Available from today, The Moon and the Melodies by Cocteau Twins and Harold Budd is being reissued on vinyl for the first time almost forty years after it was initially released – remastered, from the original tapes, by Robin Guthrie himself. Alongside its brand-new vinyl edition, the remastered record is also available to purchase on CD and is now up on streaming platforms.
The Moon and the Melodies is a singular record within the Cocteau Twins’ catalogue – unusually ethereal, even by their standards, and largely instrumental, guided by the free-form improvisations of Harold Budd, an ambient pioneer who had drifted into their orbit as if by divine intervention. Building on the atmospheric bliss of Victorialand, released earlier the same year, it signaled a possible future for the trio, yet it was a path they’d never take again.
Over the ensuing years, The Moon and the Melodies has attracted a passionate fan base. Its most atmospheric tracks routinely turn up in ambient DJ sets. ‘Sea, Swallow Me’ is one of the Cocteau Twins’ most streamed songs on Spotify, having found a new life on TikTok, where it serves as the soundtrack to innumerable expressions of hard-to-express melancholy.
For such a low-key affair, the album casts a long shadow – but Raymonde believes the record’s uniqueness stems directly from its humble, unpremeditated origins. “It captured a moment in time between friends that are enjoying making music together. Really, that’s the essence of it.”
Robin Guthrie recently spoke to The Yorkshire Post about collaborating with Harold Budd which you can read HERE, and completed an interview with Spin magazine about the reissue – head HERE to read.
Praise for The Moon and the Melodies
“It’s testament to the enduring artistry of Budd, Fraser, Guthrie and Raymonde, that it continues to sound as magically mysterious as ever, whatever it’s shifting context.”
Uncut
“A swirling ocean of sound.”
Spin
“The king of romantic minimalism met the scions of dream pop.”
Vogue
For more information and to order a copy, head HERE.
23 August 2024
Formats: LP, CD, and Digital
ORDER HERE
A1. Sea, Swallow Me
A2. Memory Gongs
A3. Why Do You Love Me?
A4. Eyes are Mosaics
B1. She Will Destroy You
B2. The Ghost Has No Home
B3. Bloody and Blunt
B4. Ooze Out and Away, Onehow
Cocteau Twins have recently shared, for the first time, a full HD library of their music videos on the band’s new YouTube channel, upgraded using original masters found in both 4AD and Universal Music’s vaults. From 1984’s ‘Pearly-Dewdrops’ Drops’ to 1996’s ‘Tishbite,’ these new uploads span the history of the band and excitingly bring a clarity that’s far closer to their original productions than anything that was previously available. Check out the channel HERE.
Cocteau Twins now have an official webstore, where Cocteau Twins t-shirts, totes, and sweaters are currently for sale – the first time the band has sold any official merch since 1997. Head to the webstore HERE.
In current Cocteau Twins news, Elizabeth Fraser recently completed a tour with Massive Attack (their first run of shows in five years). At each date, she joined the band in their performance of a number of tracks, most notably a rendition of ‘Song to the Siren.’
Last month, Robin Guthrie released Atlas, a four-track EP of newly recorded instrumentals that gently eases listeners back into his world and precedes more material to come. Listen or buy the album via Soleil Après Minuit, HERE.
Simon Raymonde’s new memoir, In One Ear – Cocteau Twins, Ivor and Me, will be released on 12 September. The book recalls the history of Cocteau Twins, as well as Simon’s own musical journey through childhood into present day. Pre-order a copy HERE.
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