Limited Edition 2006 digitally remastered digipack reissue of their final album, originally released in 1996. Features 'Half-Gifts', 'Rilkean Heart, 'Treasure Hiding', 'Volaine' and more. Mercury.
Limited Edition 2006 digitally remastered digipack reissue of their final album, originally released in 1996. Features 'Half-Gifts', 'Rilkean Heart, 'Treasure Hiding', 'Volaine' and more. Mercury.
Alan Taylor | Chicago, IL United States | 03/31/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the Cocteau Twins final full-length release, and as sad it may be that they are no longer creating music together, what a perfect ending to a wonderful run. This CD encompasses everything that a long-time fan like myself loves about Cocteau Twins. Sweeping melodies, lush soundscapes, both foreign and yet totally accesible at the same time. Some fans have not given this album the same high marks as past efforts and that is totally puzzling. Are we all listening to the same CD? This final effort is every bit as musically enlightned as "Blue Bell Knoll" or "Victorialand." Put this disc on when you have the time to pay attention, late at night, and let the music sweep you away. This is disc is a must have... you won't we disappointed."
Graceful beauty - aural climax.
M. Nastasi | Grand Forks, ND United States | 05/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My first exposure to Cocteau Twins was via MTV, of all places, back when they played music instead of commercials masking themselves as music. "Postmodern MTV" hosted by Kevin Seal (whatever happened to him?) played the video for "Carolyn's Fingers" from "Blue Bell Knoll," saying it was brilliant. I had to agree - BBK was in my collection the next day.I have since been fortunate enough to own all of the Cocteau Twins US releases, and a few of their UK releases for good measure. What a gift to the world their career as an ensemble was!"Milk and Kisses" is an appropriate coda to a catalogue of ethereal, heartfelt masterpieces. Frasier's vocals lilt above the astral guitarwork like wispy clouds on "Serpentskirt," evoking visions of love, lust and loss. On other tracks, like "Tishbite," her assured stylings portray an inner strength that is positively inspirational. Each track is a journey itself, while being a chapter in a larger, more universal story. Overall, the sound is epic, angelic and hopeful.Though we may not see another release from this seminal, completely unique band, "Milk and Kisses" is a practically perfect curtain call. Recommended highly!!!"
Beauty, Bliss, Elegance, Melancholy
Jack Dempsey | South Miami Beach, Florida | 08/29/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Cocteau Twins definitely have noticeable, distinct stages. There is the early (circa 1982) dark, brooding stage found in the works of "Garlands" or "The Pink Opaque." There is the movement into the extremely beautiful wall-of-sound-landscape sound, rich in texture and warmth that began with "Treasure," went to "Victorialand" and ultimately peaked with their most beautiful album, "Blue Bell Knoll." It is this stage which is, in my humble opinion, their most beautiful. It certainly secured 4AD's presence on the scene (as if it were unable to do that with the likes of This Mortal Coil, Dead Can Dance, Dif Juz, etc!) Then, of course, there is a later, almost indescribable stage, but certainly different than its predecessors, with "Heaven or Las Vegas" and "Four Calendar Cafe." This release, dare I say, marks a return to that beautiful stage described above. It is such a beautiful release, that does not stray far from the original formula of lilting guitars, delicate drums, and awe-inspiring vocals. I remember catching the Cocteau Twins in concert, with The Cure, Mazzy Star and Gallon Drunk circa 1987. It was indeed an incredible show, and this release for some reason brought back the memories of that time. Definitely pick this release up. For those long-time fans who were, to a degree, disappointed by "Four Calendar Cafe" will find this release to be much more satisfying. Those who are just beginning to get into the Cocteau Twins....well, I HONESTLY would suggest you opt for either "Treasure," "Victorialand," or "Blue Bell Knoll" as a starter. However, I understand that "Blue Bell Knoll" is now out of print domestically. So, hit the mom and pop shops and see if you can find it used. But should you choose to go for a newer release, you cannot do wrong by picking this one up. It is by far, some of their best work in years. In my opinion, this cd is worth the cost alone for the song "Calfskin Smack" by itself. I cannot describe how simply beautiful it truly is. Thus, discover it for yourself. And to those who are new, you'll curse the Cocteau Twins for instilling in you the dire need to buy every single cd they have ever released. But, if that's the worse curse that ever befalls you, consider yourself truly blessed for being able to experience such beauty contained within."
Now THIS is alternative music!
Jack Dempsey | 06/11/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"forget about all of the other trendy so-called "alternative" groups like live,bush, or the offspring, the cocteau twins are the real deal when it comes to TRULY alternative music. after the so-so effort of four calendar cafe, the twins have made their best album since blue bell knoll, with its groovy bass playing courtesy of simon raymonde, the shimmering, cascading, feedback laden guitar work of robin guthrie, just possibly the world's most underrated guitarist, and the sweeping, swooping, dipping,curving, twisting, turning, operatic vocals of elizabeth frazier. i spotted six hit singles on this album, the stunning opening track "violane", "serpentskirt", the awesome "calfskin-smack", the merry-go-round-like "ups", "treasure hiding", and one of the most erotically otherworldly songs out there "seekers who are lovers". this record is aptly titled, because it feels just like your mother wrapping her arms around you, feeding you milk and smothering you with kisses, telling you that its gonna be alright, and it has a way of amplifying any mood you might be in, its perfect music for your honeymoon! i can't wait till their next album!"
One EXCELLENT swan song of an album
Jack Dempsey | 03/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"All right, people, let's get with the program. This is the BEST Cocteau Twins album since their masterpiece "Blue Bell Knoll". I'm really surprised so many fans would have such differing views but that's the way it goes. Did we all listen to the same album? There's plenty of CT's lush magic here. The second half of "Treasure Hiding" is glorious, "Seekers Who Are Lovers" is inspiring, "Serpentskirt" dark and beautiful. The soaring vocals of "Rilkean Heart" and the gentle melody of "Ups" are also highlights not to mention the throbbing mystery of the album opener "Violaine". I'm glad this is the record they made before breaking up. It's a perfect closer to a brilliant collection of music."