Search - Cocteau Twins :: CD Single Box Set (10-CD's)

An essential piece of the Cocteau Twins' history

M. Haswell | Nagoya, Japan | 09/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Cocteau Twins have often been unfairly derided for always sounding the same. Anybody that jumps to this conclusion either needs a new set of ears or has only listened to the releases of their final years. While it's fairly easy to track their development through their numerous studio albums, there is a significant amount of outside material that is just as important in their musical career. Few bands are familiar with the idea of an EP these days, but back in the 80s the Cocteau Twins were masters of the format. A couple of the releases included in here are a little flimsy (most notably the Peppermint Pig EP), but the gems among them really shine.The Lullabies EP has the same bite and grit of the Garlands album, and showcases a darker side of the Twins that never really shows up again. Still, it's a great example of where it all began. The true beauty begins with the 3rd disc, however - the stunning Sunburst and Snowblind. While Head Over Heels, the album that preceded it (and also produced the first track, Sugar Hiccup), still had a certain edginess about it, Sunburst and Snowblind has more in common with Treasure, and shows a switch to the softer, textural depth of the band. The Spangle Maker EP is hardly a step down either, pushing the band even further into the thickness of their lush melodies; both the title track and Pearly Dewdrops' Drops are hauntingly gorgeous. Aikea Guinea marks a focus on the so-called "landscape music" period of the band, with melodies that paint pictures of specific locales - a style that is further explored on the Tiny Dynamine and Echoes in a Shallow Bay EPs (as well as the Moon & Melodies collaboration and Victorialand album). The final two EPs (Love's Easy Tears and Iceblink Luck) show a general cohesion into their later, more familiar musical style, as found on works like Blue Bell Knoll and Heaven or Las Vegas. A bonus, tenth CD is included with four tracks that either were released on separate 4ad compilations or just had not yet seen the light of day.Overall, this is a collection that should not be overlooked by any Cocteau Twins fan. While the CDs are certainly short in comparison to the full-length releases, they each represent a vital piece in the beautiful jigsaw of their musical repertoire. An absolute must have."

A Must-Have for all Cocteau Twins Fans

M. Haswell | 11/05/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The late, great Cocteau Twins' original vinyl releases were a joy and a wonder to those of us who anticipated and marvelled at them in the 80's. It's unfortunate that much of their best material ever was released on 12" singles, never to be re-released on CD compilations or as "bonus tracks"...until this collection appeared. Its availability is waning as time goes on, and the vinyl, for those who can still play it, is either disappearing from the used shops, or increasingly overpriced. So much extraordinary music which far transcends typical "pop/rock" formats is contained in this boxed set, a true treasure chest. Unforgettable songs like "Sigh's Smell of Farewell" and "Quisquose" just aren't available elsewhere, and might never be now that the band's future releases are an uncertain thing. Those who only know and love the Cocteaus from their album recordings, and missed out on all the remarkable singles from the 80s would be well-advised to invest in this important collection, which will surely age well. Music of this quality, beauty, and artistry is timeless."

Heaven or Bust

jkmckenna | Portland, OR USA | 09/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was first introduced to Cocteau Twins through this set. To this day, it remains my favorite collection of CT songs, which I enjoy even more than the regular LPs. It is a beautiful overview of the band's many styles and takes you from their harder earlier sound to their later lush compostions. The actual box itself is a lovely collecters item that will blend in nicely with your music collection. A charming, simple set that leaves you breathless and yearning for more. (And I did yearn for more...eventually I collected their entire catalogue.)"