Moon & the Melodies

Moon & the Melodies

Editorial Reviews
<"b00000ddet7499"> Amazon.com
This 1986 collaboration between Harold Budd, the master ambient minimalist, and the Cocteau Twins, the original purveyors of ethereal pop, delicately balances the former's hypnotic atmospheres with the latter's soft grooves and cryptic female voices. While both artists are known for their romantic sounds, the moodier, darker tones that frequently inhabit Budd's ambient works are subverted here for a generally upbeat feeling. Nevertheless, the natural symbiosis between Budd and the Cocteaus makes for a charming, low-key musical marriage. These eight songs are split between light and airy instrumental compositions and groove-oriented vocal tracks. In the former style, "Why Do You Love Me?" is the most memorable, matching Budd's cascading, aqueous keyboard runs with guitarist Simon Raymonde's graceful feedback washes. The latter style is exemplified by "She Will Destroy You," which sounds like a Cocteau Twins tune with romantic keyboard and saxophone accompaniment. Some might argue that not every track feels like a true collaboration, but The Moon and the Melodies has no exalted aspirations, rather it is designed as pretty, relaxing music, and it succeeds on its own terms. --Bryan Reesman --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

<"b00000ddet4996"> Album Description
Never released in the U.S., this is the Scottish trio's 1986ambient collaboration album with Harold Budd for the 4ADlabel. Contains eight tracks, most of which sound likeCocteau Twins with a moody organ added. Vocalist ElizabethFraser sings on 'Sea, Swallow Me', 'Eyes Are Mosaics', 'SheWill Destroy You' & 'Ooze Out And Away, Onehow'; the othercuts, 'Memory Gongs', 'Why Do You Love Me?', 'The Ghost HasNo Home' & 'Bloody And Blunt', are all instrumentals. Highlyrecommended to any fan of Cocteau Twins or Budd! --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.