I do believe this is one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard, especially because of songs like "You and Your Sister", "Nature's Way" and their cover of "I Am the Cosmos". I've heard other stuff by This Mortal Coil, and nothing they've done has moved me as much as this album. Any other lovers of this gorgeous piece of music?

I thought it was a very messy album, actually. There are great moments sprinkled throughout, certainly, but in the end I thought it was too long and too unfocused. I think, while the Syd Barret and Mary Margaret-O'hara covers were excellent, You and Your Sister, I am the Cosmos and Nature's Way were butchered. However, Spirit's original version of Nature's Way is one of my favourite songs, so I guess any other rendering of that track will always be second best to me.

I prefer It'll All End in Tears, if only for Liz Frasier's Song to the Siren.

Edit - ooh, I forgot to mention how much I dislike the version of Til I Gain Control Again. Rodney Crowell is one of my favourites as well - I think he's one of the greatest songwriters of the last thirty years - and I feel they absolutely sucked the life right out of that song.

Sorry, I guess I've got to be a dissenter on this one. I'm sure there are lotsa people who love it, though...what do I know?
[This message was edited Sat Aug 7 20:30:57 2004 by flipwilson]

well, this thread's been a smashing success.

Well, it was worth a shot! You can't hit a home run every time you're at the plate.

let me find something nice to say about blood...

I liked the sample of Can's Halleluhwah they sneaked onto the album...that was a nice touch.

I'm more of a fan of their self-titled album. I never get sick of hearing "Song to the Siren."

Case said:

Yeah, that's one time TMC actually improved on the original recording in my opinion. That song still pops up every now and then - I actually heard it on late night public radio last week. I think it's the best vocal of Liz Frasier's career.

Edit - I just went to look up the AMG review of the first TMC album. I'd completely forgotten that Howard Devoto sang Big Star's Holocaust on that record! What is Howard Devoto doing now? I know he had a cameo in 24 hour party people, but I haven't heard news of him releasing a record in ages. Now he was great - Magazine, Luxuria and as a solo artist. He didn't have the greatest set of pipes, but he certainly knew his way around a song.
[This message was edited Sat Aug 7 23:02:00 2004 by flipwilson]

Awwww.
An TMC thread.

They were best known in Holland a few years back cuz they used Song To The Siren in a bleeding car commercial (or sumthing).

At least that gave them some coverage.

gooeythehamster said:

Albeit about 20 years too late. Jeez from when is that song?

I need to get this one. I only have It'll End in Tears, and that's only because of Liz.

This is my favorite TMC album!

I haven't heard this one but love It'll End In Tears. I'll have to seek it out!

I love this album.in fact, I love all the TMC albums. The 80s were of course, the classic 4AD period.The 4AD label today is crap.I mean, Ivo is no longer associated with them.