Strange, seminal, Scottish. The Cocteau Twins are gearing up for the release of represses of Blue Bell Knoll and Heaven Or Las Vegas, two releases from the band’s glory days.
It’s rarely safe to call a band “one-of-a-kind”, especially one as influential as the Cocteau Twins, but we feel like we’re probably on solid ground this time. The Scottish trio was a true oddity. The band’s best-known lineup consisted of vocalist Elizabeth Fraser, guitarist Robin Guthrie, and multi-instrumentalist Simon Raymonde. Their work tended toward the ethereal, and Fraser’s vocals…well, it was considered a major departure from form whenever her lyrics were “occasionally intelligible”.
As you may have noticed, it’s not easy to describe the Cocteau Twins musically. In fact, we’d recommend just listening to them. And there’s no better place to start than Blue Bell Knoll and Heaven Or Las Vegas, the group’s two most successful albums, both recorded at the height of their prowess and accessibility. And if you’re going to check them out, may as well go all the way and grab the upcoming represses. Both are due out July 15, with preorders available now.
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