The Twins are back and in better shape than ever! One of my biggest
complaints about their recent releases (HoLV and 4CC) are that the
Cocteau standards were aparently breaking down. The music was
getting heavier and heavier with stronger guitars (less processed,
that is) and driving drums. Worst of all was the completely
DECIPHERABLE lyrics from Liz. I was expecting their next album to
have lyrics printed in the liner notes! All I can say is that "Milk
and Kisses" is INCREDIBLE. You will find this release very similar
to "Treasure" and "Blue Bell Knoll", floating, layered, and simply
beautiful music. And Liz's indecipherable lyrics have once again
become another musical instrument in this arrangement mastered by
Robin Guthrie.
If you have kept up with the two EPs released prior to "Milk and
Kisses", you've already heard versions of "Rilkean Heart",
"Half-Gifts", "Seekers Who Are Lovers", and "Violaine". I have to
give top notches on this CD to "Half-Gifts", "Calfskin Smack", and
"Violaine"--they epitomize the sound of "Milk and Kisses". The one
downer: isn't "Rilkean Heart" a knock-off of that old Coca-Cola
commercial? You HAVE to hear it to believe it, and since it
probably won't get much air time (like most of their earlier
albums), pick "Milk and Kisses" up at your favorite record
store--do it NOW!
Su Chon
I agree with Jeff, this Cocteau album is magnificently gorgeous.
I did like HoLV and 4CC, butthis album shows the ephemeral quality
the Twins have been famous for. But I think 4CC release was a
precursor to "Milk and Kisses." This is the album we have all been
waiting for. I know Jeff and I may be somewhat prejudiced in favor
of the Twins over most other bands, butwhen May 14th arrives, I
expect to see all of you purchasing this album.
The first track "Violane" bursts out, grabbing the listener by the
ears. I felt like I was at a liveshow of the Twins as I dove into
layers of melodies, guitars, and Liz's chameleon-esque voice. If
you think the Twins are mellow, play the first track very loud and
you will get an inkling ofwhat they are capable of. Then they weave
this enchanting spell by slowing down the tempowith "serpentskirt"
and Liz's siren voice binds you. Track 4 is "half-gifts" which uses
the sametempo of a merry-go-round to create an interesting sound.
Robin's talent is so evident by hisuse of the ordinary - wind, the
merry-go-round tempo - to create music of extraordinary beauty.
This album is not as dark as prior efforts, and hopefully Robin
doesn't think it's shit.
I am a Twins fanatic! I love their music, even the albums that most
hate, but this album isexquisite. The music rises, Liz's voice
soars and dips, and I am in heaven.
The Twins deserve acclamation. Maybe this album will make it in the
mainstream - I hope not because it would be like feeding pearls to
swine. Please keep making this divine music if only for me (and
Jeff). P.S. Benny, are you still playing with them?
