sexta-feira, maio 23, 2008

748. Cocteau Twins - Milk and Kisses


The band's final release is a sad one. Sad because it's their last and also because it's not their best. It has its great moments that seem pulled from their prime past with some other moments that come across as a 'let's just get through this'. They are a band I think that was so cemented in a specific moment in time that anything released as late as 1996 would have sounded off.

6.3 out of 10

747. Cocteau Twins - Blue Bell Knoll


This album is less 'harpy' and more 'keyboardy' if that makes any sense... it also has a live feeling to it, you can really hear the Twins as a band and not a bunch of different parts coming together. It's also a great album because it is pulling the ambient elements from previous records and making them tighter.

8.2 out of 10

quarta-feira, maio 21, 2008

746. Cocteau Twins - The Pink Opaque


This early career compilation is great, a perfect introduction to the band. Features songs from 'Garlands', 'Head over Heels' and 'Treasure' and other singles.

8.6 out of 10

745. Cocteau Twins - Treasure


I love this album for personal reasons mainly, but it is brilliantly atmospheric and lush. To many it may sound a bit clichéd and generic but that isn't the band's fault. So many have attempted to copy their sound that its polluted the purity of the genre... all the Enya's of the world made something dark and etheral sound soapy and elf like.

9.0 out of 10

terça-feira, maio 20, 2008

744. Cocteau Twins - Head Over Heels


Strange little album. The twins sing in their own language at times and the disc I have isn't remastered which makes the sound a bit tinny and distant giving the record an odd foreign and other worldly sound. I always really like the cocteau twins, but I'm not an obsessed fan as many in their following seem to be... still, as with all their albums you need a bit of patience and dedicated time to appreciate.

6.7 out of 10

quarta-feira, maio 07, 2008

743. Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions - At the Doorway Again



This ep sounds like a Mazzy Star release for obvious reasons... overall the five tracks are sparse, quieter, slower and bring Hope's voice to the forefront. Worth picking up if you are a big, big fan.

6.7 out of 10

terça-feira, maio 06, 2008

742. Mazzy Star - Among my swan


On their last outing Mazzy Star sound more like a countrified Jim Morrison than hauntingly lush. Still the duo manages produce a solid, expected effort. The thrill is gone but it still makes you wonder.

6.3 out of 10