Heaven or Las Vegas

"Formed in Scotland in 1979 by guitarist Robin Guthrie and bassist Will Heggie, The Cocteau Twins were later joined by Elizabeth Fraser, an exceptional singer whose gorgeous, operatic style vocals emotively lifted the music to beautiful new heights.

Heggie left the group a few years later, but Guthrie and Fraser, undeterred, continued as a duo and recorded 'Head Over Heels' in 1983 for the new, arty label 4AD. The debut album established the Cocteau sound of lush instrumentation, awash with vibrant colour, to compliment Fraser's moving vocals. The addition of bassist Simon Raymonde proved to be a key move, as he added another dimension to their sound and solidified the writing and arrangement within their music.

Following two fine EPs, they released the LP 'Treasure', which was their most balanced and brilliant work yet. More EPs followed, along with the wonderful, acoustic 'Victorialand' album. The stylish 'Blue Bell Knoll' was issued in 1998, but it wasn't until 1990 that the group released their true masterpiece, 'Heaven or Las Vegas'.

It is a truly stunning album, full of beauty and power. Guthrie and Raymonde play majestically whilst Liz Fraser's alluring, and at times, haunting vocals are simply divine. The relaxed, yet focused feel to the songs give the impression that they were captured on first take and sparkle with a magical energy.

This top quality self-produced release would be their last with the 4AD label. After two more LPs and EPs The Cocteau Twins split up in the late '90s, but 'Heaven or Las Vegas' remains as testament to a wonderfully creative trio of musicians at their perfect peak."
- GEOFF

Interesting footnotes:
- After the demise of The Cocteau Twins, vocalist Elizabeth Fraser went on to work with such artists as Ian McCulloch, The Bathers, and Massive Attack. She was also briefly romantically linked to the late Jeff Buckley.

- Elizabeth Fraser was once described by English DJ, John Peel as having "the voice of God"!

- World famous producer (and one-time member of Yes), Trevor Horn lists 'Heaven or Las Vegas' as has favourite album of all time!