Instrumental Remix)&nbsp;— 5:36
#"A&E" (Gui Boratto Remix)&nbsp;— 7:02
#"A&E" (Gui Boratto Dub)&nbsp;— 7:20
#"A&E" (Hercules and Love Affair Remix)&nbsp;— 7:06
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
*;Digital download
*'''Digital single (2019)'''
#"A&E"&nbsp;— 3:18
# "A&E"&nbsp;– 3:18
#"A&E" (Maps Remix)&nbsp;— 5:35
# "A&E" (Maps Remix)&nbsp;– 5:35
#"A&E" (Maps Instrumental Mix)&nbsp;— 5:34
# "A&E" (Maps Instrumental Mix)&nbsp;– 5:34
#"A&E" (Gui Boratto Remix)&nbsp;— 7:02
# "A&E" (Gui Boratto Remix)&nbsp;– 7:02
#"A&E" (Gui Boratto Dub)&nbsp;— 7:20
# "A&E" (Gui Boratto Dub)&nbsp;– 7:20
#"A&E" (Hercules & Love Affair Remix)&nbsp;— 7:06
# "A&E" (Hercules & Love Affair Remix)&nbsp;– 7:06

*;[[iTunes Store]] digital download
#"A&E" (Single Version)&nbsp;— 3:18
#"A&E" (Maps Instrumental Mix)&nbsp;— 5:36
#"A&E" (Maps Remix)&nbsp;— 5:37
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


Line 118: Line 101:


===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
⚫
!scope="col"|Chart (2008)
⚫
!scope="col"|Peak<br>position
|-
|-
⚫
! scope="col"| Chart (2008)
!scope="row"|Australia ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref name="AUS">{{cite journal |url=http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20100405-0000/Issue1049.pdf |title=Chartifacts |format=PDF |journal=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] |issue=1049 |page=2 |date=5 April 2010 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref>
⚫
! scope="col"| Peak<br/>position
| 85
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Flanders|38|artist=Goldfrapp|song=A&E|rowheader=true|accessdate=4 December 2017|refname="ultratop"}}
{{single chart|Australiapandora|85|url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20080219130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20080220-0000/issue937.pdf|urltitle=Issue 937|rowheader=true|accessdate=14 December 2020|refname="AUS"}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Flanders|38|artist=Goldfrapp|song=A&E|rowheader=true|accessdate=4 December 2017|refname="ultratop"}}
⚫
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles]])<ref name="eurochart">{{cite magazine |title=Hits of the World |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=23 February 2008 |volume=120 |issue=8 |issn=0006-2510}}</ref>
|-
⚫
! scope="row"| Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles]])<ref name="eurochart">{{cite magazine |title=Hits of the World |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=23 February 2008 |volume=120 |issue=8 |issn=0006-2510}}</ref>
| 65
| 65
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Germany2|98|songid=399291|artist=Goldfrapp|song=A&E|rowheader=true|accessdate=4 December 2017}}
{{single chart|Germany|98|artist=Goldfrapp|song=A&E|songid=399291|rowheader=true|accessdate=4 December 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Ireland3|33|artist=Goldfrapp|rowheader=true|accessdate=15 January 2020|refname="IRE"}}
{{single chart|Ireland3|33|artist=Goldfrapp|rowheader=true|accessdate=15 January 2020|refname="IRE"}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Scotland|7|date=20080217|rowheader=true|accessdate=4 December 2017}}
{{single chart|Scotland|7|date=20080217|rowheader=true|accessdate=4 December 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|UKsinglesbyname|10|artist=Goldfrapp|rowheader=true|accessdate=4 December 2017|refname="UK peak"}}
{{single chart|UKsinglesbyname|10|artist=Goldfrapp|artistid=6286|rowheader=true|accessdate=12 October 2020|refname="UK peak"}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboarddanceclubplay|22|artist=Goldfrapp|rowheader=true|accessdate=4 December 2017}}
{{single chart|Billboarddanceclubplay|22|artist=Goldfrapp|rowheader=true|accessdate=4 December 2017}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboarddancesales|1|artist=Goldfrapp|rowheader=true|accessdate=12 October 2020|refname="Dance Singles Sales"}}
!scope="row"|US [[Hot Dance Singles Sales]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="Dance Singles Sales">{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/seventh-tree-mw0000586237/awards |title=Seventh Tree – Goldfrapp {{!}} Awards |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |accessdate=4 December 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507110810/http://www.allmusic.com/album/seventh-tree-mw0000586237/awards |archivedate=7 May 2016}}</ref>
| 1
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Hot Singles Sales]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="Hot Singles Sales">{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2008-03-01/hot-singles-sales |title=Hot Singles Sales |work=Billboard |date=1 March 2008 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}</ref>
! scope="row"| US [[Hot Singles Sales]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="Hot Singles Sales">{{cite magazine|title=Hot Singles Sales|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|volume=120|issue=9|page=42|date=1 March 2008}}</ref>
| 2
| 2
|}
|}
Line 149: Line 131:


===Year-end charts===
===Year-end charts===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
⚫
!scope="col"|Chart (2008)
⚫
!scope="col"|Position
|-
|-
⚫
! scope="col"| Chart (2008)
⚫
!scope="row"|UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2008.pdf|title=UK Year-end Charts 2008|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|page=3|format=PDF|accessdate=15 September 2011}}</ref>
⚫
! scope="col"| Position
|-
⚫
! scope="row"| UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2008.pdf |title=UK Year-end Charts 2008 |work=[[UKChartsPlus]] |page=3 |accessdate=15 September 2011}}</ref>
| 157
| 157
|}
|}
Line 159: Line 142:


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|goldfrapp|ae}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


{{Goldfrapp singles}}
{{Goldfrapp singles}}

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:AandE (Song)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:AandE (Song)}}
Line 174: Line 156:
[[Category:Mute Records singles]]
[[Category:Mute Records singles]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Flood (producer)]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Flood (producer)]]
[[Category:Songs about loneliness]]
[[Category:Songs written by Alison Goldfrapp]]
[[Category:Songs written by Alison Goldfrapp]]
[[Category:Songs written by Will Gregory]]
[[Category:Songs written by Will Gregory]]

Latest revision as of 23:17, 10 January 2024

For the Clean Bandit song, see A+E (song).

"A&E"
Single by Goldfrapp
from the album Seventh Tree
Released11 February 2008 (2008-02-11)
Recorded2006–2007
Genre
Length3:19
LabelMute
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Alison Goldfrapp
  • Will Gregory
  • Flood (co.)
Goldfrapp singles chronology
"Satin Boys, Flaming Chic"
(2006) 		"A&E"
(2008) 		"Happiness"
(2008)

"A&E" is a song by English electronic music duo Goldfrapp from their fourth studio album, Seventh Tree (2008). The song was written and produced by Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory, with co-production handled by Flood. It was released as the album's lead single on 11 February 2008.[4]

Background and writing

[edit]

"A&E" was composed as a collaborative effort between Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory in 2007 in a recording studio near Somerset, England.[5][6] Its lyrics were inspired by Goldfrapp's visit to the emergency department of a hospital on a Saturday afternoon. The doctors "pumped [her] up with loads of painkillers" and she described the situation as a "bit surreal."[citation needed]

Writing for Pitchfork, Matthew Perpetua interpreted the song's storyline as "showcase for both her lyrical and vocal strengths...from the perspective of an incredibly lonely woman driven to a suicide attempt while waiting around for a phone call from a man she's not even sure she likes."[7]

In 2023, Goldfrapp commented "it’s so autobiographical. It’s not fantastical at all, it’s kind of [about] what happened. You know, I was in A&E in a hospital gown having a bit of a meltdown. So it does feel slightly odd now when I sing it."[8]

Critical reception

[edit]

"A&E" received positive reviews from music critics. John Murphy of musicOMH called the song "a beautifully paced ballad, with a memorable hook [...] which buries its way into your head after just a couple of listens".[9] Digital Spy reviewer Nick Levine described "A&E" as "lush, folky and [...] organic" and wrote that Goldfrapp's vocals were "full of longing and slow-burning sexuality".[10] Popjustice described the song as "fucking brilliant".[11] Alex Denney of Drowned in Sound was less impressed, writing that "the sparks [...] fail to fly".[12]

The song appeared at number 73 on Pitchfork's "The 100 Best Tracks of 2008" list.[13]

Commercial performance

[edit]

"A&E" debuted at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart for the week ending 16 February 2008.[14] The following week the song reached its peak position at number 10 and spent nine weeks on the chart.[15] Elsewhere, the track saw modest chart success. "A&E" debuted and peaked at number 33 on the Irish Singles Chart,[16] while reaching number 38 in Belgium, number 85 in Australia number 98 in Germany.[17][18]

The single reached number 65 on the European Hot 100 Singles chart.[19] It also reached number 12 on the Euro Digital Tracks chart and number 14 on the Euro Digital Songs chart.[20][21] In the United States, "A&E" reached number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales chart and number two on Hot Singles Sales chart.[22][23]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for "A&E" was directed by Dougal Wilson which, in sharp contrast to the song's hospital theming, is more nature-themed.[24] The video is set in a forest and opens with Goldfrapp in a white dress lying in a clearing, looking up at the camera. She is soon joined by several leaf-men who dance around her as she sings. Midway through the video, day turns into night and Goldfrapp is joined by several woodland creatures. The video concludes with Gregory playing a guitar and making tea beside an orange tent.

The video premiered on 12 January 2008 on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom.[25] In a review for Drowned in Sound, Alex Denney described the video as "weird" and compared it to music videos by Kate Bush and The Mighty Boosh.[12] Pitchfork reviewer Marc Hogan wrote that the video was a "good fit for Goldfrapp's bright, folksy turn" and praised its "twist ending".[24]

Track listings

[edit]

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Seventh Tree.[26]

Goldfrapp

Additional personnel

  • Nick Batt – additional drum programming
  • Steve Evans – acoustic guitar
  • Flood – co-production, guitar, keyboards, mixing
  • Tony Hoffer – overdub engineering
  • Serge Leblon – photography
  • Stephen Marcussen – mastering
  • Justin Meldal-Johnsen – bass
  • Bill Mims – overdub engineering
  • Ruth Wall – harp samples
  • Denny Weston, Jr. – drums

Charts

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Young, Martyn (5 February 2012). "Goldfrapp – The Singles". DIY. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  2. ^ Gittins, Ian (27 November 2011). "Goldfrapp – review". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  3. ^ Phares, Heather. Goldfrapp - The Singles (2012): Review at AllMusic. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  4. ^ "Goldfrapp Seventh Tree (Mute)". Music Week. 5 November 2007. Archived from the original on 1 December 2007. Retrieved 10 November 2007.
  5. ^ Kleinfeld, Justin (1 February 2008). "Countryside Manner". Electronic Musician. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  6. ^ Timmermans, Arjan (27 December 2007). "Goldfrapp's New Single "A&E" + Remixes". ArjanWrites.com. Retrieved 24 April 2009.
  7. ^ Perpetua, Matthew. "The Singles". Pitchfork. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  8. ^ Levine, Nick. "50 Questions With Alison Goldfrapp". AnOther. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  9. ^ Murphy, John (2008). "Goldfrapp – A&E (Mute)". musicOMH. Archived from the original on 20 June 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2008.
  10. ^ Levine, Nick (25 January 2008). "Goldfrapp: 'A&E'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  11. ^ "Goldfrapp – 'A&E'". Popjustice. 18 January 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  12. ^ a b Denney, Alex (11 February 2008). "Single Review: Goldfrapp – A&E". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 26 July 2008. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
  13. ^ Orme, Mike (15 December 2008). "The 100 Best Tracks of 2008". Pitchfork. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  14. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. 10–16 February 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  15. ^ a b "Goldfrapp: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  16. ^ a b "Irish-charts.com – Discography Goldfrapp". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  17. ^ a b "Issue 937" ARIA Top 100 Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  18. ^ a b "Goldfrapp – A&E" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  19. ^ a b "Hits of the World". Billboard. Vol. 120, no. 8. 23 February 2008. ISSN 0006-2510.
  20. ^ "A&E (Single Version) – Goldfrapp: Euro Digital Tracks". Billboard. Retrieved 4 December 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  21. ^ "A&E (Single Version) – Goldfrapp: Euro Digital Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 4 December 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  22. ^ a b "Goldfrapp Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  23. ^ a b "Hot Singles Sales". Billboard. Vol. 120, no. 9. 1 March 2008. p. 42.
  24. ^ a b Hogan, Marc (8 January 2008). "Video: Goldfrapp: "A & E"". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
  25. ^ "Goldfrapp – AandE, Seventh Tree". Berlinista. 9 January 2008. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  26. ^ Seventh Tree (liner notes). Goldfrapp. Mute Records. 2008. CDSTUMM280.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  27. ^ "Goldfrapp – A&E" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  28. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  29. ^ "Goldfrapp Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  30. ^ "UK Year-end Charts 2008" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. p. 3. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=A%26E_(song)&oldid=1194829120"