Even though I'm very seriously into classical music, obviously, I do hold certain rock bands close to my heart, one of the biggest is the Cocteau Twins. I highly recommend the albums "Head Over Heels", "Treasure" and "Victorialand". Elizabeth Fraser's voice is angelic in it's purity, and as dramatic and emotional as they come. It doesn't matter that alot of the 'Twin's songs don't actually contain decipherable lyrics, it's her actual voice and the gorgeous sounds she makes with it, that really make this band unique. She treats her voice, like a musical instrument. Robin Guthries reverberated guitar cuts like shards of metallic uproar. The mood of this band is like a moist rainy night, with spectres of colour glimmering throughout...it's all very dreamlike. They have so many songs that are strikingly beautiful and haunting. "Five Ten Fiftyfold, "In the Gold Dust Rush", "In Our Angelhood", "Tenderbox of Heart", "Musette and Drums, "Beatrix", "Persephone" "Pandora", "Cicely" are all incredible pieces of music, and must be heard to be believed. Take a listen...this stuff was truly ahead of it's time:

Head Over Heels (1983): http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...roduct&id=78199

Treasure (1984): http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...roduct&id=78203

Clay

You're reminding me of my misspent youth - I was a Cocteauaholic.

You also need to try This Mortal Coil (Elisabeth fraser's cover of Buckley's 'Song to the Siren' is majestic) and Dead Can Dance - label mates and likewise ethereal in quality.

I actually have the first two This Mortal Coil releases. I'm a fan of anything with Elizabeth Fraser. I have heard some Dead Can Dance, will have to listen to some more. They actually released a new cd last winter, I think? As a side note, a friend of mine says that Cocteau Twins sounds like something that should be in the Lost Boys movie...haha, whatever!

I'm trying to remember which commercial featured "Song Of the Siren"....maybe it was Cacharel's Noa, back in the late 90's? Fraser's voice is so beautiful to me.

You reminded me of Cocteau Twins... I heard (maybe also had) "Treasure" ...-teen years ago. I was delighted with this music :)

And Dead Can Dance - "Serpent's Egg" (that was the title, I think)- winter, woods in the snow and me on the bus going back home after a ravishing night with my then boyfriend :) I was listening it on the walkman...

One song of their's that I really liked back in the day, mid 80's, was "Sugar Hiccups". I need to see if I can find that one online?

'Sugar Hiccup' is on Head Over Heels...a GREAT album!!!! One of my favorites!!! Buy it!! Now!!

I had forgotten about them. Thanks for the link.

Broke down and purchased CT's debut release, "Garlands"...I'm just loving it's moody, dark, atmospheric aura. Instead of sensing shimmering colour throughout the darkness, flashes of blue interpenetrate to the very core. I sense an inspiration from Joy Division, the Cure and Souxsie & the Banshees. It's a very catchy release, but somewhat foreboding, as as I said earlier...moody. The bass guitar stands out quite a bit, and the drums somewhat hard hitting and forceful...but with very jazzy drumming patterns. There's something very pretty about the Cocteau Twins, and I'm sure Elizabeth Fraser brings that "prettiness" to the forefront. Garlands is another one to check out. "But I'm Not" is the song that made me buy it, immediatlely. Great, nocturnal feel.

Blue Bell Knoll and Treasure were my favourites :) Dead can Dance had a fantastic album called Aion a masterpiece IMHO.

Nina