Search - Cocteau Twins :: Love's Easy Tears

This is it.

Micah Newman | Fort Worth, TX United States | 12/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a perfect, concise (maybe too concise) encapsulation of the very best Cocteau Twins, which is saying an awful lot! Here's what you get:"Love's Easy Tears", for a spell, was my favorite Cocteau Twins song (now it's "Heaven Or Las Vegas"). I suspect many overlook it, but don't count it out just because it's simple and repetitive. I find it mesmerizing and wondrous. I've always loved songs with a repeated bassline under an ABABAB' structure gathering strength like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis (no, really). All the while, cascades of shimmering sound pour down like blessedness itself. Just listen to the backing vocals during the chorus. Angels exist; you'd better believe it: Liz Fraser is the Platonic form of the reality to which she testifies. As a thematic work, this EP works wonderfully. The title song itself is a good example; just listen to it while thinking of what the title brings to mind, and see if your enjoyment doesn't spike dramatically. If not, I feel sorry for you."Those Eyes, That Mouth" is an uptempo, driving hyper-ballad (to borrow a phrase from Bjork) whose triumphant, angular chorus expresses that wondrous sense of the ineffable that Cocteau Twins seem to be able to do without trying at all. Once again, think of the title while listening. Are the hairs on your arm not standing up?"Sigh's Smell Of Farewell" is one of my very favorites. Robin's guitar doesn't sound like processed guitar, it sounds like an instrument which naturally makes that sound! Like a celestial harp, its blue, faintly elegiac tone is itself completely transporting. All the while, the warm, almost cellolike *thrum* of Simon's bass acts as the perfect counterpart, the warm, reassuring surface of the flying carpet lifting you up through the clouds. Then the bridge-out sequence kicks in, and you know you've arrived. Music just doesn't get any better than this."Orange Appled" is a shortish little thing that I once considered one of those Cocteau Twins songs that's just a little too precious. But I eventually got over that, thank goodness. At its glorious chorus (with the Cocteau Twins, is there any other kind?), it seems to be stating some theme from time immemorial, like the advent of spring.And then it's over. Too bad, but there's lots more where that came from. Don't give up, pilgrim."

Liz's angelic voice in celebratory bliss

Christopher Culver | 11/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The "Love's Easy Tears" EP was the end of the Cocteau Twins mid-80's period, a time of loud production and Liz's voice having a characteristic wail. That era goes out on a high note, and this loud and crashing is remarkable due to its celebratory sound and emotional songs.The first song is "Love's Easy Tears," which is actually pretty unremarkable, as the instrumentation is rather repetative and lackluster, but the other tracks on the album are spectacular."Those Eyes, That Mouth" is one of the Cocteau Twins's most beautiful songs, due to Liz's three-part vocals, one of which is the most glorious and sweeping I've ever heard her at."Sigh's Smell of Farewell" is a bouncy rhythmic track that remains at a steady pace for its three and a half minutes. It's a bit of a rest between the second and third tracks.Last is "Orange Appled," a heavenly song that, through its use of chimes sounds bright and fresh. Meanwhile, Liz is wailing through several overdubs and a counterpoint. It's truly one of the Cocteau Twin's best songs and incredibly addictive.I would recommend the "Love's Easy Tears" EP above even some of their full-length albums (GARLANDS and FOUR CALENDAR CAFE are no match for this wonderful EP)."

Bliss....

Christopher Culver | 09/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Cocteau Twins "middle" period comes to an end--gloriously. With their next release, 1988's Blue Bell Knoll, Elizabeth and Co. began applying there completely unique sound to a more "Pop" format (not that this was a bad thing).With walls of blissful, sugary ear candy and Elizabeth's voice never sounding better, Love's Easy Tears is great headphone music. If you're like me, you'll find yourself repeatedly turning-up the volume. I own every EP and full-length release the Cocteau Twins put out, and I would put this in the top five. Buy it!"