Customer Reviews

Milk & Kisses

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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!!!

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.

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!

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.

I am totally addicted to this album, but I can't figure out ANY of the lyrics. It was not one of my favorite Twins albums to begin with, but as I continued to listen to it, the overall sound experience grew on me. This is one of those disks to listen to during a rainy day with the headphones on, eyes shut, kicked back in your favorite lounger . . . aaaaah! Serpentskirt!

This album may not be as hard as earlier works or have the variation of some albums, but it solidly true to the Cocteau Twins sound. This album or Heaven and Las Vegas would be a good first album for the neophite Twins fan to appreciate their more current sound. After that of course The Pink Opaque, Treasure, and the relatively unknown Moon and the Melodies.

I agree that Half-Gifts is a defining Cocteau Twins song and is worth the price of the album. In my opinion it is one of the most beautiful and moving pieces of music that I have heard.

It is difficult to decide, but this is probably my favorite CT album. What I like about them is that each is decidedly unique and awesome in their own way. The reason I like this one the most is that it sounds the most 'mature' of all their albums. It's hard to explain, but each song is layered in such a way that it'll bring you up high, down low, swirl you around, that you are pretty much floating. Ok that didn't really make sense, but the production on this particular album seems top notch. Violaine is a great starter tune. Serpentskirt sounds a bit heavy, but I like it. Tishbite on contrast, is sugary sounding, but not bad. Half-gifts is airy-like. The next three songs are my favorites, they sound complex and 'epic'. Last three close out greatly, especially Treasure Hiding. Separate they are good, but together as a whole, listening straight through, it's great.

That said, to me most of their albums are on an equal level. I tend to listen to a particular one depending on the mood I'm in.

English is not my native language. I am Brazilian and my mother language is Portuguese. I love music, good British music above all, as I love football, good Brazilian football above all. Cocteau Twins made extremely good music and Milk & Kisses is their last and best album. Whoever loves music will certainly love this album. You do not need to know English to appreciate CT's music because music is not about words but about sound, good sound in harmony with beautiful human voice like Elizabeth Fraser's one just functioning as another musical instrument in every song. Lyrics are for poetry lovers and not for music lovers. Cocteau Twins are the final proof that words in music are meaningless. If you are not familiar with Cocteau Twins' music start with Milk & Kisses and next buy Heaven or Las Vegas and then I am sure you will buy all their albums and singles and eps, provided you are a music lover, of course.

Takes the best parts of Four Calender Cafe and gives the extra punch of Treasure . . the most complete cd and close to a Swan Song . . nothing out of the ordinary for the band . .rather perfecting what they have done for so long . .with a real drums, too! (As opposed to a drum machine.) Violin and Seekers appeared on the 1995 EP Otherness. And Faye Wong appears on the cd singing in Chinese with Liz backing. The cd is worht it for the track "Seekers Who Are Lovers" alone. Rivals anything the Cure ever did during the Faith era. And so much more positive!