Cocteau Twins - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**rammossyAcron** · 06-24-2010, 03:12 AM

come one, come all! cocteau twins fans, this is our thread!

i've been listening to heaven or las vegas, four calendar cafe, and milk & kisses a lot lately. something about the brutal texas summer makes me want to listen to the 'twins and get lost.

here's a great version of "tishbite".

the greatest voice ever, in my opinion. completely unique and without compare.

**baronaaba** · 06-24-2010, 03:23 AM

Love Cocteau Twins. I only have two studio LPs so far, Treasure and Victorialand, but think both are great, and I've also heard Four-Calendar Cafe and Milk & Kisses which are good but not quite as good as the other two, for me. Although I do need to spend more time with them. I have Stars And Topsoil too and intend to investigate the rest.

I love Liz Fraser's voice. And I enjoyed her recent solo single "Moses" a lot too.

**Zebrabitch** · 06-24-2010, 11:00 AM

Elizabeth Fraser is probably my favorite vocalist of all time. I've never been super wild of the "wall of guitars" thing that Robyn does...

But there are some songs like "Carolyns Fingers", "Pearly Dewdrops' Drops", and "Bluebeard" that just absolutely mesmerize me with the otherwordly things Liz does with her voice. It's a breathtaking instrument.

**baronaaba** · 07-18-2010, 02:51 AM

I got Sunburst and Snowblind EP vinyl today

**baronaaba** · 12-01-2010, 02:01 AM

Been getting back into Victorialand lately. "Lazy Calm" and "The Thinner The Air" two of my favourite Cocteau Twins songs.

**Siliespiriulk** · 12-01-2010, 02:06 AM

The ambience of Victorialand is quite astounding in that it feels so light and effortless, but any musician trying to achieve "effortless, airy"ambience knows what a task it can be. When I initially heard Victorialand, I thought there were at least two singers, needless to say I was utterly startled when I discovered it was all Elizabeth Fraser. I can see why some have referred to her as the voice of God, although I read she (understandably) loathes that description. Also, I read that the original UK pressings of this LP had to be changed to 45 RPM die to tech challenges when transferring the audio anyone know more about this?

**Siliespiriulk** · 12-01-2010, 02:07 AM

Oh, and the fact that the entire album is about Antarctica is mind-blowing. his should have been the soundtrack to that one Herzog docu.

**Dynasty** · 12-01-2010, 02:12 AM

I bought Victorialand on vinyl when it was first released and my copy definitely played at 45 RPM - I think I recall at the time Robin claiming it was to do with a mistake in mastering

**Dynasty** · 12-01-2010, 02:17 AM

I was very, very fortunate to see the Cocteau's soundcheck before a gig in my local town way back around the mid 1980s - I heard Elizabeth Frazer sing 'My Love Paramour' with absolutely no effects on her voice and it was astounding - a genuine unquestionable talent...

Menju56 - 'Head Over Heels' and 'Blue Bell Knoll' are both well worth investing in

**Siliespiriulk** · 12-01-2010, 02:22 AM

I was very, very fortunate to see the Cocteau's soundcheck before a gig in my local town way back around the mid 1980s - I heard Elizabeth Frazer sing 'My Love Paramour' with absolutely no effects on her voice and it was astounding - a genuine unquestionable talent...

Menju56 - 'Head Over Heels' and 'Blue Bell Knoll' are both well worth investing in

You seem to be an authority on the band, maybe you can help me. I'm a recent convert, and so far have (and adore) Garlands, Heaven or Las Vegas and Victorialand. What is the best next step?

**baronaaba** · 12-01-2010, 02:44 AM

I was very, very fortunate to see the Cocteau's soundcheck before a gig in my local town way back around the mid 1980s - I heard Elizabeth Frazer sing 'My Love Paramour' with absolutely no effects on her voice and it was astounding - a genuine unquestionable talent...

Menju56 - 'Head Over Heels' and 'Blue Bell Knoll' are both well worth investing in

Wow, what I'd have given to have seen/heard that! Haven't heard those two albums, will investigate.

I think conventional wisdom seems to be that Treasure and Heaven or Las Vegas are their best/most significant works, so maybe Treasure next, Bruce? I can vouch for that one as a wonderful record.

I also love the whole Antarctic theme of Victorialand. I believe the bass player Simon Raymonde wasn't involved in the album so that's partly why it's so light and airy. I also find the whole 45rpm thing intriguing.

**Alkanyadela** · 12-01-2010, 04:08 AM

...all Elizabeth Fraser. I can see why some have referred to her as the voice of God, although I read she (understandably) loathes that description.

Regardless of the appropriateness of the quote, wouldn't you still say it's fitting? Her layered vocals are as if a chorus of angels were singing something unintelligibly gorgeous. It's as if you can see the music. God I miss the Cocteau Twins (live).

**Alkanyadela** · 12-01-2010, 04:15 AM

Heaven and Las Vegas is definitely seminal, but I always find myself being pulled back to milk and kisses, over and over again. There's something so powerful about the rhythm of "violane" that forces me to listen to the entire album. Then when I hit "calfskin smack" it's all over. The 5-6 second pause before the song starts in earnest is like an eternity of eager anticipation. If you can find a copy with "primitive heart" I'd recommend it, it's not on the original US release.

Blue Bell Knoll was the album that addicted me to the Cocteau Twins. It lacks some of the bass of the later albums, which is what it is, but it's in my top 3 Cocteau Twins albums. Well worth it.

Find me a shitty Cocteau Twins album though. I don't think it'll happen. You can't go wrong.

I grew up with the Cocteau Twins. Many people here grew up listening to Tori, I grew up listening to Elizabeth.

**IRYzouNv** · 01-12-2010, 08:04 AM

I have loved Treasure for many years. I don't know much else except Blue Bell Knoll and Heaven or Las Vegas... it's not that those aren't great, but I haven't listened to them as much as Treasure. My favorite song is definitely "Frou-Frou Foxes in Midsummer Fires"

**rammossyAcron** · 01-12-2010, 08:17 AM

My favorite song is definitely "Frou-Frou Foxes in Midsummer Fires"

one of my favorites as well.

my favorite Twins song is prolly "Tishbite". though "Heaven or Las Vegas", "Rilkean Heart", and "Persephone" are close behind.

**ChebuRAtoR** · 01-12-2010, 09:14 AM

Has always reminded me of someone...

**Dynasty** · 02-12-2010, 01:01 PM

You seem to be an authority on the band, maybe you can help me. I'm a recent convert, and so far have (and adore) Garlands, Heaven or Las Vegas and Victorialand. What is the best next step?

Not much of an authority I'm afraid - I was just a teenager through the 80's and I absorbed music non-stop (back before distractions like work and kids etc) - me and a school friend wrote a little fanzine so we used to get into soundchecks and things occasionally...

I agree with menju56 'Treasure' is probably your best bet... also Lullabies to Violane Vol 1 is worth a listen - all the ep's and singles from the beginning to Heaven or Las Vegas era - some of their best work was on their eps

Menju - if you enjoy the Sunburst ep you'll probably love Head Over Heels (I think From The Flagstones might be my favourite Cocteaus song - it's definitely in my top 5)

**Dyslermergerb** · 02-12-2010, 01:39 PM

never knew Victorialand was about Antarctica - sounds really fitting though. It's fun to know just a tidbit about their music, although it's also great just to have the music, without any interviews or stuff like that. Just the music speaking for itself

I love all their albums, except Garlands and Head Over Heals - tried, but could not get into them at the time

and still kinda hoping for Elizabeth to release something to follow Moses, but I guess she's kinda Kate like in that regard

**baronaaba** · 02-13-2010, 01:54 AM

Listened to Blue Bell Knoll for the first time today, liked it. I find with Cocteau Twins that I need multiple listens before the different melodies reveal themselves. I'm all about Victorialand lately but I'm getting back into them in general. Thanks for the recommendations wretched mess, I think I'll try Head Over Heels next.

**Siliespiriulk** · 02-13-2010, 02:16 AM

Not much of an authority I'm afraid - I was just a teenager through the 80's and I absorbed music non-stop (back before distractions like work and kids etc) - me and a school friend wrote a little fanzine so we used to get into soundchecks and things occasionally...

I agree with menju56 'Treasure' is probably your best bet... also Lullabies to Violane Vol 1 is worth a listen - all the ep's and singles from the beginning to Heaven or Las Vegas era - some of their best work was on their eps

Thanks for the feedback, will be purchasing Treasure in the very near future.

06-24-2010, 03:12 AM	#1
rammossyAcron Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 370 Senior Member	Cocteau Twins come one, come all! cocteau twins fans, this is our thread! i've been listening to heaven or las vegas, four calendar cafe, and milk & kisses a lot lately. something about the brutal texas summer makes me want to listen to the 'twins and get lost. here's a great version of "tishbite". the greatest voice ever, in my opinion. completely unique and without compare. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

06-24-2010, 03:23 AM	#2
baronaaba Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 547 Senior Member	Love Cocteau Twins. I only have two studio LPs so far, Treasure and Victorialand, but think both are great, and I've also heard Four-Calendar Cafe and Milk & Kisses which are good but not quite as good as the other two, for me. Although I do need to spend more time with them. I have Stars And Topsoil too and intend to investigate the rest. I love Liz Fraser's voice. And I enjoyed her recent solo single "Moses" a lot too. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

06-24-2010, 11:00 AM	#3
Zebrabitch Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 634 Senior Member	Elizabeth Fraser is probably my favorite vocalist of all time. I've never been super wild of the "wall of guitars" thing that Robyn does... But there are some songs like "Carolyns Fingers", "Pearly Dewdrops' Drops", and "Bluebeard" that just absolutely mesmerize me with the otherwordly things Liz does with her voice. It's a breathtaking instrument. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

07-18-2010, 02:51 AM	#4
baronaaba Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 547 Senior Member	I got Sunburst and Snowblind EP vinyl today Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

12-01-2010, 02:01 AM	#5
baronaaba Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 547 Senior Member	Been getting back into Victorialand lately. "Lazy Calm" and "The Thinner The Air" two of my favourite Cocteau Twins songs. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

12-01-2010, 02:06 AM	#6
Siliespiriulk Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 660 Senior Member	The ambience of Victorialand is quite astounding in that it feels so light and effortless, but any musician trying to achieve "effortless, airy"ambience knows what a task it can be. When I initially heard Victorialand, I thought there were at least two singers, needless to say I was utterly startled when I discovered it was all Elizabeth Fraser. I can see why some have referred to her as the voice of God, although I read she (understandably) loathes that description. Also, I read that the original UK pressings of this LP had to be changed to 45 RPM die to tech challenges when transferring the audio anyone know more about this? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

12-01-2010, 02:07 AM	#7
Siliespiriulk Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 660 Senior Member	Oh, and the fact that the entire album is about Antarctica is mind-blowing. his should have been the soundtrack to that one Herzog docu. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

12-01-2010, 02:12 AM	#8
Dynasty Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 419 Senior Member	I bought Victorialand on vinyl when it was first released and my copy definitely played at 45 RPM - I think I recall at the time Robin claiming it was to do with a mistake in mastering Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

12-01-2010, 02:17 AM	#9
Dynasty Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 419 Senior Member	I was very, very fortunate to see the Cocteau's soundcheck before a gig in my local town way back around the mid 1980s - I heard Elizabeth Frazer sing 'My Love Paramour' with absolutely no effects on her voice and it was astounding - a genuine unquestionable talent... Menju56 - 'Head Over Heels' and 'Blue Bell Knoll' are both well worth investing in Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

12-01-2010, 02:22 AM	#10
Siliespiriulk Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 660 Senior Member	I was very, very fortunate to see the Cocteau's soundcheck before a gig in my local town way back around the mid 1980s - I heard Elizabeth Frazer sing 'My Love Paramour' with absolutely no effects on her voice and it was astounding - a genuine unquestionable talent... Menju56 - 'Head Over Heels' and 'Blue Bell Knoll' are both well worth investing in You seem to be an authority on the band, maybe you can help me. I'm a recent convert, and so far have (and adore) Garlands, Heaven or Las Vegas and Victorialand. What is the best next step? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

12-01-2010, 02:44 AM	#11
baronaaba Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 547 Senior Member	I was very, very fortunate to see the Cocteau's soundcheck before a gig in my local town way back around the mid 1980s - I heard Elizabeth Frazer sing 'My Love Paramour' with absolutely no effects on her voice and it was astounding - a genuine unquestionable talent... Menju56 - 'Head Over Heels' and 'Blue Bell Knoll' are both well worth investing in Wow, what I'd have given to have seen/heard that! Haven't heard those two albums, will investigate. I think conventional wisdom seems to be that Treasure and Heaven or Las Vegas are their best/most significant works, so maybe Treasure next, Bruce? I can vouch for that one as a wonderful record. I also love the whole Antarctic theme of Victorialand. I believe the bass player Simon Raymonde wasn't involved in the album so that's partly why it's so light and airy. I also find the whole 45rpm thing intriguing. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

12-01-2010, 04:08 AM	#12
Alkanyadela Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 460 Senior Member	...all Elizabeth Fraser. I can see why some have referred to her as the voice of God, although I read she (understandably) loathes that description. Regardless of the appropriateness of the quote, wouldn't you still say it's fitting? Her layered vocals are as if a chorus of angels were singing something unintelligibly gorgeous. It's as if you can see the music. God I miss the Cocteau Twins (live). Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

12-01-2010, 04:15 AM	#13
Alkanyadela Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 460 Senior Member	Heaven and Las Vegas is definitely seminal, but I always find myself being pulled back to milk and kisses, over and over again. There's something so powerful about the rhythm of "violane" that forces me to listen to the entire album. Then when I hit "calfskin smack" it's all over. The 5-6 second pause before the song starts in earnest is like an eternity of eager anticipation. If you can find a copy with "primitive heart" I'd recommend it, it's not on the original US release. Blue Bell Knoll was the album that addicted me to the Cocteau Twins. It lacks some of the bass of the later albums, which is what it is, but it's in my top 3 Cocteau Twins albums. Well worth it. Find me a shitty Cocteau Twins album though. I don't think it'll happen. You can't go wrong. I grew up with the Cocteau Twins. Many people here grew up listening to Tori, I grew up listening to Elizabeth. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

01-12-2010, 08:04 AM	#14
IRYzouNv Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 477 Senior Member	I have loved Treasure for many years. I don't know much else except Blue Bell Knoll and Heaven or Las Vegas... it's not that those aren't great, but I haven't listened to them as much as Treasure. My favorite song is definitely "Frou-Frou Foxes in Midsummer Fires" Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

01-12-2010, 08:17 AM	#15
rammossyAcron Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 370 Senior Member	My favorite song is definitely "Frou-Frou Foxes in Midsummer Fires" one of my favorites as well. my favorite Twins song is prolly "Tishbite". though "Heaven or Las Vegas", "Rilkean Heart", and "Persephone" are close behind. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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01-12-2010, 09:14 AM	#16
ChebuRAtoR Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 536 Senior Member	Has always reminded me of someone... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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02-12-2010, 01:01 PM	#17
Dynasty Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 419 Senior Member	You seem to be an authority on the band, maybe you can help me. I'm a recent convert, and so far have (and adore) Garlands, Heaven or Las Vegas and Victorialand. What is the best next step? Not much of an authority I'm afraid - I was just a teenager through the 80's and I absorbed music non-stop (back before distractions like work and kids etc) - me and a school friend wrote a little fanzine so we used to get into soundchecks and things occasionally... I agree with menju56 'Treasure' is probably your best bet... also Lullabies to Violane Vol 1 is worth a listen - all the ep's and singles from the beginning to Heaven or Las Vegas era - some of their best work was on their eps Menju - if you enjoy the Sunburst ep you'll probably love Head Over Heels (I think From The Flagstones might be my favourite Cocteaus song - it's definitely in my top 5) Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

02-12-2010, 01:39 PM	#18
Dyslermergerb Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 510 Senior Member	never knew Victorialand was about Antarctica - sounds really fitting though. It's fun to know just a tidbit about their music, although it's also great just to have the music, without any interviews or stuff like that. Just the music speaking for itself I love all their albums, except Garlands and Head Over Heals - tried, but could not get into them at the time and still kinda hoping for Elizabeth to release something to follow Moses, but I guess she's kinda Kate like in that regard Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

02-13-2010, 01:54 AM	#19
baronaaba Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 547 Senior Member	Listened to Blue Bell Knoll for the first time today, liked it. I find with Cocteau Twins that I need multiple listens before the different melodies reveal themselves. I'm all about Victorialand lately but I'm getting back into them in general. Thanks for the recommendations wretched mess, I think I'll try Head Over Heels next. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

02-13-2010, 02:16 AM	#20
Siliespiriulk Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 660 Senior Member	Not much of an authority I'm afraid - I was just a teenager through the 80's and I absorbed music non-stop (back before distractions like work and kids etc) - me and a school friend wrote a little fanzine so we used to get into soundchecks and things occasionally... I agree with menju56 'Treasure' is probably your best bet... also Lullabies to Violane Vol 1 is worth a listen - all the ep's and singles from the beginning to Heaven or Las Vegas era - some of their best work was on their eps Thanks for the feedback, will be purchasing Treasure in the very near future. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote