Customer Reviews

BBC Sessions

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This new double disk compilation will both exhilarate and disappoint. Nonetheless, it is well worth buying. Long-time fans will find the tracks on the first disk recorded with BBC's John Peel in the early 80's too familiar if still great. Such early classics as "Wax and Wane" and "Musette and Drums" vary little from those appearing on 1983's Garlands and Head Over Heals, although live versions. Tracks 5-8 of disk 1 actually appeared on the UK version of Garlands. Notable exceptions are a wonderful "in our anglehood" from Head Over Heals and an interesting 1983 rendition of Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit." And disk 1 does offer newer admirers of CT an excellent retrospective that captures the essential early CT sound, a sublime display of the band's punk sensibility and origins. Disk 2, on the other hand, is exceptional. The 14 tracks, three from a 1983 Saturday Night Live performance, illustrate Liz Fraser's live vocal explorations, offering up the incredible range of her affecting voice and demonstrating the musical and technical maturing of bandmates Robin Guthrie and Simon Raymonde. Yet anyone who has seen them live will probably agree that CT can offer even more than is demonstrated here. Unlike the Pink Opaque, where "Pepper-Tree" fell so forcefully into "Musette and Drums," they have reversed the order here because the tracks are organized chronologically by recording session, with "Musette and Drums" part of the Saturday Night Live session and "Pepper-Tree" from a 1984 Peel session. If some of the drama is lost, both are still nice. On the recordings from the 90's, tracks 8-14, Liz's voice is simply breathtaking, especially on "golden-vein," "half-gifts," "seekers who are lovers," and "calfskin smack." But it's hard to play favorites. Indeed, by the end of the second disk listeners can expect to emerge from an exquisite journey through time and space changed for the better and wanting to do it all over again.

This box set is clearly a must-have for fans, but it also is a good first purchase for newcomers. However, disc one could be a surprise for those who are only familiar with the dreamy soundscapes of the Cocteau's "middle-era". Some lesser known songs have already appeared on their first 12" release "Lullabies" and on the European edition of the album "Garlands". All in all, the performance makes the Cocteaus sound darker and more rock-oriented than they used to be. Disc two is a surprise too, because the clinical production of songs from "Milk and Kisses" is stripped away, and these songs definitely sound more "underground". I think the whole album is a great new way to listen to the Cocteau Twins and it proves that they were among the most innovative and enjoyable '80s dark wave groups.

This is an album you should enjoy and enjoy a lot. Incidentally when a BBC sessions album is released by a band it doesn't really mean it's a live album. It's just the band recording the songs at BBC's studios so that it can be broadcasted on radio at a particular time. So for those who were wondering why there were Liz's voice in the background as well as at the forefront should rest at ease - there was a little bit of studio trickery there. I just I should point that out lest someone gets confused

While packaged in a somewhat overly fussy sleeve, with the same info repeated several times, this is wish fulfillment for fans of pre-BLUE BELL KNOLL Cocteau Twins. The alternate versions of early songs esp. highlight Liz's uncanny, howling delivery (I never understood all the comparisons to Siouxsie). "Strange Fruit" is a jaw-dropping fusion of post-punk and the blues... whew! while some tracks are redundant and strictly fan-friendly, nothing seems like filler. The later tracks are a bit weak. However, they feature Liz belting things out in a manner that became increasingly RARE (in the studio at least) after, say, 1988. The band that once sounded like it had at least two vocalists was starting to sound a LOT like its imitators. However, this is highly recommended, especially for those that like they're Twins simple and STARKLY, DARKLY beautiful, rather than obviously "pretty"...

The first thing to know about this set is that roughly three-quarters of the tracks are recordings made in the early 80's, when the Cocteau Twins sound was heavier and darker. Stronger rhythms and more droning guitars than what you might be familiar with from their later works. If you liked Garlands or other releases from that era, you'll love this.

The remaining tracks are mostly from Milk and Kisses. On these tracks, especially, it's easier to hear details and nuances of Fraser's vocals that get lost in the highly produced studio versions of the tracks. This is especially noticeable in the quiet and personal "Half-gifts" and some of the heartier signing in "Seekers Who Are Lovers".

My only quibble with the album is that it's questionable just how "live" some of these performances are, particularly the recordings from the 80's. In spots, Fraser is obviously singing along with tapes of back-up vocals (either that or she brought a clone into the studio). Nearly the first minute of "The Tinderbox (of a heart)" sounds identical to the studio version.

In contrast, the tracks from the 90's sound more "live" (either the drum machines are better, or there are real musicians sitting in), and Fraser doesn't use any taped backing vocals. Since there's a lot of multi-tracked vocals on these tunes, Fraser has to choose which parts to sing. Although this helps you hear her singing more clearly, the absence of some of these parts leaves the songs sounding incomplete (especially true of "Violaine").

Still, those minor complaints aside, this is a great listen. Fraser's unique vocal style is why most of us love the Cocteau Twins, and it's great to be able to hear it front and center over the long evolution of the group's sound.

Most of this 2 CD set dates from around 1983, so the songs are very synth-driven. The recording quality is superb on both discs... much better than most of the Cocteau live bootlegs that circulate in record stores. Liz's voice sounds exceptional, especially on the old classic tracks. Her voice on the new songs is much more restrained. Several previously unreleased tracks are available on this album for the first time, such as "Hearsay Please," "Dear Heart," "Strange Fruit," and "My Hue and Cry." All in all, this album is definitely worth buying, yet fans who adore the Heaven or Las Vegas/Four-Calendar Cafe era will be somewhat disappointed.

I'm as big a fan as they come, but live Cocteau has a problem -- there's just one Elizabeth. On studio albums, as you know, there are numerous vocal tracks, creating a rich, layered sound. I never knew how important this element was until it was gone. Live recordings (including the BBC Sessions) just feel sort of anemic, because only one melody is being sung. Yes, her voice is still beautiful, but it changes the nature of the songs.

I'm not going to tell anyone not to listen for themselves, but I was disappointed.

This collection is just what fans starved for more Cocteau Twins need. Unfortunately, the band's breakup seems final and re-issues, retrospectives and live albums are all we may get. Only two complaints - no liner notes or booklet?!?!! Why not?? And also - I think this collection is a bit heavy on the early part of the Twins' career. About one-third of Disc 1 will seem mediocre especially for fans' of post 1984 (the "Treasure" album) period. But the rest of the music is brilliant, including an exceptional recording of "Seekers Who Are Lovers". Possibly even better than the "Milk and Kisses" version - I'll need a few more listens. "From The Flagstones", "Pepper-Tree", "Musette and Drums", "Violaine", and "Fifty-fifty Clown" are all performed wonderfully. This is a definite must for any Cocteau Twins fan's collection.

The Cocteau Twins are one of my all-time favorite bands. I regret to inform interested listeners that this compilation is really meant for the hard core fan. Even then, it's mainly a collection of live performances. If you've seen the Cocteau Twins live, you know that their sound is difficult to reproduce live. I have been a fan from the beginning and I understand the fundamental movement indigenous to innovative labels like 4AD. If you are seeking something to sink your teeth into, try Blue Bell Knoll or Heaven or Las Vegas. These two CDs offer two distinct, yet equally compelling periods within the Cocteau Twins experience.

this very nice set overcame my good-but-not-great impression of CT. another reviewer called their performances here "coarse" and that's exactly right: in a few places you can almost hear the jesus and mary chain grinding away under the sweet and melancholy whisps. that's a good thing (i think), and overall this stands up well beside victorialand.