# Where to start with the Cocteau Twins? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 17, 2014, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864 "2014-11-17T17:05:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SaharaTea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@SaharaTea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaharaTea)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/1 "2014-11-17T17:05:03Z")
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](http://www.amazon.com/Stars-Topsoil-Collection-Cocteau-Twins/dp/B00004Y2FT/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1416243602&sr=8-7&keywords=cocteau+twins), but I’m not sure if it’s a good one. ---
**Author:** ![GovernmentMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e9c0ed/32.png) [@GovernmentMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GovernmentMan)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/2 "2014-11-17T17:30:31Z")
_Heaven or Las Vegas_ or _Treasure_ ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/3 "2014-11-17T17:34:48Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/4 "2014-11-17T18:13:22Z")
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](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCuvTKM04Jk) and [Pepper-Tree](http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCUQyCkwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D5mkdVkP1gXY&ei=gTlqVOKFHfiTsQTQq4HYCQ&usg=AFQjCNGZySAGX-16Jx0XAauwk1tChMcmPw&sig2=qRwpPTPmCnwmsaCZkb7fYg&bvm=bv.79142246,d.cWc), both of which are tremendous. The Cocteaus released a fair few EPs with some of their best stuff on. I recommend \*[Sunburst and Snowblind](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunburst_and_Snowblind), \*(seriously good) and [Aikea-Guinea](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikea-Guinea). I don’t rate a Cocteaus compilation that has neither _Musette and Drums_ nor _From the Flagstones_ on it. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/5 "2014-11-17T18:19:31Z")
> [@Equipoise](#): > > yes, an actual LP album. 4AD really went to town on the quality and design of the Cocteaus album and EP sleeves, just really nice things to own. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/6 "2014-11-17T18:20:48Z")
> [@Baron\_Greenback](#): > > The Cocteaus released a fair few EPs with some of their best stuff on. I recommend \*[Sunburst and Snowblind](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunburst_and_Snowblind), \*(seriously good) and [Aikea-Guinea](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikea-Guinea). > > I don’t rate a Cocteaus compilation that has neither _Musette and Drums_ nor _From the Flagstones_ on it. 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. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/7 "2014-11-17T18:58:16Z")
If you could only have one, \*Treasure \*is the one to get. ---
**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/8 "2014-11-17T19:59:09Z")
> [@SaharaTea](#): > > 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](http://www.amazon.com/Stars-Topsoil-Collection-Cocteau-Twins/dp/B00004Y2FT/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1416243602&sr=8-7&keywords=cocteau+twins), but I’m not sure if it’s a good one. _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 is[Hoppipola](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L_DQKCDgeM), perhaps their best-known song. It can make anything better, and the video rocks. ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/9 "2014-11-17T20:22:40Z")
> [@Baron\_Greenback](#): > > 4AD really went to town on the quality and design of the Cocteaus album and EP sleeves, just really nice things to own. I framed several of their 12" releases and a couple of albums. The artwork is as gorgeous and enigmatic as the music and vocals. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/10 "2014-11-17T20:23:32Z")
all good suggestions, I’ll only add that their version of “[song to the siren](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mUmdR69nbM)” is utterly wonderful. ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/11 "2014-11-17T20:31:05Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > all good suggestions, I’ll only add that their version of “[song to the siren](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mUmdR69nbM)” 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. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/12 "2014-11-17T20:44:17Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > all good suggestions, I’ll only add that their version of “[song to the siren](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mUmdR69nbM)” is utterly wonderful. Hell, even their version of [Frosty the Snowman](http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCIQyCkwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DPds_K2j3RKM&ei=8V1qVMWTI4veaNLMgYgD&usg=AFQjCNFFytX55mQT0HYSWvjCpop3iqUt3g&sig2=3Q9gnnxVXhUQocZlzIQyLg&bvm=bv.79142246,d.d2s) is good 😃 ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2014, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/13 "2014-11-17T20:54:22Z")
> [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](#): > > If you could only have one, \*Treasure \*is the one to get. That’s my vote as well. ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2014, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/14 "2014-11-18T11:11:43Z")
_ **Treasure,** _ most definitely. Then, \*\*\*Blue Bell Knoll. \*\*\* ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2014, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/15 "2014-11-18T16:20:49Z")
And after actually asking my wife, she recommends _Pink Opaque_ if you’re going to buy a compilation, _Treasure_ if you’re not. ---
**Author:** ![Enter\_the\_Flagon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Enter\_the\_Flagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enter_the_Flagon)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2014, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/16 "2014-11-18T18:58:51Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![SaharaTea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@SaharaTea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaharaTea)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2014, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/17 "2014-11-18T19:43:08Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2014, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/18 "2014-11-18T20:29:14Z")
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… ---
**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 8:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/19 "2014-11-19T08:41:56Z")
Also Cranes. ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864/20 "2014-11-19T17:29:30Z")
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! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-start-with-the-cocteau-twins/704864.md?page=2)