Cocteau Twins-Treasure

We're taking a quick look at the band's classic 3rd record, released on this day in 1984.

Photo: Amazon.com

Good morning!

Today, we’re looking at Cocteau Twins’ Treasure album as it turns 39.

---

The magic of Cocteau Twins lies in the ability of the listener to take away whatever they want from the band. Part of that is because of how hard it can be for some to understand Elizabeth Fraser’s mix of glossolalia and heavy accent, which have long been a subject of fascination in certain music precincts.

There’s some truth to that, but I think the combination of her (amazing) voice and the lush/textured music enables you to hear what you want. They’re alternately startling and soothing. Sometimes, the band seems dreamy. Sometimes, like what you might hear at a club. Other times, the sound comes across as what starlight would sound like if we could hear it.

In the case of a record like Treasure, sometimes all of those things all at once.

---

Treasure is the band’s 3rd studio album and established what would be the band’s primary lineup: Fraser on vocals and Robin Guthrie and Simon Raymonde on guitar and bass, respectively.

The record is often regarded as the band’s best. Vinyl Factory described it as “denser and less buoyant than its predecessor, but it’s brilliant, all bewitching vocal overlaps, heightened emotion, and baroque detail.”

“Ivo” is a lovely, lilting opening track that quickly takes you by the hand and guides you along.

That’s followed by “Beatrix,” which sounds like a 3-plus minute walk through a funhouse or hall of mirrors.

“Lorelei” rounds out the first three and is the only song I’d heard before on the record. It’s long held a place in my top 5 by the band. I find the bombastic drumbeat hypnotic and addictive. On a side note, I'd always been kinda surprised no one's ever sampled it to rap over. Yes, I’m serious.

EDIT: Curiosity got the better of me, so I went and checked. It turned out the song had been sampled.

---

---

I don't know much about Greek philosophy, but I do know that Persephone was the Goddess of the underground. And it’s fitting that the track that bears her name feels like a descent— into madness, the abyss, whatever.

Likewise, I don't go to church, but if I did, “Donimo,” is what I hope the choir would sound like.

“Otterley” rounds the album out and is soft with muted vocals. It’s the perfect denouement.

Bottom Line:

Heaven Or Las Vegas doesn't need to worry about losing their title as “Kevin’s favorite Cocteau Twins record,” but Treasure is definitely in their rearview mirror. It's a beautifully crafted sonic landscape and well worth a place in your collection.

---

Listen:

Cocteau Twins | Treasure, 1984

Click the record to listen on your platform of choice.

Thoughts on this record? Did I get it right, or did I miss the mark?

Thanks for being here,

Kevin—

An earlier version of this article first appeared here.