The Cocteau Twins have announced an exciting new vinyl reissue of their 1986 collaboration with Harold Budd, “The Moon and The Melodies.” This reissue, available on August 23 via 4AD, has been meticulously remastered from the original tapes by the band’s own Robin Guthrie. This marks the first time the album will be available on vinyl since its initial release, making it a highly anticipated event for fans and collectors alike.
In addition to the reissue, the Cocteau Twins have launched a new YouTube channel. This channel features high-resolution tape transfers of all their official music videos for the first time. Fans can now enjoy upgraded versions of iconic clips for songs such as “Pearly Dewdrops’ Drops,” “Heaven or Las Vegas,” and “Evangeline.” These upgrades were made possible using original masters found in both 4AD and Universal Music’s vaults.
To coincide with these announcements, the band has also opened a new official merchandise store. This is the first time since 1997 that official Cocteau Twins merchandise has been available for purchase, adding another layer of excitement for fans.
Earlier this year, the Cocteau Twins reissued their final two albums, 1994’s “Four-Calendar Café” and 1996’s “Milk & Kisses.” These re-releases followed similar reissues of their previous albums over the years, including “Treasure,” “Head Over Heels,” “Garlands,” and “Victoria.” The band’s commitment to preserving and enhancing their musical legacy is evident in these efforts.
“The Moon and The Melodies” was originally credited under each artist’s individual names—Simon Raymonde, Elizabeth Fraser, and Robin Guthrie. However, it is now generally considered a proper Cocteau Twins LP and can be found under the band’s page on most streaming services. The album features a mix of soaring vocal tracks like “Sea, Swallow Me” and “She Will Destroy You,” as well as lush instrumentals such as “Memory Gongs” and “Why Do You Love Me?” It is an essential part of the Cocteau Twins’ discography and a great next listen for anyone looking to explore beyond their iconic “Heaven Or Las Vegas” album.
The remastering of “The Moon and The Melodies” was overseen by Robin Guthrie himself, ensuring that the new release stays true to the original sound while offering enhanced audio quality. This meticulous attention to detail is sure to please both long-time fans and new listeners.
The band’s new YouTube channel is another exciting development. By offering high-resolution versions of their music videos, the Cocteau Twins are providing fans with a fresh way to experience their visual and auditory artistry. Some of these videos have never been posted before, making this a treasure trove for enthusiasts.
Despite all these exciting developments, a reunion of the band seems unlikely. Simon Raymonde has indicated that there are no plans for the band to get back together. However, fans can still enjoy the newly reissued albums and the wealth of content available on the new YouTube channel.
For those looking to delve deeper into the band’s history, Simon Raymonde has announced a new memoir titled “In One Ear – Cocteau Twins, Ivor and Me.” This 352-page book is set to be released on September 12 via Nine Eight Books and is available for pre-order. The memoir promises to offer an in-depth look at the band’s journey and Raymonde’s personal experiences.
The Cocteau Twins were founded in Grangemouth, Scotland, in 1979 by guitarist Robin Guthrie and bassist Will Heggie. They were later joined by Elizabeth Fraser, who was dating Guthrie at the time. The band became known for their unique ethereal sound, which has influenced a wide range of artists, including Prince, Annie Lennox, Slowdive, Lush, and My Bloody Valentine.
Following Heggie’s departure in 1983, the band spent a brief period as a duo before being joined by Simon Raymonde. They signed to 4AD in 1982 and went on to release six albums, including the classic LP “Heaven Or Las Vegas.” Elizabeth Fraser and her partner Damon Reece (Massive Attack, Echo & The Bunnymen) formed a new project named Sun’s Signature and released a self-titled debut EP in 2022.
The reissue of “The Moon and The Melodies” is a significant event for fans of the Cocteau Twins and Harold Budd. The album’s remastering and re-release on vinyl, CD, and digital formats ensure that this timeless collaboration will continue to be enjoyed by new generations of listeners. With the addition of a new YouTube channel and official merchandise store, the Cocteau Twins are offering fans multiple ways to engage with their music and legacy.
Source: Pitchfork, The A.V. Club, NME
