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