5 You Can't Stand?

[PearlyDew]

.....and I'll definitely agree with you on the "few bad songs" comment.....I can think of at least five of their tracks that I can't stand!


Care to list them for us? :lol:

[mmmender]

Care to list them for us?

Sure.......5 CT tracks that I can't stand........


Cherry Coloured Funk
Need Fire
Pearly Dewdrops' Drops
Serpentskirt
Half-Gifts

[edward]

No way! Cherry coloured funk and Pearly Dew drops' drops are sooo great!

[frarn]

I can understand about the M & K version of Half Gifts - but the acoustic version on "Lullabies" is rather nice, imho.

[SNegrea]

You mean the one on Lullabies to Violaine, right? That was originally on Twinlights.

Anyway, I like Half-Gifts. I think I'd prefer the Halou cover though.

[Mr. ED]

There are literally no Cocteau Twins songs that I can't stand.

Do I get a major award?


http://www.redriderleglamps.com/images/products/leg_lamp_standard_45_in_lg.jpg

[Kloop]

Sure.......5 CT tracks that I can't stand........
Cherry Coloured Funk
Need Fire
Pearly Dewdrops' Drops
Serpentskirt
Half-Gifts

Serpentskirt! Shame on you Leesa ;)

[otter]

Sure.......5 CT tracks that I can't stand........


Cherry Coloured Funk
Need Fire
Pearly Dewdrops' Drops Serpentskirt
Half-Gifts

I concur with most of this list, however, I must say that I find it surpising that Pearly Dewrops Drops is on the list....yeesh!!

That has to be one of their most beautiful songs ever....and a song that was (from what I have read) one of their most successful in the UK. Not that commercial success means much of anything when talking about the CT's. Well, to each their own:crying:

[mmmender]

I knew I'd take slack for listing those five.......but you wanted an honest answer didn't you?

I've been asked this same question many times before in other threads and the responses are generally the same. Seems that CCF, PDD and Serptenskirt are a couple of songs that die-hard CT fans seem to love.....but I just can't help it....I really dislike those tracks quite a bit. I think, if I had to pick the worst out of all of them, I'd have to say that CCF bugs me the most.....it's similar to why I dislike the song Serpentskirt......I find both songs very slow and tedious at the beginning, seemingly like forever has passed yet the songs still never pick up.......they just seem to go at this circular, head spinning pace, round and round, like something that's being wound up but it's latch is never released!!

[Fritter]

Squeeze Wax
Aloysius
One or two on M&K, but I don't own it so can't remember titles.
Those accoustic versions.

[mmmender]

Squeeze Wax

:jawdrop:

[Musette]

1. Sugar Hiccup
2. Pearly Dewdrops' Drops
3. Tishbite
4. Calfskin Smack
5. Four-Calendar Cafe

[fornasetti]

Everything on FCC except Evangeline and Bluebeard.

[Musette]

I can't even stand those two, Russell.

Of course, I had extenuating circumstances on Evangeline.

[fornasetti]

I can't even stand those two, Russell.

Of course, I had extenuating circumstances on Evangeline.

Care to explain ?

[Musette]

Um. It was a long time ago, but I was forced to listen to it three times by someone who was sobbing about how it was the best thing ever and appeared resentful that I was unmoved.

[fornasetti]

Um. It was a long time ago, but I was forced to listen to it three times by someone who was sobbing about how it was the best thing ever and appeared resentful that I was unmoved.

I find I become more careful about pushing CTs on people. I used to be like the person you referred to, but there's no point. If you make people a mix CD or play them one that you like, they can make up their own minds.

[PearlyDew]

Sure.......5 CT tracks that I can't stand........


Cherry Coloured Funk
Need Fire
Pearly Dewdrops' Drops
Serpentskirt
Half-Gifts

Uh-oh...are you sure it's the song, or is it my alias here? :lmao:

I'm just funnin' ya mmmender...nice to see you and thanks for the list. I don't think I've ever tallied a list myself, but I'm sure the songs I'd put on my list would have the most irritating drum machine tracks. :ignore:

[davespear]

This is weird. I'm not a prolific thread starter, but I was thinking about posting this very same Q. and now PearlyDew has:jawdrop:

However, like Fritter, I can't remember the titles without having them to hand:nod: but there are a few on Garlands (not 'shallow...'or 'wax...' or 'Hazel')
Beatrix
Half-gifts (M&K version)

btw, I've never heard 'Need Fire' or 'Time Baby Three'

[edward]

The "acoustic" B-side version of Bluebeard. :(

[Moya xx]

"Can't stand" is quite a harsh term.

I'm not particularly fond of the following -

Bluebeard (any version)
Multifoiled

... and, erm, that's about it. I'm sure more will spring to mind, if I think really long and hard about it, but I can't be arsed. I'd rather think about all the CT music / songs that I adore.

[PearlyDew]

This is weird. I'm not a prolific thread starter, but I was thinking about posting this very same Q. and now PearlyDew has:jawdrop:



Hey, I didn't start the thread! :slapfight: I'm just feeding the fire mmmender started! :queen:

Having said that, if anyone wants to split *this* thread off into one called "Songs With the Most Annoying Drum Machine Bits", I'd be happy to provide a list! :nod:

[ludwig]

It all depends on what you heard first. Pearly Dewdrops Drops was my first encounter. Before there was Song to the Siren on the radio but that was only once and I forgot the band name.
If you're grown up in the eighties with Daryl Hall and John Oats:shout: who in my opinion should be launched in eternal orbit at that time or should be fined to pay ether tax for spoiling my ears, Pearly Dewdrops Drops was the best song, a revelation.

[Quisquose]

Hey, I didn't start the thread! :slapfight: I'm just feeding the fire mmmender started! :queen:

Having said that, if anyone wants to split *this* thread off into one called "Songs With the Most Annoying Drum Machine Bits", I'd be happy to provide a list! :nod:


Persephone, for the win! (Though I still don't hate the song; it ain't one of my favorites)

[Quisquose]

Um. It was a long time ago, but I was forced to listen to it three times by someone who was sobbing about how it was the best thing ever and appeared resentful that I was unmoved.

D'oh! :crying:

My first impression of Evangeline was dull, dull, dull. And I felt that way for years, until eventually it sort of opened up for me and now it feels altogether different -- grand and gorgeous.

[randomrob]

Carolyn's fingers
Orange Appled
Lorelei
Bluebeard
Donimo

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p164/cosmicfaery/mermaids_dolphins/164680075RtKZvM_ph.jpg

[Quisquose]

*brandishes her major award at Rob like a club*

Bluebeard's a good track, y'all!

[DJ SMITHMIX]

I find it interesting that an Uberfan like Leesa can't stand 5 CT songs?
Wow! I worship CT and I can always listen to any song anytime and always enjoy it.
Oh well, I guess I got it bad for Liz. When I hear her I melt. But I'm one of those weirdos who loves all her sides projects too. Im such a freak! Even Liz thinks so!

========================================

NP: BUST Magazine's 15th Ann. party mix 2008 - By DJ Smithmix

[bearclaw]

there arent any songs by cocteau twins that provoke a strong negative reaction in me rather albums that i listen to less than others
but i did find treasure quite difficult to get into as an album untill i heard it on vinyl
but now with the advent of mp3 and such i find that a listen to alot of my music collection on random selction and in that experience ANY cocteau twins song is always head an shoulders above anything else that pops up & i have excellent taste in music so to say that i cant stand a cocteau twins song well i would be lying

[randomrob]

me either, I just don't care much for their 'popular' tunes

[PearlyDew]

I find it interesting that an Uberfan like Leesa can't stand 5 CT songs?
Wow! I worship CT and I can always listen to any song anytime and always enjoy it.
Oh well, I guess I got it bad for Liz. When I hear her I melt. But I'm one of those weirdos who loves all her sides projects too. Im such a freak!

Did you get your freak on with FSOL? :weird:

[Musette]

I used to be like the person you referred to

Oh, Russell, I can safely say that this is not at all true. Heh.

[fornasetti]

Oh, Russell, I can safely say that this is not at all true. Heh.

I'll take that as a compliment (I've been short of those lately).

[Plain Tiger]

HERESY. pure and simple. Everyone who has posted in this thread should be burned at the stake.

[bearclaw]

even me who didn't say that he disliked any cocteau twins song ? just that i prefered some over others but still think theyre all brilliant

[Plain Tiger]

Yeah, sorry. Everyone involved. Fascism doesn't discriminate. ;) Affiliation is bad enough. Heck, it's only fire.

[edward]

Of course that means you will be going down with us all...

[Plain Tiger]

Yup, no way around that one. Blasphemy done cooked our collective geese.

[davespear]

Carolyn's fingers
Orange Appled
Lorelei
Bluebeard
Donimo


Mr, rR!!! you cannot be serious:slapfight: You've listed some holy cows there you know.
Each to their own and all, but really! Your first against the wall come the revolution:cops:

[randomrob]

CT fans are far too finnicky and contrary to stage a revolt. Our only hope lies in centralized government.

anyway..... all those songs have been played to DEATH.

There's no musician that I can say I like 'everything' they did. That's pop music fundamentalism. Musicians don't even like all their own work, why should I?

[davespear]

Because you are a fan! Do you have any last requests before sentence is passed?

[edward]

A new Cocteau Twins record?

[davespear]

Hooray! Case dismissed, you're free to go.
What?
You were bailed by Edward:nod:

[dprid]

It's hardly surprising that some people actually dislike some CT tracks simply because of the diversity of those tracks, and moreso the diversity of the people listening. You only need to go and look at the 'Once & For All - Their Best Song Ever' thread to see that. How many other artists can you think of where over 75% of their entire catalogue of songs would get a vote as an all time favourite, and where those favourites comes from the just about every stage of their career. Highly unusual I would suggest, but illustrative perhaps of the range of the fan base.

[mike_mhg]

Glass candle Grenades and all of Twinlights

[seagirrl]

I can't think of 5 I can't stand. I'm not too keen on Milk and Kisses but I'd really need to think hard to get 5 songs I can't stand.

[Simonp]

frost the snowman
wax and wane
atholl brose
rilkean heart

[PearlyDew]

frost the snowman
wax and wane
atholl brose
rilkean heart

That's only four! :slapfight:

But finally somebody's come up with one I can't stand..."Frosty the Snowman"...and I'm going to add that I also abhore "Winter Wonderland". Bah humbug! Is it time for me to burn? :flame:

[cjshamrock]

Like seagirrl said, I don't think there are any tracks I can't stand. However, here are the top 5 that I usually skip:

1. Laugh Lines
2. Hearsay Please
3. Dear Heart
4. Alas Dies Laughing
5. Peppermint Pig


Essentially the earlier, "harder", heavily-Siouxsie influenced songs are the ones I like the least.

[edward]

I LOVE Dear Heart and Hearsay Please :nod:

[DJ SMITHMIX]

That's only four! :slapfight:

But finally somebody's come up with one I can't stand..."Frosty the Snowman"...and I'm going to add that I also abhore "Winter Wonderland". Bah humbug! Is it time for me to burn? :flame:

So no Cocteau's at Christmas time for you? Winter Wonderland is my favorite holiday tune.
It's not Christmas morning aroud my home with out the old "Snow" EP.
My sisters freak-out when I play it.:crazy:

_________________________________

NP: Raven sings the blues (psych mix 101) - August Smithmix 2008

[davespear]

Oh come come people, this is turning into a divisive thread. Obviously not everyone is going to have the same likes and dislikes, nothing wrong with that, and as cjshamrock and seagirl and poss others have said, 'can't stand' is maybe too strong.
Personally, I am a besotted fan with only songs that I don't like as much as others:nod:
Also, I happen to like 'frosty...' it's childish and 'poppy' but above all it's classically CT and I would rather hear that than most other Christmas tunes.

[halation]

Peppermint Pig
Sultitan Itan

and most of Garlands.

[Adam]

1. Glass Candle Grenades
2. Golden Vein
3. Grail Overfloweth
4. -
5. -

[Musette]

Oh come come people, this is turning into a divisive thread. Obviously not everyone is going to have the same likes and dislikes, nothing wrong with that, and as cjshamrock and seagirl and poss others have said, 'can't stand' is maybe too strong.
Personally, I am a besotted fan with only songs that I don't like as much as others:nod:
Also, I happen to like 'frosty...' it's childish and 'poppy' but above all it's classically CT and I would rather hear that than most other Christmas tunes.

I wonder how much "frosty" had been in that "corncob pipe and...button nose" when they recorded it. I'll bet it was up to their "eyes made out of coal".

[edward]

I wonder how much "frosty" had been in that "corncob pipe and...button nose" when they recorded it. I'll bet it was up to their "eyes made out of coal".

:crying:

[davespear]

hmpf!

[Quisquose]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/quisquose/daaammmn.jpg

[davespear]

I know this is not the right thread but, those 'Friday' films are hilarious. My son has borrowed all three. Even my little lad of 8 has managed to sneak a look at them:slapfight:

[randomrob]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/quisquose/daaammmn.jpg

:nod:

[etc etc]

Ok, get out the gasoline and flame throwers...I hardly ever listen to anything released prior to Love's Easy Tears...I own all the official releases and old box set and Lull. to Vio comp, but still, you will be hard pressed to find me playing anything prior to 1986/87. Yep, I only like a few tracks off of Treasure. I think for me it's the drum machines and keyboards prior to 1988, just a little too dated and rigid for me. For me it all came together on BBK and onwards...ok, incinerate me! I NEED FIRE! Burn Baby Burn a Cocteau Inferno!

[PearlyDew]

I wonder how much "frosty" had been in that "corncob pipe and...button nose" when they recorded it. I'll bet it was up to their "eyes made out of coal".

:lmao:

[edward]

How can anyone hate this?

v/YwPzAiVqG04&hl

[randomrob]

:sulk:

[edward]

WHUT-EVER!

[randomrob]

vYEXzx-TINc

[edward]

v/vI6el7XQtOE&hl

[randomrob]

:crying:

[Edgewalker]

I love some, I like some, no CT song falls below that for me.

[Plain Tiger]

I love some, I like some, no CT song falls below that for me.

Exactly. You want Euphoria? Here's a taste. Some times you get a nice big chomp, at the worst, it hits your tongue on the wrong side. It's all good, given its imperfections. I might take any album...

...bottom line...I might go to the bathroom when Strange Fruit is on, but I will keep it on.

[edward]

amen

[DJ SMITHMIX]

HOLY SPIRIT!:shout:
CT RULES!:heart:
__________________________________________
NP : Argenta - Robin Guthrie- Little Darla Has A Treat For You

[Edgewalker]

...bottom line...I might go to the bathroom when Strange Fruit is on, but I will keep it on.

Very well put, Andrew.... and I was listening to BBC Sessions when I read your post.

[ScottyBHP]

I have only one, and that's the Milk and Kisses version of Half-Gifts, cuz it's just plain cheesy! Although I just love the Twinlights version.

Also the long version of Pearly Dewdrops' Drops can be quite annoying as well.

I do however believe that the weakest link in the entire chain is The Blue Bell Knoll album. :coffee:

[edward]

Blue Bell Knoll is perfect. Every song is beautiful, and the album is perfectly sequenced.

[randomrob]

Blue Bell Knoll is perfect. Every song is beautiful, and the album is perfectly sequenced.

Agree. However-

I remember when it was released my first impression was that BBK was self-indulgently 'soft'..

then HOLV came out and I realized that the yodeling-yiddish-cowgirl-on-a-space-unicorn uber-pop sound was there to stay, that ultimately sent the band into a black hole of infinitely escalating fan expectation that they could not escape from...

So, like, anyway-
In retrospect, I now think BBK is their finest hour, though still not my personal favorite.

[cocteaured]

the holy trinity.. treasure/bbk/holv.. dislikes? not too many.. hardly any actually.. it's all so surreal and beautiful..

[Moya xx]

Blue Bell Knoll is perfect. Every song is beautiful, and the album is perfectly sequenced.

:nod:

[Moya xx]

"Can't stand" is quite a harsh term.

I'm not particularly fond of the following -

Bluebeard (any version)
Multifoiled

... and, erm, that's about it. I'm sure more will spring to mind, if I think really long and hard about it, but I can't be arsed. I'd rather think about all the CT music / songs that I adore.

Two years on and I still stand by this. Not too shabby!

[Dpressed]

IMO FFC is the 'bad' album .. BBK is the 'happy' album .. I now know that they were on various drugs at the time .. but to me BBK always sounded like they'd been released from some kind of straight jacket.

[fredofla]

i know there are one or two darker, grating songs from that first release that i can't quite get through.

ps. i think Victorialand was their bravest turning point (album) and also the beginning of their richest creative period.

[davespear]

:nod:

oh yes agreeamundo

Two years on and I still stand by this. Not too shabby!

and yeseroony to that too .... what's happened to my Engrish:superconfused:

ps, I thought all Moya's quote would come up but it aint:superconfused:.......then I remembered what the white arrow was for (duh)

[Moya xx]

:nod:

[ScottyBHP]

My problem with BBK was that after building a reputation on using only sythesized guitar and piano here they were presenting us with a keyboard-heavy album. It just seemed like a step in the wrong direction to me.

[fredofla]

My problem with BBK was that after building a reputation on using only sythesized guitar and piano here they were presenting us with a keyboard-heavy album. It just seemed like a step in the wrong direction to me.

gee. the keyboards are probably what i loved best about BBK.
(well, actually....the melodies weren't so bad, either.)

[ScottyBHP]

Yeah well it just didn't seem Cocteauian at the time.

[Ghosty]

It had Liz on it.

[fredofla]

as much as i will always admire and respect Robin Guthrie,
Cocteau Twins (and dreampop, as a genre) was never about the guitars.

[Dpressed]

I hate the term Dreampop

[fredofla]

I hate the term Dreampop

yeah. a lot of people do. i only use it as a point of reference (preferable to shoegaze.)

[Dpressed]

I still think of CT as indie ... which iswhat they were in 1983/4 when I first heard them

[fredofla]

I still think of CT as indie ... which iswhat they were in 1983/4 when I first heard them

indie, eh? wow. okay.

:coffee:

[randomrob]

(imagining Liz and Robin doing thrash skatepunk songs now)

[Ghosty]

Eighties UK indie was somewhat different from contemporary US indie. think post-punk bands on independant labels.

[randomrob]

yeah, here in the states it was SST records... Husker Du! :headbang:

[ScottyBHP]

as much as i will always admire and respect Robin Guthrie,
Cocteau Twins (and dreampop, as a genre) was never about the guitars.

True, it was never about the guit-fiddles (although they were integral) but up until BBK there really wasn't an electronic keyboard within miles. (Again not talking about synthesized guitars or acoustic pianos.) It's just ummm... much as I hate to level this accusation at the Twins it was their major label debut and well ummm..... Y'see.... :2cents:


Anyway, they totally more than redeemed themselves with HOLV anyway so I prefer to think of BBK as an anomally.

Hey every chain has a weak link!

[fredofla]

i like to think of BBK as their Revolver.

and HOLV as their Magical Mystery Tour.

[ScottyBHP]

Ummm lesee...that'd make 4CC their Sgt. Peppers. Hmmm.

[fredofla]

Ummm lesee...that'd make 4CC their Sgt. Peppers. Hmmm.

naw.....that's their "Get Back"

[ScottyBHP]

naw.....that's their "Get Back"

Let's see hmmm..... :idea: Better analogy! BBK was their GREEN and HOLV was their Out Of Time!

[Dpressed]

Nah IMO ... Garlands, HoH & Treasure were a gradual progression, Victorialand was a 'what the (censored)' change of direction into, dare I say it, ambient muisic, BBK was a 'fresh new start' ... HOLV started the decline ... FFC was awful & M&K an improvement over FFC.

[ScottyBHP]

Nah IMO ... Garlands, HoH & Treasure were a gradual progression, Treasure was a 'what the (censored)' change of direction into, dare I say it, ambient muisic, BBK was a 'fresh new start' ... HOLV started the decline ... FFC was awful & M&K an improvement over FFC.

HOLV a decline? What are you smokin'? Ummm... I mean....to each his own! :coffee:

[randomrob]

I agree w/Red on this. [SOUND OF THUNDER]
HOLV was a tight, well done, poppy and pretty much forgettable.

[fredofla]

... HOLV started the decline ... FFC was awful & M&K an improvement over FFC.

i think HOLV was a personal high point for them. the band never sounded tighter; the vocals totally soared.

i used to think FCC was inferior until i started taking long walks listening to it in 2004. granted, it's no HOLV but i do believe it's a hugely underrated album.

M&K is a mixed bag. serveral of their very best and a several of their way less than best. the song Violaine alone could have this album a complete success. the Mark Clifford spin-off ep's were (to my ears) properly inspired.

:coffee:

[Dpressed]

I stand by what I said ... but then I started out on Treasure & already knew the first 2 albums before I bought Victorialand .. which was 'what the (censored)' as it sounded soo different ... BBK was 'the happy album' that sounded as though someone had opened a door into the light. The post BBK albums just don't do it for me

After chatting to Mike on the way to the CocteauFest I'm now of the opinion that there are actually 2 sets of CT fans ... those who got to know the group pre Victorialand ... & those who got to know the group post Victorialand. Each group views albums differently.

btw My views could change ... earlier this year I listened to M&K for the first time in years ... & actuially enjoyed parts of it. Sadly for SBHP I listened to HoLV last weekend & stick by my original opinion of the album

[ScottyBHP]

It never fails though, I've proven it time and time again; people tend to go WHA???? :jawdrop: when someone starts raggin' on BBK. It's a strange phenomenon to be sure.

BTW I'm a pre-Victorian fan too.

[fredofla]

After chatting to Mike on the way to the CocteauFest I'm now of the opinion that there are actually 2 sets of CT fans ... those who got to know the group pre Victorialand ... & those who got to know the group post Victorialand. Each group views albums differently.


there could be some merit to this theory, Red.

i got into CT at the point of Victorialand and worked my way forward in time.

the early stuff is still something of a throbbing blur.

[ScottyBHP]

there could be some merit to this theory, Red.

i got into CT at the point of Victorialand and worked my way forward in time.

the early stuff is still something of a throbbing blur.

BTW Throbbing Blur is the name I dance under at a club up on Hollywood Boulevard. :coffee:

[andylama]

You dance under a name? :confused: :D

[fredofla]

BTW Throbbing Blur is the name I dance under at a club up on Hollywood Boulevard. :coffee:

cool.....we're in sync.

[Dpressed]

Just listened to BBK ... & I still stand by what I said

[davespear]

I'm with Red here. When I was stressed this evening, I put on some CT, and it's BBK that just relaxes me like no other, so it's my fave, but, I like 99.99% of CT anyway:nod:

[edward]

HOLV is really fun because they get their ABBA on.

[fornasetti]

Everything on FCC except Evangeline and Bluebeard.

I'd stand by this statement and I'd be happy to throw in Wolf In The Breast, Frosty the Snowman and Winter Wonderland as bonus tracks.

Okay, that's 11, not 5.

[ScottyBHP]

HOLV is really fun because they get their ABBA on.

Also, and more importantly, the get their FUNK on!!!!!

[paulr]

After chatting to Mike on the way to the CocteauFest I'm now of the opinion that there are actually 2 sets of CT fans ... those who got to know the group pre Victorialand ... & those who got to know the group post Victorialand. Each group views albums differently.


there could be some merit to this theory, Red.

i got into CT at the point of Victorialand and worked my way forward in time.

the early stuff is still something of a throbbing blur.


Im sure that those who got into CT later and worked their way back into the earlier catalogue will share Freds view. They will probably find it harder to appreciate the 1st 2 albums - but for those who were with CT from day one (thanks to John Peel), each album (until leaving 4AD) was a natural progression for the group.

For me, Treasure was where they 'found their sound' though HoH had its hints of their direction and Garlands was a reflection of the times.

As for Red & Mikes theory, I think its more to do with the fact that those on board from day 1 were used to each album being different. Victorialand was announced (at the time of release) as a one-off almost side project and could have appeared 'odd' if released at any time of the CT album history, which is probably why it envokes polarised opinions ??

Anyway, what is certain (after recent intensive research) is that HoH is the best album for decorating to.......

[paulr]

Cocteau Twins (and dreampop, as a genre) was never about the guitars.[/CENTER]

They certainly wouldnt sound like the original/unique band they were without them.......they were so much more than just a band with a good vocalist

I was about to write "I know its a fave of a few on here but 'Pink Orange Red' isnt high on my really like list", but as Ive just played it as I typed its not so bad really.....

[randomrob]

I was about to write "I know its a fave of a few on here but 'Pink Orange Red' isnt high on my really like list", but as Ive just played it as I typed its not so bad really.....

I like the drum machine on that one alot.

[Ghosty]

I'm with Red here. When I was stressed this evening, I put on some CT, and it's BBK that just relaxes me like no other, so it's my fave, but, I like 99.99% of CT anyway:nod:

Only 99.99%? And you call yourself a fan? Pah!


:evilgrin:

[ScottyBHP]

Cocteau Twins was never about the guitars.
.

Oh yeah? Try to imagine Cocteau Twins without Robin.

And please fertheluva everything Cocteuian, could we stop using the d-word in relation to The Twins?

[randomrob]

Cocteauian sounds like a foot problem.

[ScottyBHP]

Cocteauian sounds like a foot problem.

Hahahahaha....haha...ha...uheheh....ooooo. :lame:

[ScottyBHP]

... tight, well done, poppy and pretty much forgettable.

My sentiments exactly!!!!!! I could not have put it... uh....Oh, you weren't talking about BBK? My mistake. Never mind!

[ScottyBHP]

Ok upon further reflection and listening and soul searching and all that jive and whatever whatever I find that I can indeed come up with a list of 5 songs that aren't really so great. So I'll examine them one at a time....

1. Half Gifts (M&K Version) :
Like I said before, cheezy! However, a mere speedbump on the album which is otherwise fantastic. And again the Twinights version is awesome!

2. The Itchy Blowbo Blow :
Ok besides being a worse case scenario on how Liz's otherwise mostly clever titling of tunes can sometimes go horridly wrong, this track is also wildly overwrought. The backing track is so busy and loud that liz has to oversing in order to keep up with it.
An overcooked track on an otherwise undercooked album. Speaking of which, we'll take the next 2 together.....

3. Suckling The Mendor (sorry mmmmendy, rest your soul.)
& 4. Spooning Good Singing Gum:

Two tracks so blandly similar as to be almost indistinguishable from each other. And they're back to back which just makes matters worse. And believe me I really hate using the word bland to describe anything about Cocteau Twins. I just kills me that were it not for BBK I could give their entire career an almost perfect 10. Indeed in Yes Parlance I could almost rightly be considered a CocteauWhole.

5. Pearly Dewdrops Drops (12 inch version):

It was a toss up here between this and the 12 inch version of Sugar Hiccup. Both are padded to the point of bloat. Both are annoyingly repetitive. Both are perfectly fine in their original versions. But upon listening again I've decided Pearly takes the prize as most overwrought and annoying.

[by the sea]

1ytCEuuW2_A

[Moya xx]

The Itchy Blowbo Blow :
Ok besides being a worse case scenario on how Liz's otherwise mostly clever titling of tunes can sometimes go horridly wrong, this track is also wildly overwrought. The backing track is so busy and loud that liz has to oversing in order to keep up with it.
An overcooked track on an otherwise undercooked album.



Whaaa????

This will always make my top five. Always.

[randomrob]

Ok upon further reflection and listening and soul searching and all that jive and whatever whatever I find that I can indeed come up with a list of 5 songs that aren't really so great. So I'll examine them one at a time....

1. Half Gifts (M&K Version) :
Like I said before, cheezy! However, a mere speedbump on the album which is otherwise fantastic. And again the Twinights version is awesome!

2. The Itchy Blowbo Blow :
Ok besides being a worse case scenario on how Liz's otherwise mostly clever titling of tunes can sometimes go horridly wrong, this track is also wildly overwrought. The backing track is so busy and loud that liz has to oversing in order to keep up with it.
An overcooked track on an otherwise undercooked album. Speaking of which, we'll take the next 2 together.....

3. Suckling The Mendor (sorry mmmmendy, rest your soul.)
& 4. Spooning Good Singing Gum:

Two tracks so blandly similar as to be almost indistinguishable from each other. And they're back to back which just makes matters worse. And believe me I really hate using the word bland to describe anything about Cocteau Twins. I just kills me that were it not for BBK I could give their entire career an almost perfect 10. Indeed in Yes Parlance I could almost rightly be considered a CocteauWhole.

5. Pearly Dewdrops Drops (12 inch version):

It was a toss up here between this and the 12 inch version of Sugar Hiccup. Both are padded to the point of bloat. Both are annoyingly repetitive. Both are perfectly fine in their original versions. But upon listening again I've decided Pearly takes the prize as most overwrought and annoying.

Half-Gifts is pretty much despised but... the rest? :superconfused:

http://themoderatevoice.com/wordpress-engine/files/2010_March/jump_the_shark.png

[Bettina]

I think The Itchy is a fab tune as is Pearly Dew Drops' Drops. I guess I don't appreciate tamely underwrought!

[ScottyBHP]

Well, we all have our tastes. I've seen songs mentioned in here that were among my faves. I mean Donimo? Rob. DUDE! Seriously? :superconfused:

[Bettina]

I seem to be the only person who likes Multifoiled. There's no accounting for taste.

[ScottyBHP]

I seem to be the only person who likes Multifoiled. There's no accounting for taste.

No you are absolutely not the only person who likes Multifoiled!!!! :nod:

[Bettina]

:D

[davespear]

Ok upon further reflection and listening and soul searching and all that jive and whatever whatever I find that I can indeed come up with a list of 5 songs that aren't really so great. So I'll examine them one at a time....

1. Half Gifts (M&K Version) :
Like I said before, cheezy! However, a mere speedbump on the album which is otherwise fantastic. And again the Twinights version is awesome!

2. The Itchy Blowbo Blow :
Ok besides being a worse case scenario on how Liz's otherwise mostly clever titling of tunes can sometimes go horridly wrong, this track is also wildly overwrought. The backing track is so busy and loud that liz has to oversing in order to keep up with it.
An overcooked track on an otherwise undercooked album. Speaking of which, we'll take the next 2 together.....

3. Suckling The Mendor (sorry mmmmendy, rest your soul.)
& 4. Spooning Good Singing Gum:

Two tracks so blandly similar as to be almost indistinguishable from each other. And they're back to back which just makes matters worse. And believe me I really hate using the word bland to describe anything about Cocteau Twins. I just kills me that were it not for BBK I could give their entire career an almost perfect 10. Indeed in Yes Parlance I could almost rightly be considered a CocteauWhole.

5. Pearly Dewdrops Drops (12 inch version):

It was a toss up here between this and the 12 inch version of Sugar Hiccup. Both are padded to the point of bloat. Both are annoyingly repetitive. Both are perfectly fine in their original versions. But upon listening again I've decided Pearly takes the prize as most overwrought and annoying.

(GASP!) Blasphemer! Off with your head-- bland?? well, it takes all sorts to make a Coct-ail

[by the sea]

http://img602.imageshack.us/img602/3841/dearjohn1.jpg

[ScottyBHP]

http://img602.imageshack.us/img602/3841/dearjohn1.jpg

I'd just toss such a note in the john! And then seek a restraining order.

[randomrob]

Well, we all have our tastes. I've seen songs mentioned in here that were among my faves. I mean Donimo? Rob. DUDE! Seriously? :superconfused:

Donimo- FILLER track -it has that stretch of held down chord in the middle of Christmasy sounding palaver, always felt thrown together to me.

I don't really listen to Treasure that much anymore*. Lorelei, loved by most, always made me want to jump out a window, could not get around the vocal chaos. Robin G. said in MM that Treasure was shit and I heard an interview with Liz F. on NY radio where she said it was 'just a mess'.. :shout: When I first heard the album I couldnt BELIEVE they'd said that. Now it makes sense to me.

Different tastes.

Anyway. I still listen to Pandora... I think it's the standout track on the album, still very modern construction, and the drums aren't all over it.

*There are very few, if any, albums I listen to as albums anymore, as in, sit down and put an album on and listen to the whole thing.. w/regard to CT the only one I play like THAT anymore would be TM&TM.

[Ghosty]

Donimo- FILLER track [/I][/SIZE]

Oh no you dint!

[Moya xx]

Oh no you dint!

:nod:

[Ghosty]

Don't be dissin my Donimo now, or it's ON!

[Moya xx]

Never! I :heart: Donimo! It's a favourite of mine :nod:

[Ghosty]

Ah, so I misinterpreted your nodding smiley! Glad to hear it!

[Ghosty]

Okay...if I have to name 5 I can't stand...I'd say "side two" off Milk And Kisses.

[fornasetti]

Okay...if I have to name 5 I can't stand...I'd say "side two" off Milk And Kisses.

Please don't say that then. Those are some of the very best CT tracks ever - especially Seekers Who Are Lovers and Treasure Hiding.

[Ghosty]

Please don't say that then.

Alright,I take it back.

[randomrob]

Oh no you dint!

yeah I did. It's the drunk reindeer song. :superconfused:

[Ghosty]

Okey-pokey-ken-o-kek


who can argue with that?

[randomrob]

the Flux Capacitor won't take me back to 1986 anymore :no:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hnIUtvOSjWs/THMgVZxCP-I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/RvHMPvAt9Mc/s1600/flux+capacitor.jpg

[Moya xx]

:crying:

[ScottyBHP]

We've got to remember that rob is a card carrying member of the Blue Bell Knoll appreciation society. So a grain of salt is required here. (Kidding.)
:D

[fredofla]

Never! I :heart: Donimo! It's a favourite of mine :nod:

oh yes, love that one.

[randomrob]

We've got to remember that rob is a card carrying member of the Blue Bell Knoll appreciation society. So a grain of salt is required here. (Kidding.)
:D

I didn't like BBK at first, and I've been listening to them since 1985... It's possible In another 25 years, you might find you like Blue Bell Knoll as well. I dunno. Not much point arguing taste.

[pelikan]

My weakest link album is FCC although Pur is on my top 5 FAVORITES and Bluebeard is a Top Ten. the overall vibe of the record though is a little too upper range floaty for me...
...But 5 "can't stand"? I'd say if I had to had to choose 5, it would be "don't always like-could fast forward" : Oil of Angels (too too)/Squeeze-Wax/Multifoiled (too jazzy)/Peppermint Pig/Laugh Lines

[pelikan]

Please don't say that then. Those are some of the very best CT tracks ever - especially Seekers Who Are Lovers and Treasure Hiding.

Totally Agree! Two of their best songs were right at the end of their last album! (Treasure Hiding... a candidate for 'favorite CT song ever' for me)

[ScottyBHP]

Donimo- FILLER track -it has that stretch of held down chord in the middle of Christmasy sounding palaver, always felt thrown together to me.

I don't really listen to Treasure that much anymore*. Lorelei, loved by most, always made me want to jump out a window, could not get around the vocal chaos. Robin G. said in MM that Treasure was shit and I heard an interview with Liz F. on NY radio where she said it was 'just a mess'.. :shout: When I first heard the album I couldnt BELIEVE they'd said that. Now it makes sense to me.

Different tastes.

Anyway. I still listen to Pandora... I think it's the standout track on the album, still very modern construction, and the drums aren't all over it.

*There are very few, if any, albums I listen to as albums anymore, as in, sit down and put an album on and listen to the whole thing.. w/regard to CT the only one I play like THAT anymore would be TM&TM.

Ok, I'm well aware that it's starting to look like I'm always picking on rob (more like gentle needling ) but now I'm afraid I've noticed this post, and now I really am super confused. :superconfused:

I mean to each his own and all that but seriously; Lorelei? A song which finds our heroine in full Betty Boop/ Marilyn Monroe mode? Steamy stuff indeed! Vocal chaos? More like vocal showing of exquisite leg! :drool2: :jawdrop:

Dude, If Lorelei doesn't cause a stirring of some of your, shall we say, saucier insincts then you i'm afraid you might want to talk to your doctor about the benefits of Viagra. :D

[randomrob]

:suicide:

[starhopper]

Meh... the more I listened to any of the newer albums the more I loved them. But seeing as I caught the CT bandwagon with the release of the compilation The Pink Opaque (though I had heard a few songs prior) then Victorialand which contrasted immensely from anything before I heard from them, created a very open-minded CT fan. Since then I always gave any new album a real long repeated listening and discovered I enjoy them all.

[Ghosty]

:clap:

[randomrob]

Treasure to me will always be stuck squarely in the 'sound of popular musical hardware of the period' of the mid 80's. It has a dated sound on several tracks that their other albums don't have. Even Garlands sounds more modern, for benefit of minimalism. Lorelei to me is the worst offender on Treasure because it has those damn DX7 bells and those Art of Noise-'When the Levee Breaks' sampled drum hits all over the top of everything else, and then Liz is trying to shoehorn in this gasping, hiccuping hot mess in the middle of it, and that 2 and half note bassline ... tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-diddee-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-diddee- The only escape from it is the bridge section where Liz does her La-La-La's. There's just not enough going on in Lorelei for me. It's a pop experiment, and it doesn't click with me. Dont like it. Never did. Heard it sober, heard it stoned, heard it happy, heard it sad, heard it for 25 years. Listening to it right now. It makes me want to jump out a window. No me gusta.http://www.yumyucky.com/wp-content/uploads/donotwant.jpg

[ludwig]

Rob, ..... that hurt. If there was no Treasure album I wasn't here hanging around.

[Dpressed]

As I've said before ... Treasure is my all time favouritte CT album

[ScottyBHP]

Treasure to me will always be stuck squarely in the 'sound of popular musical hardware of the period' of the mid 80's. It has a dated sound on several tracks that their other albums don't have. Even Garlands sounds more modern, for benefit of minimalism. Lorelei to me is the worst offender on Treasure because it has those damn DX7 bells and those Art of Noise-'When the Levee Breaks' sampled drum hits all over the top of everything else, and then Liz is trying to shoehorn in this gasping, hiccuping hot mess in the middle of it, and that 2 and half note bassline ... tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-diddee-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-diddee- The only escape from it is the bridge section where Liz does her La-La-La's. There's just not enough going on in Lorelei for me. It's a pop experiment, and it doesn't click with me. Dont like it. Never did. Heard it sober, heard it stoned, heard it happy, heard it sad, heard it for 25 years. Listening to it right now. It makes me want to jump out a window. No me gusta.http://www.yumyucky.com/wp-content/uploads/donotwant.jpg

Dated? Yeah, I used to use that word my own damn self. Think I've used right here in these very pages even.

But, then I thought to myself,self, I listen to Frank Sinatra. I listen to Benny Goodman. Hell, I listen to Robert Johnson, and here I am saying something is dated? Hmmm.

Everything in art, literature and music is certainly of it's time.

And I happen to agree with you that the Treasure album is certainly a technical mess in terms of mixing, as is just about every CT release. I've never understood how Robin ever got the rep of being such a perfectionist, when actually his board skills are adequate at best, and the remasters only make the situation ever so slightly better. (I look forward to yer letters.) :D

But, I've realised that "dated" is merely a word someone uses when they want to sound too cool for school. It's been officially banned from my vocabulary.

[randomrob]

but some music is dated. Break on Through by the Doors sounds like 1968. But The End doesn't. It comes down to design choices, and certain things returning to fashion.

[Dpressed]

^^^^^^

Loreli & Break On Through dated ? .... sorry but to some of us what matters is does a song/tune sound 'good' rather than 'hip' ... IMO both still sound great .. but then I :heart: Bessie Smith & Robert Johnson

[Ghosty]

I like 'em all, dated or not.

[randomrob]

^^^^^^

Loreli & Break On Through dated ? .... sorry but to some of us what matters is does a song/tune sound 'good' rather than 'hip' ... IMO both still sound great .. but then I :heart: Bessie Smith & Robert Johnson

Red, the thread is about why you DONT like certain songs... "5 you can't stand". Scotty was pushing me to respond to his comments, so I did.

I don't HAVE to like anything just because someone else does, nor do I feel hip or smart or some adjective you and ScottyBHP want to lay on me in a sense of suggesting being included or not in some personal definition of 'fan' or being proper. For the record: I am not saying I dislike Lorelei to be incendiary, or appear cool- I just happen to really dislike it.

I like the Cocteau Twins. Alot. I bought all their albums. Some I bought twice. And I don't like all their music, I don't like all of ANYBODY's music. I don't hold with the 'It's Unique, therefore I must appreciate it all' argument.. it doesn't hold with sex or food, so why should it with music?

BTW I can't stand Lorelei. :llama:

[Ghosty]

I must appreciate it all... it doesn't hold with sex


Well...these days...

[randomrob]

http://images.sodahead.com/polls/001156931/istockphoto_12045594_beautiful_young_nurse_with_2_ enemas_answer_3_xlarge.jpeg

[Ghosty]

I'd even have that, if she happy ends it. :superconfused:

[ScottyBHP]

I don't HAVE to like anything just because someone else does, nor do I feel hip or smart or some adjective you and ScottyBHP want to lay on me

BTW I can't stand Lorelei. :llama:

but some music is dated. Break on Through by the Doors sounds like 1968. But The End doesn't. It comes down to design choices, and certain things returning to fashion.

Whoa, hang on there, dude. I'm not trying to lay anything on or push anybody. This is a discussion board not an attack board. You opine and we discuss it. And I opine , and we discuss that. I'm just expressing a differant opinion in hopefully a reasonable way.

So anyway, like I said, IMHO all music, art and literature is of it's time. You choose to label the phenomenon as dated. That's your prerogative.

All I've ever said is that when it comes to Cocteau Twins I pretty much dig everything except what I've mentioned here and about half of BBK.

Yes there are other artists which I like most if not all of their stuff. Doesn't make me a mind-numbed zombie or a slavering fan. I've always just dug music, and if some artist happens to have a good solid oevre, I say so.

If it seems I single you out, I don't. It's just that you happen to be the one person here who says the most things that I disagree with, to my knowledge, since I've only been back participating in the board for about a year now.

It's just healthy debate. It's just :2cents:

[randomrob]

Forgive me, plz, I can be a bit caustic and extreme sounding, when it comes to critique of music. :blush:
I grew up in a very musically charged household, and there was little to no censoring of opinions, and there were records flung out of second story windows.

The good news was I got exposed to alot of cool stuff very quickly.. by 2nd grade I was listening to the Beatles and Alan Parsons and Jaco Pastorius and Weather Report and the Brothers Johnson and Tomita and Walter Carlos and alot of Victor RCA classical recordings my mother had from the 30s and 40s.. recordings of chain gang songs, Debussy and Holst and Beethoven and Bizet, movie soundtracks...Ice Station Zebra, the Shoes of a Fisherman, the Dirty Dozen... my father had been a music critic in his spare time and left us thousands of LPs... the bad news was it was all just a bit much, really.

anyway, not excusing, just clarifying.

[Dpressed]

As I've said elsewhere I have no idea of the names of about 90% of CT tracks which is why I've not been able to join in this thread. I listen to CT albums as complete works so view how tracks fit together rather than how they sound individually. I can say the FCC is the weakest album .. mainly because Liz only uses her 'angel' voice (i.e. only uses her higher register)... but I always have the thought that if some of the FCC tracks were on other albums they might sound good.

[ScottyBHP]

Forgive me, plz, I can be a bit caustic and extreme sounding, when it comes to critique of music. :blush:
I grew up in a very musically charged household, and there was little to no censoring of opinions, and there were records flung out of second story windows.

The good news was I got exposed to alot of cool stuff very quickly.. by 2nd grade I was listening to the Beatles and Alan Parsons and Jaco Pastorius and Weather Report and the Brothers Johnson and Tomita and Walter Carlos and alot of Victor RCA classical recordings my mother had from the 30s and 40s.. recordings of chain gang songs, Debussy and Holst and Beethoven and Bizet, movie soundtracks...Ice Station Zebra, the Shoes of a Fisherman, the Dirty Dozen... my father had been a music critic in his spare time and left us thousands of LPs... the bad news was it was all just a bit much, really.

anyway, not excusing, just clarifying.

S'perfectly ok. As evinced by my re-entry into this forum a year ago, I can be rather hot-headed and opinionated my own damn self. I just certainly hope, for your sake, that your last name isn't Bangs. (No I guess he was full time. Gawd, imagine growing up in that household! The horror. THE HORROR! But it'd make for a cool record collection.) :D

[Saash]

I don't have five, nor totally "can't stand", but the three I could come up with are Sugar Hiccup, Summer Blink, and Donimo.

[Househeart]

I always skip Heaven Or Las Vegas (track not the album), Multifoiled and the whole of The Moon and The Melodies (I wish I'd got a refund)

[davespear]

:no::slapfight::omg::protest:

[gustav]

Maybe I've already posted in this thread, I won't read it all over again. The only CT song that falls under the category "can't stand" is the acoustic Bluebeard .. is just, awful.

[gustav]

those damn DX7 bells and those Art of Noise-'When the Levee Breaks' sampled drum hits all over the top of everything else

It's a pop experiment

Funny how all those things you use to describe how much you hate it, I absolutely love beyond any possible description. Lorelei is one of the few songs (not only CT songs, but any songs) that almost bring tears to my eyes 20 years after I fisrt heard it, and it's one of my favourite pieces of music in all history.



I just love this place ... :D

[edward]

Maybe I've already posted in this thread, I won't read it all over again. The only CT song that falls under the category "can't stand" is the acoustic Bluebeard .. is just, awful.

I agree! It's SOOOOOO bad! I'm one of those who love 4CC, but the b-sides were nightmarish.

[gustav]

I agree! It's SOOOOOO bad! I'm one of those who love 4CC, but the b-sides were nightmarish.

I also love 4CC, and really like the 'regular' version of Bluebeard actually

[davespear]

Maybe I've already posted in this thread, I won't read it all over again. The only CT song that falls under the category "can't stand" is the acoustic Bluebeard .. is just, awful.

actually you have found the one track that does make me cringe-just the one mind

[Househeart]

Oh goodness I forgot about the bsides its been a long time since I've listened to Lullabies To Violaine Volume one-Stars and Topsoil has its best tracks on it-I tend to just leave that on as pressing the skip button so often on Lullabies To Violaine is tiresome.