When a band announces a Best of or Singles Collection it usually means they're either about to break up, they've already broken up and the label is desperate for money, or they're ready to unveil a new direction. Often the new songs tacked on to the album are leftovers from old sessions or failed experiments that give hardcore fans the chance to hear said artist's "difficult reggae phase". For Goldfrapp, who will release a singles collection in February, it affords them the opportunity to take bits of previous material to create two new tracks: the slowburn, dance-tinged Yellow Halo (released in December) and now Melancholy Sky. Recalling the pastoral mood that defined fourth album Seventh Tree, Melancholy Sky is classic Goldfrapp – hushed beginnings and spacious, unhurried melodies. It also has a lovely instrumental breakdown featuring swirling strings and gloriously romantic saxophones. Whatever comes next, they've ended this chapter on a high.
• Melancholy Sky is due on 8 January.
