[Clider]

You could be in my space, on Nov 28 2005, 12:13 PM, said:

I have strong affinities to many Scottish groups, but one has been at the forefront.

The Cocteau Twins have been so important to me throughout my life.

I've seen them mentioned in threads here, but have no threads dedicated to themselves. I thought it was about time!

Words to describe their music?

Ethereal, magical, soothing, calming, joyous, angelic, there's too many.

Whenever I'm feeling down, they are one of the few bands that can lift me.

Elizabeth Fraser has just an angelic voice and Robin Guthrie's guitar effects, just leave me washed away with magic.

It's the most perfect combination of guitar and electronics I have heard.

The fact the no one ever knew what Elizabeth Fraser was singing about tended to add to the mystery. Those sounds she made, were almost childlike at times. I've heard their music being described as 'womblike' also, but maybe that was from a music journo who was completely 'lost in music' at the time, hehe!

I'd love to bring my children up listening to them (if I ever have any!). It would bring some beauty in.

It's music to dream to, to dream about. It reminds me of things and points in my life.

During 'special' moments my last ex-girlfriend (my most recent gf, was never really mine) and I would play 'The Spangle Maker' (the way it pulses and twists for so long, then explodes into a huge array of beautiful sound at the end) and 'Those Eyes, That Mouth', which is endless harmonic beauty.

I suppose then their music has the ability to make me sad and reflective. What makes it worse is that my ex-girlfriend was also Scottish. We were a 'Celtic' duo in many ways. One Irish, one Scottish, from different backgrounds.

(And no, for anyone out there who knows about Scottish football, I'm neither a Celtic nor a Rangers supporter! Me and her both supported the same team!)

I cannot now listen to the Cocteau Twins, but think of her. Those thoughts will never leave me, but at least they don't trip me up. I have moved on. (It's just like with all of us, some music will bring things back somewhat). It's more a feeling of sadness that we lost what we once had.

I've been listening to the new box set 'Lullabies to Violaine', and Charissa, wait till you hear the 2nd CD! Just amazing, simply breathtaking, from start to finish. Even the outside of the box is sensual, it's got a suede/velvet touch (which thankfully is protected by an outer layer of packaging!).

I hope you do get it for Christmas, it will be lovely to listen to over the holiday season. The perfect 'present'!

My favourite album?

Heaven or Las Vegas, with 'Blue Bell Knoll' a very close second, almost tieing at times!

As for all of you, any views on the Cocteau Twins?

awww.. i love COCTEAU TWINS.. like the voice of ELISABETH .. in my opinion the best albums re TREASURE and GARLANDS and the best song is IVO (treasure) .. and i like the performace of Elizabeth in SONG OF A SIREN in THIS MORTAL COIL...Cocteau is a good band
...
my sister is big fan of them

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b228/Clider/cocteau.jpg

This post has been edited by Clider: 30 November 2005 - 04:25 PM

[Kaziu]

You could be in my space, on Nov 28 2005, 05:13 PM, said:

I have strong affinities to many Scottish groups, but one has been at the forefront.

The Cocteau Twins have been so important to me throughout my life.

I've seen them mentioned in threads here, but have no threads dedicated to themselves. I thought it was about time!

Words to describe their music?

Ethereal, magical, soothing, calming, joyous, angelic, there's too many.

Whenever I'm feeling down, they are one of the few bands that can lift me.

Elizabeth Fraser has just an angelic voice and Robin Guthrie's guitar effects, just leave me washed away with magic.

It's the most perfect combination of guitar and electronics I have heard.

The fact the no one ever knew what Elizabeth Fraser was singing about tended to add to the mystery. Those sounds she made, were almost childlike at times. I've heard their music being described as 'womblike' also, but maybe that was from a music journo who was completely 'lost in music' at the time, hehe!

I'd love to bring my children up listening to them (if I ever have any!). It would bring some beauty in.

It's music to dream to, to dream about. It reminds me of things and points in my life.

During 'special' moments my last ex-girlfriend (my most recent gf, was never really mine) and I would play 'The Spangle Maker' (the way it pulses and twists for so long, then explodes into a huge array of beautiful sound at the end) and 'Those Eyes, That Mouth', which is endless harmonic beauty.

I suppose then their music has the ability to make me sad and reflective. What makes it worse is that my ex-girlfriend was also Scottish. We were a 'Celtic' duo in many ways. One Irish, one Scottish, from different backgrounds.

(And no, for anyone out there who knows about Scottish football, I'm neither a Celtic nor a Rangers supporter! Me and her both supported the same team!)

I cannot now listen to the Cocteau Twins, but think of her. Those thoughts will never leave me, but at least they don't trip me up. I have moved on. (It's just like with all of us, some music will bring things back somewhat). It's more a feeling of sadness that we lost what we once had.

I've been listening to the new box set 'Lullabies to Violaine', and Charissa, wait till you hear the 2nd CD! Just amazing, simply breathtaking, from start to finish. Even the outside of the box is sensual, it's got a suede/velvet touch (which thankfully is protected by an outer layer of packaging!).

I hope you do get it for Christmas, it will be lovely to listen to over the holiday season. The perfect 'present'!

My favourite album?

Heaven or Las Vegas, with 'Blue Bell Knoll' a very close second, almost tieing at times!

As for all of you, any views on the Cocteau Twins?

Garlands is their best imho.Great Band and i wish they would reform.

[Shred]

Cocteaus were one of those bands that transcended their original goth tag. Had they kept themselves in Garlands mode, they would've been forever labeled Siouxsie copyists. Although, I agree it's a wonderful album for its day, there can be no mistaking the genius of Loves Easy Tears, Treasure, Blue Bell Knoll and some of the middle EPs as their absolute finest works. Just my 2.5 cents which doesn't matter right Kaizu :P

[stella diver x]

^^ I agree with you,Shred. I see alot of people concider Garlands the best, and though I like it's darkness, that album is a more stabbing goth version of the Twins( I don't think Liz's full potential of vocal ability is displayed much on that one either). I prefer the airy lightness of later work.
So, if you want a more sinister, dark version.. yeah, go with Garlands.

[nakawhi]

interpolMOD1, on Nov 30 2005, 03:52 PM, said:

Newbury is the bomb. Otherwise, www.theidealcopy.com is pretty good, if not expensive: http://idealcopy.ame...=MUCocteauTwins
Also, there's http://www.othermusic.com/

Thanks for the links! Especially the 'ideal' site, which seems a little more user friendly... $34 for the box isn't all that bad, actually. Only problem is i'm going through my annual end of the year Period of Po'ness! Hummmm - though she knows I can't send anything her way, my sister is fishing for what would be a good Christmas present for me.... I think it's been found

[Shred]

stella diver x, on Dec 1 2005, 07:13 PM, said:

^^ I agree with you,Shred. I see alot of people concider Garlands the best, and though I like it's darkness, that album is a more stabbing goth version of the Twins( I don't think Liz's full potential of vocal ability is displayed much on that one either). I prefer the airy lightness of later work.
So, if you want a more sinister, dark version.. yeah, go with Garlands.

I thought Head Over Heels expanded on the themes of Garlands, but preserved them to an extent. It was defintely their "Twich" (Minsitry) that sort of married the old and what was to come. If I had to chose between HOH and Garlands, I'll pick HOH. -_-

stella diver x, on Dec 1 2005, 07:13 PM, said:

^^ I agree with you,Shred. I see alot of people concider Garlands the best, and though I like it's darkness, that album is a more stabbing goth version of the Twins( I don't think Liz's full potential of vocal ability is displayed much on that one either). I prefer the airy lightness of later work.
So, if you want a more sinister, dark version.. yeah, go with Garlands.

Actually, in my sleuthing about the Cocteau forum (as Mr. ED), I'm finding that most of the people prefer Treasure or Blue Bell Knoll as their favorite albums. Garlands is not quite as hated as say Radiohead fans despise Pablo Honey.

[fallgrrl]

This is so one of the things I really like about coming here. Seriously, I have never heard of this band but from reading the descriptions it seems like I have been missing out on some beautiful music. So I gather from comments that if I don't favor darker, gothy(?) I should start with Blue Bell Knoll?

[Shred]

fallgrrl, on Dec 1 2005, 08:39 PM, said:

This is so one of the things I really like about coming here. Seriously, I have never heard of this band but from reading the descriptions it seems like I have been missing out on some beautiful music. So I gather from comments that if I don't favor darker, gothy(?) I should start with Blue Bell Knoll?

Definitely a good start. The title track alone is worth the cost of the CD. ;) Start there and go backwards and when you realize you like all of that then tread carefully after Blue Bell Knoll. Some great moments on the later albums, but as wholes, not quite as eventuful as the early to mid years.

One thing is that you have to appreciate Liz's method of singing. If you cannot get over that, you won't enjoy the whole.

[stella diver x]

Shred, on Dec 1 2005, 02:28 PM, said:

I thought Head Over Heels expanded on the themes of Garlands, but preserved them to an extent. It was defintely their "Twich" (Minsitry) that sort of married the old and what was to come. If I had to chose between HOH and Garlands, I'll pick HOH. -_-
Actually, in my sleuthing about the Cocteau forum (as Mr. ED), I'm finding that most of the people prefer Treasure or Blue Bell Knoll as their favorite albums. Garlands is not quite as hated as say Radiohead fans despise Pablo Honey.

Hmmm ..... I've never visited this board you mention. I might have to check that out.

Oh, and back to where you mentioned about playing them for your new little one.I used to do the same. Even when I was pregnant , I would play the songs and sing, figuring the baby could be soothed by my singing, and then once born, playing it for them seemed very comforting, and sleep inducing. Perfect for babies. ^_^

[Kaziu]

Shred, on Dec 1 2005, 05:43 PM, said:

Cocteaus were one of those bands that transcended their original goth tag. Had they kept themselves in Garlands mode, they would've been forever labeled Siouxsie copyists. Although, I agree it's a wonderful album for its day, there can be no mistaking the genius of Loves Easy Tears, Treasure, Blue Bell Knoll and some of the middle EPs as their absolute finest works. Just my 2.5 cents which doesn't matter right Kaizu :P

It's Kaziu,get it right.

[You could be in my space]

fallgrrl, on Dec 1 2005, 08:39 PM, said:

This is so one of the things I really like about coming here. Seriously, I have never heard of this band but from reading the descriptions it seems like I have been missing out on some beautiful music. So I gather from comments that if I don't favor darker, gothy(?) I should start with Blue Bell Knoll?

Yes, and if you like them (whic I really hope you do!), then your next two should maybe be 'Heaven or Las Vegas' and 'Treasure'.

[You could be in my space]

Kaziu, on Dec 1 2005, 04:12 PM, said:

Garlands is their best imho.Great Band and i wish they would reform.

I think it's rather like New Order's 'Movement', in that it has been unfairly criticised and as such, many people are put off by what's been said about it. Or more so, the later albums have been praised so highly, that it's kind of been assumed that this early album has no real quality, almost forgotten.

Because it's a different style also, some see that as a negative point.

For me, it's nowhere near heights of their middle to (early) later works (upto 'Heaven or Las Vegas'), but the fact that it's a different style should make it a plus point.

I do like the sounds on 'Garlands'. But sometimes they can overbear almost, maybe too much to take in one go. Especially after hearing the soaring sounds of their later stuff.

Then again, if you hear 'Feathers-Oars-Blades' from the Lullabies EP (and also on the new box set), which was from around the time of 'Garlands' but not released on the album, then you can see the full potential of the 'Garlands' sound.

'Feathers-Oars-Blades' is definitely my favourite work of theirs from this period.

[Cragster]

Veronica Dreadful, on Nov 29 2005, 02:07 PM, said:

Great group. They're very unique and timeless. Now if only I could figure out what the hell they are singing! ;)

A 'pissed' (i.e. Drunk) Liz Fraser said in a article - featured in Uncut magazine about 5 years ago - that most of the lyrics were about Robin. So in effect she is the archetypal Scotswoman who likes to get blootered and sing disparagingly about her man! Albeit she does it with a honey inflected voice as opposed to your 60 Benson & Hedges a day voice.

This post has been edited by Cragster: 08 December 2005 - 10:48 AM

[Shred]

Cragster, on Dec 8 2005, 03:48 PM, said:

A 'pissed' (i.e. Drunk) Liz Fraser said in a article - featured in Uncut magazine about 5 years ago - that most of the lyrics were about Robin. So in effect she is the archetypal Scotswoman who likes to get blootered and sing disparagingly about her man! Albeit she does it with a honey inflected voice as opposed to your 60 Benson & Hedges a day voice.

She's not very forthcoming about the lyrics and its kind of like talking about Joy Divsion to Interpol fans. There are websites out there that venture to capture some of their lyrics.

One of my favorite lyrical blunders is in the song "Sugar Hiccup".

I sing "sugar hiccup from Cheerios" :lol:

The actual lyric is "sugar hiccup or she reels"

[Kaziu]

You could be in my space, on Dec 3 2005, 11:00 AM, said:

I think it's rather like New Order's 'Movement', in that it has been unfairly criticised and as such, many people are put off by what's been said about it. Or more so, the later albums have been praised so highly, that it's kind of been assumed that this early album has no real quality, almost forgotten.

Because it's a different style also, some see that as a negative point.

For me, it's nowhere near heights of their middle to (early) later works (upto 'Heaven or Las Vegas'), but the fact that it's a different style should make it a plus point.

I do like the sounds on 'Garlands'. But sometimes they can overbear almost, maybe too much to take in one go. Especially after hearing the soaring sounds of their later stuff.

Then again, if you hear 'Feathers-Oars-Blades' from the Lullabies EP (and also on the new box set), which was from around the time of 'Garlands' but not released on the album, then you can see the full potential of the 'Garlands' sound.

'Feathers-Oars-Blades' is definitely my favourite work of theirs from this period.

What about Hazel....................Dont forget that little gem.

[You could be in my space]

Kaziu, on Dec 9 2005, 12:48 AM, said:

What about Hazel....................Dont forget that little gem.

Yes, I failed to mention it. It's a great song.

'Feathers-Oar-Blades' slightly shades it for me, but 'Hazel' is worth mentioning!

[CurePol]

One of my best friends is a singer who had a Cocteau Twins tribute night in LA in November.

I like the Cocteau Twins but only have "Heaven or Las Vegas" and "Blue Bell Knoll."

I Wear Your Ring is my fav.

Needless to say, I'm not hardcore nor very knowledgable about them at all.

Anyway, my question is this: What songs would a hard-core CT fan like to hear for when she does this again?

Here is what she played last time:

1. Cherry-coloured funk
2. Ivo
3. Carolyn's fingers
4. lorelei
5. ice blink luck
6. know who you are at every age
7. blue bell knoll
8. those eyes that mouth
9. tear drop

I only recognized 2 or 3.....but would diehard CT people like that sort of setlist? I was lost and wanted more hits/popular songs.

Here is her myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/elizabethegan

I posted some photos from the Cocteau Twins nite there as well.

[stella diver x]

:wub:
That setlist is puuuurfect.
My two faves are Mizake the Mizan & Cecilia.I'd swoon over those.

[nakawhi]

I think I tend toward the songs that most don't like or, at least, never really talk about: The Itchy Glowbo Blow, Wax and Wane (Pink Opaque version), Mussette and Drums, Pink Orange Red, and Painted Tiger are a few of my favories.

[You could be in my space]

nakawhi, on Jan 3 2006, 03:01 PM, said:

I think I tend toward the songs that most don't like or, at least, never really talk about: The Itchy Glowbo Blow, Wax and Wane (Pink Opaque version), Mussette and Drums, Pink Orange Red, and Painted Tiger are a few of my favories.

I love 'Itchy Glowbo Blow' and 'Pink Orange Red'.

You're not on your own there!

I'd like to hear those live.

Also, 'The Spangle Maker', cmerepaul, you got to get her to do that one live.

[Shred]

You could be in my space, on Jan 3 2006, 03:56 PM, said:

I love 'Itchy Glowbo Blow' and 'Pink Orange Red'.

You're not on your own there!

I'd like to hear those live.

Also, 'The Spangle Maker', cmerepaul, you got to get her to do that one live.

I saw Cocteaus on the HOLV tour at the Ritz in NYC and if memory serves me correctly, they played both Pink Orange Red and The Spangle Maker. I have a tape of that night if anyone cares to have a copy of it. The only caveat is that you would need to do the conversion and I trust you would take extra special care of my original tape. :unsure: I'm fairly certain they played a good chunk of BBK as well, which may have included the Itchy Glowbo Blow.

[nakawhi]

You could be in my space, on Jan 3 2006, 10:56 AM, said:

I love 'Itchy Glowbo Blow' and 'Pink Orange Red'.

You're not on your own there!

I'd like to hear those live.

Also, 'The Spangle Maker', cmerepaul, you got to get her to do that one live.

Yaaay - Company! :-} I almost said The Spangle Maker but thought that it might be considered too slow. I agree that it would be amazing live. Unfortunately, I've never heard any live Cocteau stuff. One of the many things from my earlier years that I regret.....

This post has been edited by nakawhi: 03 January 2006 - 11:40 AM

[nakawhi]

Shred, on Jan 3 2006, 11:08 AM, said:

I saw Cocteaus on the HOLV tour at the Ritz in NYC and if memory serves me correctly, they played both Pink Orange Red and The Spangle Maker. I have a tape of that night if anyone cares to have a copy of it. The only caveat is that you would need to do the conversion and I trust you would take extra special care of my original tape. :unsure: I'm fairly certain they played a good chunk of BBK as well, which may have included the Itchy Glowbo Blow.

Ummmm- yes please!!!!

[Shred]

nakawhi, on Jan 3 2006, 04:54 PM, said:

Ummmm- yes please!!!!

PM me your information.