The Moon and the Melodies

Cocteau Twins, Simon Raymonde, Harold Budd, Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie

rock ambient dream pop ethereal chill-out

4AD

Recorded

1986

Released

1986

Even though it’s essentially a Cocteau Twins and Harold Budd collaboration in more direct language, The Moon and the Melodies, one of Budd’s two albums that year (the other, Lovely Thunder, had Simon Raymonde and Robin Guthrie also helping with production and mixing on a couple of tracks), well deserves the multiple artist credits. It’s not ‘just’ a Cocteaus album with a guest, as Budd’s singular, truly beautiful piano contributions bubble up in the mix and connect with the respective arrangements, Fraser’s voice adding a further unique element.

Ned Raggett