Where to start with the Cocteau Twins?

So the other day I heard the song “Pearly-dew Drops’ Drops” by the Cocteau Twins and I’m completely in love. I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to discover them because I love this type of dreamy, atmospheric music.

Which of their album(s) should I start with? I see they have a compilation album, but I’m not sure if it’s a good one.

Heaven or Las Vegas or Treasure

Treasure, that’s the first album I heard (yes, an actual LP album) and I immediately fell in love too.

Then Victorialand.

That compilation is a very good one. I don’t have it because I have the albums the songs come from, but looking at the track listings, yeah, definitely. You could start with it. And Treasure.

Edit to add, Heaven & Las Vegas is good too.

The first album Garlands is a bit Siouxsie and the Banshees-ish, at least compared to their later stuff, but it’s still really good. If you like their album Treasure, as already recommended, then I reckon you will like the second album Head over Heels too. It’s my personal favourite.

Pearly Dewdrops Drops was initially released on an EP The Spangle Maker, along with two other tracks: the title track and Pepper-Tree, both of which are tremendous.

The Cocteaus released a fair few EPs with some of their best stuff on. I recommend *Sunburst and Snowblind, *(seriously good) and Aikea-Guinea.

I don’t rate a Cocteaus compilation that has neither Musette and Drums nor From the Flagstones on it.

4AD really went to town on the quality and design of the Cocteaus album and EP sleeves, just really nice things to own.

Yep, Sunburst and Snowblind was my introduction to them, and I agree it’s seriously good. It’s still my favorite.

My wife would probably disagree, and suggest Blue Bell Knoll, and I can’t think of a good reason to disagree with that one, either.

If you could only have one, *Treasure *is the one to get.

Stars and Topsoil is an excellent introduction, and pretty much a summary of their early stuff; of their 90s output Blue Bell Knoll has been suggested, I’d also try Four Calendar Cafe and Heaven and Las Vegas. Milk and Kisses is also good, but not necessary if you have the previous albums.

If you like the Cocteau Twins, I’d also suggest Icelandic-weirdoes-with-made-up-language Sigur Ros: this isHoppipola, perhaps their best-known song. It can make anything better, and the video rocks.

I framed several of their 12" releases and a couple of albums. The artwork is as gorgeous and enigmatic as the music and vocals.

all good suggestions, I’ll only add that their version of “song to the siren” is utterly wonderful.

Agreed. I know you know this, but for those who don’t, that’s a cover of a Tim Buckley song. It’s not on any Cocteau Twins album, but rather a 4AD compilation called It’ll End In Tears. The 4AD artists featured on the album were collectively known as This Mortal Coil.

Hell, even their version of Frosty the Snowman is good :smiley:

That’s my vote as well.

Treasure, most definitely.
Then, ***Blue Bell Knoll. ***

And after actually asking my wife, she recommends Pink Opaque if you’re going to buy a compilation, Treasure if you’re not.

Treasure, definitely. And I’d say that everything released before Treasure is decidedly spectacular.

Now that you’re discovered C.T., you can have fun picking out how many subsequent female vocal performances seem to have been influenced by Liz Fraser’s singing style.

It’s a long list.

Thanks for the recommendations everyone.

Yes, Liz Fraser’s voice is really something. When I first heard her voice I thought it was Siouxsie Sioux.

Treasure is my favourite, but I’d actually start with Blue Bell Knoll, it’s easier to get into IMO

Then check out labelmates Dead Can Dance…

Also Cranes.

I love Cranes, but Alison’s voice might be an obstacle for some. It’s a breathy, little girl voice (that’s quite the rage to use, and hate, now) that contrasts with the jangly, percussive music. I got to see them live and meet her about 20 years ago. They’re great in concert, and she’s very shy.

Second Dead Can Dance!