Radio interview - 6 jan 2010

[frarn]

Originally Posted by Frank

Thanks, davespear, that's where I was coming from.

To expand on what I wrote before, I know a lot of musicians who would die to have forums and websites dedicated to their work, be listed as influences for a lot of other bands, be repeatedly cited as one of the most innovative bands of all time, etc., so that's why I find the "nothing to show for it" comment a bit hard to swallow. I wouldn't have had so much of a negative reaction to Robin's words if what he said seemed exclusive to money (and not having made much from CT), but to me it seems wider than that. I do not at all expect him or Liz to want to return to the band. I just wish they'd regard the work and its impact a bit more highly. Just because they might have hated their lives while in the band doesn't make the work and its legacy any less worthy of respect.

my misinterpretation I think - so I'm tarred with my own brush!

apologies if my initial reaction felt like a sledgehammer!!

however, I can still let Robin have his own feelings while I enjoy his music ...

[Frank]

Originally Posted by frarn

my misinterpretation I think - so I'm tarred with my own brush!

apologies if my initial reaction felt like a sledgehammer!!

however, I can still let Robin have his own feelings while I enjoy his music ...

No worries, I probably could have done a better job explaining my point. And of course, there's never anything wrong with having differences of opinion.

[DJ SMITHMIX]

What I don't get is why Robin & Liz even thought about a reunion.
The way that they feel about there past work and each other.
It's just hard to believe they even sat down togther after hearing these
statements.
They looked all chummy at the "Q" awards.
It gave me a ray of hope!
Robin pokes his head around here often enough for someone so bitter about his past. I don't mean this in a negitive way, it's just confusing to me.
If you care you care, if you don't you don't.
I can only tell him and the rest of CT, how much better they have made my life via their art.
CT and thier solo projects will always mean more to me (and im sure to all of you) than they could ever imagine.
A bunch of us freaks don't travel from all parts of the world to get togther for a celebration of Cocteau Twins for no reason!
__________________________________________________ _

NP: Moses EP - Elizabeth Fraser 2009

[Anchor]

Yeah I agree on the bitterness part. They both speak of that time with such bitterness. It's weird since their union on Cocteau Twins records is the reason they will both be remembered for.

[robin guthrie]

I'm not sure if I should be pissed reading this or feel compassion for the people posting such ill advised views. I couldn't possibly begin to refute all the wild interpretations of what you people think may or may not have been, but I feel forced into saying something as once again I'm being made to look like the bad guy.
Firstly, for the record, if you may forgive the pun, I look back at my work with CT in a very positive way. It's really rather good, you know. But then, I always knew that. I do not downplay the apparent importance that people attach to my work although conversely I never willfully exploit it. Should I invalidate my current work because you care only of the past?
I don’t really fucking think so.
As time passes, I continue to create music but could not do so if I really believed I had reached the pinnacle of my creativity some twenty five years ago? I’m not sure there would be much point. Nevertheless as I live, breathe and absorb the things that I experience, I continue to be inspired and express this in the music I make, which is as relevant to me right now as music I made 25 years ago was relevant to me then. I feel a certain sadness for artists who live in the past and only hold on to past glories.
I'm not really a very nostalgic person. Is that OK with you guys?
That I stand accused of being bitter about the music business is very well documented so should come as no surprise to anyone reading this. I’ve certainly been rather vocal about the unfairness of what record companies have taken and continue to take with regards the work of CT, not only financially but in terms of control and approval nevertheless for someone to come to the conclusion that I'm somehow, and 'denigrating past achievements as important artists' because I’ve come to the conclusion that being part of CT wasn't necessarily the best part of my life, is small minded, and quite frankly lacking respect. After all, what would you know about the best part of my life? So fuck off.
Being an artist can rather complex and for some, a rather disturbing experience as most artists have to risk bearing their soul to a perhaps indifferent, public. This can be quite devastating for those artists who receive little positive feedback about their work but can equally be destructive if too much praise comes their way. Finding a way to walk along the demarcation line between the two can be most challenging. Emotions can become amplified, simple facets of the work can be over-scrutinized, taken out of context and ‘meanings’ can be superimposed by the listener which can become some sort of reality which bears little or no resemblance to the artists vision of the work or indeed the personality of the artists themselves.
Quite simply there becomes a great many observed realities only one of which is the artists experience. From my viewpoint, and I can’t talk for others, this can be anything from frustrating to depressing, with a whole river of negativity flowing in-between. It can feel as though I am being judged as a person by the response of some total outsider to the work I create, or in this case, the work I created quite some time ago as a younger man. To be held hostage to that small part of history is to become ‘a stranger caught in a portrait of myself’ as Nabokov put it so well without, it should be noted, telling anyone to fuck off.
In conclusion I'd like to point out that I will continue to answer questions which are asked to me as honestly as possible even if my answers do tend to contradict what others apparently believe my views should be.
I'll continue to be me as I do it so much better than other people do.

[fredofla]

thanks for sharing your feelings about these things, Robin.

and to answer your question....no, please don't be pissed; feel the compassion.

(it's healthier, no?)

and do trust that you are among friends here who REALLY DO RESPECT you as an artist and for making yourself available to give answer to our confusions and our questions.

here's to your good health, prosperity and fulfillment making new music.

[davespear]

yes nicely put Fred, though I was a wee bit shocked at the tone of Robin's reply, but hey, fair comment.

Maybe I missed something, but Robin, you're not the bad guy, and I for one, certainly don't live in the past and only hanker after ''the good ol' days'', but it's the nature of fandom that people who revere the CT, will never see them going out of fashion, whilst of course, the creators themselves, feel quite rightly that they've long moved on, and feel like shouting GET OVER IT!

I also, do look forward to anything new that is released by any of the ex CT, and love to seek out new music when I can, though I am getting, and feeling, old and crotchety now--and a little wounded, after being collectively told to 'fuck off' by one of my music idols

However, keep going Robin, and like what you do, or do what you like. Health and happiness to you and yours--and THANK YOU for the music

[edward]

LOL. Robin, you ROCK. Not for just putting out two of my favorite records of the last year ( Mirrorball and Carousel) but also for quoting Nabokov and for continuing to interact with fans, even when they piss you off. Of course, we would all LOVE to see a CT reunion, but most of us understand why that won't (can't) happen. It doesn't mean that we don't love your newer music. It's just that we have the advantage of hearing the magic that the Cocteau Twins made, the timeless, beautiful, eternal sounds you all made together without the drama you lived through to create it. That is a journey without record companies and without financial dramas and without knowledge of your personal strife.
Thanks for continuing to make beautiful music, and for stopping in here from time to time to set us straight.
also, I still think you would write the best travelogue EVER.

[Red Star]

Thanks to Robin .... & thats all I need to say as the previous 3 posters have said all that I want to ... good one lads

[paulr]

Thanks to both Robin & Ludwig for 2 excellent posts

I will now fuck off.....

[DJ SMITHMIX]

Thanks for clearing that up Mr. Guthrie!
I was a little confused about what you said in that last interview.
I guess when a band means so much to you (as it does with most of us on this list) you get a bit on the defense.

I'll bet you never had an artist or band move you like a lot of us, so you don't get our freakdom over your past and present art.
I get it, our problem not yours. But that's just how brilliant we think you and CT are!

I will just say...Thank You for evreything youv'e done, and will do.
I will knock you down a knotch on my pedestal. Ill try anyway.
Much & respect, and the best to you and yours this year!
Signing and fucking off now!
__________________________________________________ _

NP: Songs to help my children sleep EP - Robin (the man) Guthrie

[kuraaka]

I for one have very much enjoyed Robin's solo recordings, not one bit less than I have enjoyed CT, and will continue to do so. However, what I do miss, is a band. Not necessarily CT, but a band. (Any chance of a Violet Indiana reunion?)

[dynamine]

[garp]

Originally Posted by robin guthrie

I'll continue to be me as I do it so much better than other people do.

I for one am glad that part of you includes the humour and the patience to hang around in "that fucking forum". This place wouldn't be the same without you.

[damo]

That is awesome...where the fuck else do i know of that artists interact with their fans this way,nowhere.I love this place.

[Frank]

Originally Posted by davespear

I also, do look forward to anything new that is released by any of the ex CT, and love to seek out new music when I can, though I am getting, and feeling, old and crotchety now--and a little wounded, after being collectively told to 'fuck off' by one of my music idols

I've always thought being told to "fuck off" by an idol should be viewed as something of an accomplishment.

Interesting and appreciated words from Robin. The thing is, when you have fans and a fan forum it naturally comes with people dissecting your words and actions. I don't think anyone was meaning to be disrespectful. Opinions differ, and besides, when people always speak positively (even when their genuine reactions to something are not positive) and never question anything it all begins to get a bit cult-like, overwhelmingly ass-kissing and boring.

I don't know that anyone said or intended to say CT should be the present focus for any of the band members. I personally am a big fan of the new music and will continue to shell out my $$ for it.

[Chaplet]

Only just seen this.

I fucked off ages ago.

[fredofla]

Originally Posted by Chaplet

Only just seen this.

I fucked off ages ago.

oh.

i see.

[Chaplet]

Originally Posted by fredofla

oh.

i see.

I knew you would if I left you to think about it for a while.

Not that it was worth the effort.

[fredofla]

Originally Posted by Chaplet

I knew you would if I left you to think about it for a while.

Not that it was worth the effort.

of course.....it wasn't.