Cocteau Twins

As far as Scottish exports are concerned, there are a slew of great artists/bands that hail from the homeland. From Jesus and Mary Chain, Mogwai, and The Delgados to Boards of Canada and Idlewild, there are no shortage of Scottish bands that have made an impact on music today. None in my opinion are as obvious as the Cocteau Twins.

Now, although I am familiar with the Twins from years gone by, they were a band I couldn't really digest at first or even second listen. At first introduction I was listening to My Bloody Valentine's "Loveless" a ton and the Cocteau Twins seemed a little to lush for me. Even for the likes of MBV. I guess that as you get older your musical tastes mature because after a recent listen to "Treasure" I was questioning how I ever got on without having this album in my life.

Formed in 1979 the Cocteau Twins are known for their contributions to helping carve the dream pop genre and were integral in its development and progression. Treasure is the bands 3rd release and have what could arguably be one of the best 1st and 2nd track punches of any album I have listened to to date.

The album as a whole is dense and ethereal and has all the elements needed to be the soundtrack for waking up from a foggy dream. The tracks bleed into one another and ebb and flow effortlessly encompassing you in warm textural melodies. Known for her indecipherable singing style, Twins vocalist Elizabeth Fraser demonstrates a blissful serenade that is both playful and restrained and the instrumental component is so smooth it flows as though made of liquid.

In short, this album is terrific and should be on everyone's "Albums to listen to before I die" list.

Standout Tracks:

Ivo
Lorelei

The Clientele

Like bad teeth, overrated comedy, and the BBC, The Clientele are unmistakably British. There is no denying their geographical origin. It bleeds through their music. These may not sound like complimentary remarks coming from a Scot, but the British do one thing exceptionally well and that is create timeless and excellent music.

Although The Clientele have 6 albums under their belt and a handful of EP's, I am choosing to write about their 2005 release "Strange Geometry." Like Bonnie Prince Billy and Black Sabbath before that, I am not breaking the mould by writing about a band that needs coverage. The Clientele are very well received and have a healthy amount of material written about them out there in print and on the web. This post came to light not only because of the albums strength, but because I am slated to attend their show this month at the Horseshoe.

Right from the onset the album makes its presence felt with an outstanding hooky track in "Since K got over me." Simply put, It is Indie Brit-pop at its finest. The album encompasses you in the feeling that you are somehow an honorary Brit just for listening to it. The lyrical content runs the gamut from love loss to a "virtual walk" through the streets of London. Although you will find some tracks that appear a little melancholy, overall the album manages to come off as sunny and optimistic.

This album is a shining example of knowing what you do best, and delivering exactly that. If anyone can lay claim to perfecting the use of soft dreamlike vocals layered with reverb drenched guitars, it's The Clientele. Each track although not sounding over produced, has The Clientele displaying a fastidious attention to detail and overall tightness.

All and all this album is a great introduction for anyone who isn't familiar with The Clientele as well as for those who are looking for Brit pop with brains.

Stand out tracks:
Since K got over me
K
The Geometry of lawns