Cocteau Magic, Im a lovin' It (Cocteau Twins in general)

Name: pearlydewdrop

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Cocteau Twins in general
Date:	24.04.08 (70 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ethereal music, perfect escapism on a dark night. Makes you feel strangely spiritual

Disadvantages: Im in danger of becoming a Cocteau disciple- unpaid alas

I love the Cocteau Twins, hence my username 'Pearlydewdrops'-a title of one of their songs. Thats it, you will love them too, because there really isnt anything out there that sounds quite like they do....ok, maybe its not as straightforward as that.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
The Cocteau Twins entered my life at quite a poignant time, and perhaps this is some of the reason why I have a soft spot for their dreamy, emotionally charged music. I had met the love of my life, and was in awe of his knowledge of music and literature, and I admired his sophistication. I was 20, he was 28, and we fell for each other in a big, big way (so romantic!). In my mind, my now husband was quite a cultured man and any music he chose to woo me with was registered in the recesses of my mind (his choices included Bark Psychosis:Hex, Lamb:Gorecki, The Jesus and Mary Chain,and the Slightly odd Bang Bang Machine with 'Geek Love'). The Cocteau Twins was one of his 'regulars' and a group that I have found myself returning to in our 7 years together and 4 year marriage.


The Cocteau Twins were a Scottish group who specialised in ethereal, 'other worldly' music. They are typically defined as Dream Pop artists. The band was formed in 1979, and very quickly found a niche in the market with their vocalist Elizabeth Fraser's striking, almost haunting voice. On guitar was Robin Guthrie, bass was covered by Will Heggie. When Heggie left the group in 1983, he was replaced by Simon Raymonde.


Anyone who listens to the Cocteau Twins needs to be prepared for Elizabeth Frazers incredible voice. It is indescribable, which makes this review slightly on the tough side for me! Also, dont go listening to their music thinking you will be able to decipher the lyrics, because invariably you wont. They are notoriously obscure and garbled. There is in fact a website where fans have tried to interpret their lyrics from the recordings. What you will experience from listening to the Cocteau Twins is an amazing sense of what the song is about from the almost gutteral sound of Frazer's voice. Her vocal ability is used like an instrument in itself, a multi-textured and toned range that just endows in the listener an emotional picture. She has a certain Gaelic sound, being Scottish, but this isnt really the bands objective. We're not talking Enya or Lindisfarne here. Furthermore, their expert use of the guitar complements Frazer's voice in very sympathetic way. Although their distinctive style remains fairly consistant throughout their albums, they seem to be able to vary their music
so that it doesnt become monotonous or boring-at least not to me!

Anyway, I used to listen to the Cocteau Twins very late at night with the light off, when I was pregnant with my daughter. This and Brian Eno were my preferred pre-natal choices. I found it so peaceful to lie there and not have to endure lyrics in my head all night-it was nice to relax and see where the music would take me. Suffice to say my daughter is a fairly chilled individual as a result!


My favourite Cocteau Twins songs are~

Amelia (my daughter is Amelia)
Evangaline
Bluebell Knoll
Rilkean Heart
Lorelei
Ivo

Try these Albums out for size (but maybe avoid their first offering Garland, as its not really their 'established sound')~

Treasure (1984)
Victorialand (1986)
Bluebell Knoll (1988)
Four Calender Cafe (1993)


The Cocteau Twins split in 1997, and the artists went on to pursue their own interests. Elizabeth Frazer offered her vocals to Massive Attack's 'Mezzanine' in 1998 (another group/collective I like).


So, go forth, sample my offerings here and see what you think!

Summary: Enjoy