While the earlier The Pink Opaque compilation had served as a useful summary in the late 80s, the 2000 compilation Stars and Topsoil, focusing on the Cocteau Twins’ run on 4AD, proved to be the better comprehensive overview of those years where the band built up its considerable reputation. Drawing on each of the full length albums and most of the band’s EPs from those years, it serves as a strong sample of the band’s seemingly otherworldly songs, ‘rock’ music transformed into texture, shadows, light and Elizabeth Fraser’s astonishing voice.

– Ned Raggett