Name: Garlands
Brand: Cocteau Twins

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

gad211cd

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2011-02-23

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Cocteau Twins

Genre GB

New Wave / Post Punk

Label GB

The influential 4AD label was started in 1980 by music enthusiasts Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent with financial help from Beggars Banquet, whose record store chain the pair worked for. Originally called Axis, they released an initial series of four 7" singles before finding out that the name Axis was already being used by another label. They quickly came up with a new name, 4AD, inspired by typography on a flyer announcing their releases. Under Ivo Watts-Russell's guidance, drawing influence from other UK indie labels such as Beggars Banquet, Postcard Records and Factory, 4AD quickly established a unique identity thanks to both the cover designs of Vaughan Oliver/v23 and the label's unique numbering system.

In 1992, 4AD entered a highly publicized Stateside distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records, opening offices in New York headed up by Robin Hurley. The label was largely run from California for most of the decade after Ivo Watts-Russell moved to Los Angeles in the mid-90s. In November 1999 it was announced that Martin Mills had taken over as chairman and relocated its HQ to London.

Decoding their unique numbering system reveals various formats like mail-order only releases (4AD), LPs (CAD), MP3 downloads (EAD), posters (FAD), videos (VAD) and more. The numeric portion of their catalog numbers

Cocteau Twins were a Scottish post-punk/ethereal/dream pop band formed in 1981 in Grangemouth, Falkirk. Known for their unique sound and ethereal vocals, the band captivated audiences with their dreamlike melodies and atmospheric music. With a career spanning over 15 years, Cocteau Twins left an indelible mark on the music industry before disbanding in 1997. Their innovative approach to music continues to inspire artists today.
Throughout their career, Cocteau Twins released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including "Treasure," "Heaven or Las Vegas," and "Blue Bell Knoll." Their distinct blend of post-punk, ethereal, and dream pop genres created a mesmerizing sonic landscape that set them apart from other bands of their time.
Cocteau Twins' enchanting vocals provided by Elizabeth Fraser added another layer of beauty to their music. Her angelic voice combined with Robin Guthrie's atmospheric guitar work and Simon Raymonde's melodic bass lines created a truly magical listening experience.

Originally released in June of 1982, the debut album by the Cocteau Twins is considered far darker than some of their later offerings, being influenced by Siouxsie and the Banshees, early Cure and the Birthday Party. During this early period, Will Heggie's bass played a significant role in defining their sound, giving it a darker and heavily rhythmic, earthy texture. This combined with Robin Guthrie's minimalistic and heavily effected guitar arrangements; a great deal of distortion and feed-back, smoothed out with chorus, reverb and flanger. Beneath is the roland 808 drum machine thumping along, as distinctively Cocteau sounding as the guitar. All while Elizabeth Fraser seemed to veer into glossolalia and mouth music. Garlands marks the beginning of their haunting ethereal sound. A masterpiece.

Garlands

Music GB

Buy Cocteau Twins - Garlands (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.