Strict Machine

"Strict Machine"
Single by Goldfrapp
from the album Black Cherry
B-side"White Soft Rope"
Released21 July 2003 (2003-07-21)
Genre
Length
  • 3:51 (album version)
  • 3:45 (single mix)
LabelMute
Songwriter(s)Alison Goldfrapp, Will Gregory, Nick Batt
Producer(s)Goldfrapp
Goldfrapp singles chronology
"Train"
(2003)
"Strict Machine"
(2003)
"Twist"
(2003)

"Strict Machine" is an electronic dance song written by British electronic music duo Goldfrapp and Nick Batt for Goldfrapp's second studio album, Black Cherry (2003). It was produced by Goldfrapp and describes laboratory rats in neuroscience experiments.[3] Alison Goldfrapp read in a newspaper about experiments in which scientists stimulated rats' brains so that the rats would feel joy when following commands. She was inspired to write "Strict Machine" based on images of the experiment and "more human aspects of machines and sex and control".[4] Actress Gwendoline Christie features on the record sleeve disguised in a rabbit mask.

Wonderful Electric, Goldfrapp's concert tour DVD in support of Black Cherry, was named after lyrics in the song.

  1. ^ a b Harrington, Jim (2015). "Goldfrapp - "Strict Machine". In Dimery, Robert (ed.). 1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die. New York: Universe. p. 828.
  2. ^ a b Phares, Heather. Goldfrapp - The Singles (2012): Review at AllMusic. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  3. ^ Benson, Richard (2 February 2008). "Alison Goldfrapp: ethereal girl". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 30 August 2009.
  4. ^ "Electronica Duo Goldfrapp About 'Black Cherry'" Archived 25 May 2005 at the Wayback Machine. Artist Interviews. April 2003. Retrieved 28 September 2008.