As magical as the Twins records are, you can't listen to them all the time. There have been plenty of faux-Cocteaux, but is there anyone out there that is as sublimely transcendant as the Twins in their 4AD prime?
Recommendations appreciated...
Recommendations appreciated...
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Tue, May 24, 2005 - 11:25 AMcheck out the FLIR... they're a local band from LA.
They've got a website with downloads.
I think all they've released so far is an EP... -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Mon, June 13, 2005 - 4:33 PMOrange for obvious mid-period Cocteaux reproductions, almost too obvious; Love Spirals Downwards for faithful mid- to late-period Cocteaux - pretty, but needs more inspiration; lovesliescrushing for that gauzy Slowdive-influenced, Cocteaux-inspired drone; Bel Canto for Cocteaux-inspired lushness and beauty, with true originality; Caterwaul for those moments when you wonder what would happen if the Cocteaux and U2 had a baby, with Led Zeppelin for a wicked stepmother; Stereolab if the Cocteaux were sent to outer space in a '60s space capsule with too many Astrid Gilberto and Equivel records; Danielle Dax if the Cocteaux' middle eastern touches were allowed to flourish, '60s paraphernalia encouraged, along with an interest in sadomasochism and the occult, and Liz sang comprehensible lyrics; Shelleyan Orphan if Liz was forever lost in 19th century romantic poetry and Robin thought he could sing falsetto; Lush if Robin fancied himself a grunge guitarist and Liz wore more miniskirts and black tights. -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Mon, August 15, 2005 - 10:12 PMI wanted to speak to your recomendations a little, if I could...
Love Spirals Downwards- Like COcteau meets DCD, a little bit of both without being as original as either, although this band is soothing to listen to. "FLUX" I think gets away from the late period Twins sound, but I like the Drum and Bass aspects, I think it's a good direction, although not very original either.
Loveliescrushing- I only know their new album, which to me sounds more akin to Sigur Ros than Slowdive. experimental, but a little boring. I listen to them when I want music that won't distract me at all...
Bel Canto- agian, I had SW&B for a long time, with mixed feelings. Anneli has a similar range as Liz, but could also be compared to Enya or Sara mclachlin(sp?). I recently aquired BOP, WOC, and MBox. My first reaction to the BC catalog is this: PRETENTIOUS, trying to hard, sometimes annoying. yet, I find this band's music so endearing that I just LOVE them! Especially BOP and WOC, it's like Early Depeche Mode/Erasure with Liz Fraser instead of ALison Moyet. My biggest problem with BC is their lyrics. DUmb Dumb Dumb! I always found "Pearly Dewdrops drops" to be a *dumb* song, but since you can't understand the lyrics, it doesn't get on my nerves as much. MBox has some of the best musical production and beats, but also some of the most annoying clubby songs. "Paradise" is my favorite, it sounds like the Twins with an electro beat.
Danielle Dax- Currently I own the Sire 88 EP collection (Dark Eye, or whatever it's called). There are some good songs, and a lot of songs I can't really stand for very long. This is the type of CD that if anything stressful happens in my reality while it's playing, I immediately have to shut it off or I'll kill my stereo. What I don't get is the comparison to the TWins... I just don't hear it at all. I could see comparing her vocals to Kate Bush, or here music to early/mid Siouxsie... Creatures especially... but Not Liz. Please explain...?
Lush- Love them, always have. THe obvious connection to the twins is through Guthries production on "Spooky" and parts of "Gala", which was also produced by Tim Friese Green, linking them (perhaps appropriately) with Catherine Wheel, and Talk Talk. Their Guitar sounds on the first two albums is very Guthrie-esque, but although I love Emma and MIki, they sound nothing like Liz, wouldn't you agree?
Okay, I know I've plugged this band like, a hundred times... but if you haven't already, check out the FLIR. They've got the Twins sound, but maintain originality. What do you think, Elisa?
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Mon, June 20, 2005 - 3:15 AMThe twins broke the mold. It really all depends on how open you are to contrived bands who take it upon themselves to be oh soo influenced. I think the record label that really took a liking to 4AD would be Projekt. It would seem that they brought out a whole lot of Cocteau twins (pun intended) in the early 90's. Bands like
Lycia
Love Spirals Downward
Love Lies Crushing
Autums Grey Solace (having vocals that are different from Liz's but still capturing the ethereal magic of CT's work)
Not that we should forget
The Cranes, who's lead singer Alison Shaw's vocals are child like yet set them apart from CT.
Not too many bands have such whispy unidentifiable lyrics. Save for Sigur Ros's lead singer Jonsi who sings in jibber of icelandic he calls "HOpelandic"
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Sat, July 16, 2005 - 8:54 PMWhich Cranes?
I haven't heard too much, but nothing ever clicked with me... -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Thu, July 21, 2005 - 3:55 PMLater Cranes are a little more ethereal (i.e., wispy beauty), except for most of Population 4, which has a harder, straight-up rock sound. Early Cranes (Wings of Joy, Forever) are definitely beautiful records, but with the darker beauty of mid-period Swans. Loved, their 1994 cd, walked the line between their darker sound, and more radio-friendly "hits" like Shining Road and Beautiful Friend. -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Mon, August 15, 2005 - 9:48 PMYeah, I had a copy of "wings of joy" for a long time, and I just couldn't get through it! This was the one that I'd always heard fans rave about, so I misjudged the band by this unlistenable album. I still have the tracks on my ipod, and I still can't stand them... although I like the Live version of "Adoration" on the Italy album.
However, that being said... now I'm like, obsessed with this band!
Remember how we were saying that sometimes there's music you know about for a long time but never get into, and then one day something magical happens...?
Like, in art school in the '90s I heard alot about this band, but didn't like them.
I picked up a copy of "Loved" a few months ago, and finally thought "oh, this is what I always wished that they sounded like!"
SInce then I've collected all of their albums (Minus WOJ) and truthfully I do favor their later work, in fact I think they just keep getting better. "Particles and Waves" is unbelievable! It's like Portishead meets Slowdive or something... have you heard it yet?
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Wed, August 17, 2005 - 10:39 AMOkay Elisa, which Swans...?
I've got a copy of CHildren of God, World of SKin.
I like Jarboe's voice, but the music is a little too slow.
Any advice? -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Sun, August 21, 2005 - 3:49 AMI've heard a few of the above mentioned bands, and none strike me as being able to carry some sort of Twins torch. Many of them fall into dark wave, and bear similar characteristics, but not even one has the one thing that addicted me instantly to CT.
I guess it's a Highlander thing. There can be only one.
;) -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Mon, August 22, 2005 - 11:27 AMof course there can only be one, it would be depressing if it were that easy to follow in their footsteps!
My ridiculously long commentary was meant to point out the possible comparisons.
For instance, Anneli Drekkers voice, or Love SPirals "guthrie-esque" guitar melodies...
bits and pieces of twins music can be extracted from later bands musical attemptss, even if they fall short of the Twins originality.
So, what's the one thing that addicted you to the twins? -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Wed, August 31, 2005 - 2:41 PMHer voice, of course. Everything else is incidental almost. Which doesn't mean I don't love it (I know what I just said sounded harsh, but I have to be honest here), but it's just that her voice was the thing that hooked me instantly and kept me riveted. I grew to love the textures that the rest of the Twins weave around her, but it wasn't love at first listen for me...unlike her voice, which was. That's probably because I'm a staunch follower of really heavy music and at the time I was only listening to death metal and schizo avant garde stuff.
But the whole of the Twins grew on me faster than moss on damp trees. -
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This is the maximum depth. Additional responses will not be threaded.
Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Wed, August 31, 2005 - 11:32 PMI've never had lizitis. I've always heard the twins as a whole. Coincidentally I don't care for the future sound of london feat. liz. I think she and the ct sound need one another. no offense to the liz fan club. Her voice is so beautiful it makes me cry sometimes, but I don't know that I'd respond that way if the backdrop was something else. It's impossible to say isn't it?
non sequitor: Guy in front of me at Heaven or Las Vegas tour yelled "Liz I love you!" then puked everywhere. I'll never forget that. :)
Peace. -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Thu, September 1, 2005 - 3:41 AMoh I really liked her contribution to FSOL. The remix album though. It features more OF her. And I loved what she did with Massive Attack. I pretty much think I'd dig her even if she sang with nothing but toilet flushings as backdrops. hahaha, what can I say? I'm a sucker. -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Thu, September 1, 2005 - 8:59 AMThere are worse diseases to have than lizitis. Imagine if instead of doing the pick-up-quarters dance to the mopey/angelic twins sound you prefered practicing your new gyrations in front of a mirror chewing bubblegum and winking at yourself from beneath your metrosexual sunglasses.
<3
P.S. I'll give fsol w/ liz a re-listen and try to track down the remix and massive attack trax. -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Fri, September 2, 2005 - 7:31 AMoh...the dance....I do those on Saturdays. hehehe.
Oh, the reximed fsol album is the only one to hear from that effort if you actually want to hear Liz. I find the original double album has WAY too little of her. -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Thu, September 29, 2005 - 4:12 PMThose Liz tracks on the Massive Attack album entitled 'Mezzanine'. It's one of my favorite overall and I would recommend it in its entirety. It seems as though MA really took it upon themselves to have a rotating female vocal and on three of their later albums they've had a different female vocal. They all sounded similar to Liz, but none equalled the power. Protection had Tracey Thorne (from Everything but the Girl) and 100th Window had Sinead O'Connor.
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Sun, September 10, 2006 - 1:51 AMI love Ulrich Schnaus, but I'd say that's more...atmospheric ambient rather than Cocteau-ish. Great stuff, though!
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Thu, September 29, 2005 - 7:49 AMwell It's gotta be Britney in the mirror right?
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Sat, October 1, 2005 - 5:09 AMPersonally I have given up trying to find a replacement. Though I will say give M83 a listen. Beautiful and Ethereal but sparse on the lyrics. Still excellent dream candy and they TOTALLY KILLED IT last night at Mezzanine-SF. Oh but if you read Robin's blog (pulp.orangephotography.com/robin) he mentions Flat-7 (flat-7.com) and they are definitely in the same universe. -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Tue, December 13, 2005 - 10:54 PMHave you guys seen music-map.com?
It's this site that maps what other bands people like that listen to the band that you type in to the search engine.
Who knows what their sources are, but it's pretty interesting.
According to them, people who listen to CT also like (in approximate order of relevence):
X-mal Deutschland
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Curve
the Orb
Cindytalk
This Mortal Coil
Cesaria Evora
Arvo Part
Lisa Gerrard
Philip Glass
John Adams
Big Audio Dynamite
Swans
Lush
Billy Bob Thornton
Sisters of Mercy
Hybrid
miranda Sex Garden
Cure
Rasputina
Jacques Lu Cont
Peter Murphy
Love Spirals Downwards
Cranes
David Sylvian
1919
Bauhaus
Heart Throbs
Violet Indiana
Puressence
and a few others, but you get the idea... -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Wed, December 14, 2005 - 8:37 AMHybrid is wonderful -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Wed, December 14, 2005 - 11:26 PMWhich Hybrid?
I checked out M83 today, and wasn't totally impressed.
i'd rather listen to Autechre's "Amber"
which is awesome, if you haven't heard it.
btw- I like Elisa's recomendation for "Shelleyan Orphan"
though you might as well add
The Sundays
to that list... like the CT meet the Smiths...
hmmmm.... -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Mon, December 19, 2005 - 9:00 AMHybrid is modern electronica- if you are into it try Wider Angle :)
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Unsu...
Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Thu, December 15, 2005 - 7:04 AMNope" Elizabeth Fraser voice on anything is close, but Alas no" no'one has the mistique volume transssmission that the sleeping Cocteau Twins had, they were timeless, and always on the edge of the ether. Their Silence screams at the gossomer. -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Sun, December 18, 2005 - 5:55 AMIt is amazing that CT are very unique in that really no body sounds exactly like them esp. from Treasure onwards. This is what I really appreciate about them the most-their beautiful originality.
There are many other bands that sound very similar to each other-I can't think of one that sounds anything near to CT's magic.
I will say that I really like Slowdive esp. their Souvlaki album. At least a handful of their songs on it sounds CT influenced and are really beautiful and psychedelic (I describe CT music as dreamy, creamy, flowery, beautiful, magical, shimmery, lushious, ethereal, surreal, cathartic, yummy, and psychedelic, etc.).
Most of the bands listed so far, I agree, sound either influenced by or are in the same ballpark as Cocteau Twins and I like many of them; yet, seem to be without CT's magic (I will say that many of them are great in their own right). Jeremy -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Sun, December 18, 2005 - 4:01 PMCheck out Slowdive's "Pygmalion" if you haven't already,
it kind of predicts Sigur-Ros in a way...
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Tue, January 24, 2006 - 7:24 PMImogen Heap-- "Speak for Yourself" Listen to 'Hide and Seek' (track5) on that album. It's brought tears to my eyes.
She was one part of the duo called Frou Frou. I was not as impressed with their sound, but Heap's got a real vocal range and soul like LF does.
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Sun, January 29, 2006 - 9:50 AMHalou
is a local San Francisco electronica band,
I saw them open for Robin Guthrie.
THey featured Zoe Keating (rasputina) on Cello,
a electric bass player,
electronic drum kit player,
synths
and female vocalist.
THey clearly have CT influence,
and also CUrve...
They have a website, and a few albums
www.halou.com/
Also, along the lines of "slowdive"
anyone a "Pale Saints" fan? -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Fri, April 7, 2006 - 9:02 PMSorry I'm Late on this discussion, but I just joined tribe. Has anyone heard of a band called "Gecko"? Not the "Gecko" you'll find with an internet search. This band I believe was American and was a female duet. A friend of mine played some of their songs for me back in the early - mid 90's and I have never seen nor hear of them sense. If anyone ever sounded similar to the Cocteau Twins while maintaining an original style it would have to be them, in my opinion. Their sound was very similar to songs like Hazel or Wax & Wane. Lots of distorted guitars and bass stretched over heavy drum machines with wailing but melodic vocals, if my memory serve me well. Anyone have any info on these gals? I've been wanting to add them to my library for quite a while and I no longer have contact with the person who introduced them to me. :(
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Thu, May 11, 2006 - 3:11 AMHi People! Congratulate me on my first post on this forum!
Just scanning through the thread and noticed someone mention Frou Frou's 'Hide & Seek'. I suppose that track has a similar affect on me as when I heard Cocteau's way back in the mists of the early 80's. Lately it's Sigur Ros sonically. I did stumble across an unsigned band recently with very Guthrie sounding guitar work. Stacks of free downloadable MP3's on their website. Check them out www.bloodruby.com/frameset.html ('Remains of the day' is highly recommended).
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Sun, September 10, 2006 - 1:48 AMThis post has TOTALLY enlightened me musically! Thank you for this thread, and to everyone who has been responding to it. I'm so glad I found it.
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Sun, March 18, 2007 - 7:50 AMFor a different way of getting a handle on this question, try entering "Cocteau Twins" or "Heaven Or Las Vegas" in Pandora. You get a few CT tunes and some very entertaining online radio. -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Sun, April 22, 2007 - 11:11 PMCheck out the new Blonde Redhead album,
23.
it's beautiful.
I just saw them play earlier today.
it's funny, I put this album on for a friend the other day, and the first thing she said was,
"this sounds like Cocteau Twins!"
maybe not exactly, but you can decide for yourself
Also, any Cocorosie fans? -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Mon, April 23, 2007 - 12:58 PMLove me some CocoRosie! -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Thu, April 26, 2007 - 6:07 PMBTW
CocoRosie are playing in SF next week...I think on Tuesday the 1st at the Great American Music Hall. -
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Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Fri, June 1, 2007 - 4:59 PMlots of bands i would think of have been mentioned
but I would add:
emiliana torrini- for the dreamy sweetness
majoun- for the trance vocal ambient trippiness
hungry lucy
sia furler ( a little funkier, but I love her)
and for similar vibe with a world music twist there's
vas
azam ali
stellamara
axiom of choice
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Unsu...
Re: Who are Today's Twins?
Fri, June 1, 2007 - 6:04 PMI was going to suggest that album too - so melodic and beautiful.
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