Retro Moment #19 - Cocteau Twins

The Cocteau Twins started out in the late 70s but really blossomed in the early mid 80s. They started with Robin Guthrie on guitar, Liz Fraser on vocals and Will Heggie on Bass. However, Heggie was later replaced by Simon Raymonde, who provided Piano as well as Bass. (not to mention his father wrote "I Only Want To Be With You" made famous by the wonderful Dusty Springfield)

The groups mix of dreamy guitars and amazing operatic vocal harmonies we're a sure fire hit with stoners, dreamers and goths (may I just add that I do not mean that in a bad way either!!)
As far as I'm concerned they've made some of the most beautiful music ever. Chilled, emotional and inspirational.

Guthrie invented a guitar sound. His trademark was an on the beat strum style with dreamy echo and chorus that has been an inspiration, in my opinion, for acts like Coldplay and Interpol. One strum from Guthrie's guitar was like an orchestra of sound. He'd then layer various harmonising guitar tracks over it to create an even larger effect. Amazing.

Rammonde's lose, chorus bass would add a perfect compliment, driving the tracks along. He was also a great pianist. This was utilised mostly on the acoustic EP "Twinlights".

Fraser's vocal style was and still is one of a kind. She can hit high and low notes with ease. She's operatic then soft in the same chorus. Her fantastic style can also be heard on Massive Attack tracks "Teardrop" and "Black Milk"

Another interesting fact about them is that nearly all their lyrics are not in English. They are in a made up language. They rarely produced English songs, which is why they were so popular in Japan!

The band sadly split in 1996 while in the middle of recording an album.

All Three are still active in Music, working on various solo and band related projects. Robin and Simon own and run a UK based record label called "Bella Union"

If you fancy checking them out a great starting point is their last release which is 4 disc collection of all their EPs.

If you'd prefer a smaller slice of the action, I recommend the following tracks:
"Blue Bell Knoll", "Cherry-Coloured Funk", "Alice" (also featured in the movie The Lovely Bones), "Serpentskirt" and "Pink Orange Red".

A few more info sources: http: //www.cocteautwins.com/ and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocteau_Twins

Till next time...enjoy this...it's Alice, with what i think is a fan video. Either way you can still listen to this wonderful piece!