Cocteau Twins Atlas / Milk & Kisses


Milk & Kisses 1996 CD
Title	Time	Comment	My Rating
Violaine	3.44	see Violaine singles #1 and #2 and Otherness	* * * * *
		This song starts of the album rather violently, telling the listener to expect miracles. I love the atmosphere in Violaine, it is hectic and party-like and sets a tone of wonder and magic.
Serpentskirt	3.57	see Faye Wong	* * * *
		Very pretty, the way Fraser's voice changes from ecstatic to withdrawn and back again gives a dynamic feeling.
Tishbite	3.50	see Tishbite singles #1 and #2	* * * *
		I like this song but I can't see why they picked it for the singles, there are more interesting songs on this album. The last minute is lovely though where the melody rocks you back and forth and all the voices blend together
Half-Gifts	4.17	see Twinlights	* * * * *
		This is one of my favorite songs of all times. It has a rich melody that is clear and easy to access, but it is in no way common, like some catchy melodies can be. Half-Gifts is sad and emotional without being sentimental. It just feels completely honest, and Elizabeth Fraser's vocals fills me up like a color-bright painting.
Calf-Skin Smack	4.58	I love the title of this song, but it has never really caught my interest. I do like those Ooh la la la's though.	* * *
Rilkean Heart	4.02	see Twinlights	* * * *
		This song sounds a little like a conventional song, with easily defined verse and refrain. The long verse in the beginning keeps me waiting for the pleasure I know is to come, and it feels a bit tedious to wait, and then the refrain comes and it doesn't sound like a conventional tune anymore.
Ups	3.34	Ups really goes up and up and up somehow.	* * *
Eperdu	4.38	Eperdu means lively in French, but I think this track is a bit dull. But the beauty is there, as always.	* * *
Treasure Hiding	4.54	It starts of slow as if Fraser is holding back and it takes two and a half minute before the song bursts, so it is truly a treasure in hiding.	* * * *
Seekers who are Lovers	4.46	see Otherness	* * * * *
		An amazing song. The first time I heard it I was surprised that music could sound like this. Fraser's voice is put in layers with high operatic vocals arranged like a dazzling backdrop for the more "throaty" singing in front. I saw her sing this in The White Room two years ago, and the way she looked so into her singing and the song in itself, makes the song seem even more special (if possible).

Milk & Kisses really is like milk and kisses, soft and sweet and at the same time exciting with no song sounding like the one before. It is sad that this was their last album, because I feel that every album they made was more varied and more innovative. I would have liked to hear how they wanted to take the sound of Milk & Kisses one step further.