Cocteau Twins, a Scottish band from the tail end of the 70s, with their highly original form of music that included the elusive soprano-voice of Elizabeth Fraser, was, in essence, a short-lived phenomena. It doesn’t matter whether you were a fan of the band or not, the fact remains that over their 18-year period, they only produced nine studio albums, one of them a collaboration with Harold Budd. More surprising is the sudden disappearance.
They released their final album, the extraordinary Milk and Kisses in 1996. By then, the relationship between Robin Guthrie and Elizabeth Fraser had strained, which led to the aborted recording of their “ninth” (not counting the Budd effort) album, and the complete break-up of Cocteau Twins. And while there were hints of reformation, we may never hear them again, nor their likes.
Cocteau Twins left behind a grand trail of excellent albums beginning with Garlands in 1982. As far as I’m concerned, there were no bad Cocteau Twins albums. One of the albums that was favored by the band was Blue Bell Knoll released in 1988 via the legendary UK label, 4AD (Capitol in the US). Another classic would be Heaven Or Las Vegas, issued in 1999.
On July 14, 4AD will repress Blue Bell Knoll, and Heaven Or Las Vegas, both on 180g BLACK vinyl, and are being cut from NEW 96/24 HD masters. What’s NOT to love here.
What’s best is that the label is not charging an arm and a leg for them (a nasty trait usually perpetuated on the US vinyl buying public by domestic labels). Each album will sell for slightly over $20, making them excellent bargains.
Thank you, 4AD!
I hate frustrating some of you who may be fans but are NOT vinyl collectors with this post, but this is too good not to mention.
I’d rather have the actual 96/24 files or the LP remastered/reissued entirely in the analog domain. 96/24 on LP just doesn’t make sense to me.