Description
The Moon and the Melodiesis a collaborative studio album by Scottishdream popbandCocteau Twinsand AmericanminimalistcomposerHarold Budd. The album was released under the names of each contributor: Guthrie, Elizabeth Fraser, and Simon Raymonde of the Cocteau Twins, and Budd. But in the decades since its initial release,The Moon and the Melodiesis now considered part of the Cocteau Twins catalog, and one of the bands best.
The Moon and the Melodieshears the Cocteau Twins at their most ambient, and Budd at his most dream pop-leaning. Initially, the idea for a collaborative release came about after Simon Raymonde got in touch with Harold asking if he cover Not Yet Remembered from Brian Eno and BuddsAmbient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror, a record which alongside the first in the Ambient seriesMusic for Airportshelped in pushing ambient music into public consciousness.
Despite Budd being completely unfamiliar with the Cocteau Twins before Raymonde gave him a bell, the chemistry between the two parties is evident, seamless almost.The Moon and the Melodiesis a singular record in both artists catalogues, a collection equal parts instrumental ambient and the Cocteaus typical ethereal wave. We hear glacial instrumentals played under Budds improvisations, which are occasionally punctuated by the gorgeous, inimitable vocals of Elizabeth Fraser. Were in Cocteau Twins territory here, so needless to say its an atmosphere-steeped record, one which will cue vivid pictures or personal memories from each of its listeners with its blissful, evocative sound.
The Moon and the Melodieswas arguably the most divergent release in the Cocteaus catalogue before the shoegaze-leaningHeaven or Las Vegascropped up four years later. Theyd never really revisit the ambient soundscaping witnessed here, instead ploughing a more guitar-based, somewhat rock-ier sound, though Budd would later collaborate with Robin Guthrie on the score to Gregg Arakis drama filmMysterious Skin. It also split the crowd in their fanbase, but those who liked it, really loved it, with some championing it as their magnum-opus. (via Norman Records)
Label: 4AD
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Optimal Media Pressing
Country: Worldwide
Reissued: 2024 / Original Release: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Ethereal, Ambient
File under: Alternative / Indie / Rock
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