‘Stars and Topsoil’, Cocteau Twins’ collection of the best of their 4AD years, is belatedly issued on vinyl. Perfectly suited to the format, there’s a greater cohesion to the tracks when they are split into four sides. The first pressing is on heavy, white vinyl.

Following their ascent from alternative novices to universally acclaimed artists, ‘Stars and Topsoil’ is a fine testament to one of the most original bands to emerge in the last three decades.

Over a career at 4AD that spanned six albums and seven eps, Cocteau Twins retained an intriguing uniqueness of style that defied comparison. Elizabeth Fraser (vocals), Robin Guthrie (guitars) and Simon Raymonde (bass guitar) were always fiercely protective of their privacy, preferring to let the music speak for itself; it spoke volumes and continues to do so. From day one Cocteau Twins had something special; Liz’s glittering vocals, unintelligible and perfect, Robin’s edgy guitar, all grounded by Simon’s bass.

This chronological collection is a fitting reminder of why Cocteau Twins are so important: musical visionaries who transcended convention yet achieved massive international success.

SIDE ONE
Blind Dumb Deaf
Sugar Hiccup
My Love paramour
Pearly Dewdrops' Drop
Lorelei
18.00

SIDE TWO
Pandora
Aikea-Guinea
Pink Orange Red
Pale Clouded White
19.00

SIDE THREE
Lazy Calm
The Thinner The Air
Orange Appled
Cico Buff
16.26

SIDE FOUR
Carolyn's Fingers
Fifty Fifty Clown
Iceblink Luck
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Watchlar
17.37

1. Blind Dumb Deaf

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   03:46
2. Sugar Hiccup

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   03:39
3. My Love Paramour

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   03:38
4. Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops

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   04:11
5. Lorelei

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   03:43
6. Pandora

   ---

   05:26
7. Aikea-Guinea

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   03:57
8. Pink Orange Red

   ---

   04:37
9. Pale Clouded White

   ---

   05:00
10. Lazy Calm

    ---

    06:34
11. The Thinner The Air

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    03:16
12. Orange Appled

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    02:49
13. Cico Buff

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    03:46
14. Carolyn's Fingers

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    03:06
15. Fifty-fifty Clown

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    03:10
16. Iceblink Luck

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    03:18
17. Heaven or Las Vegas

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    04:58
18. Watchlar

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    03:16