Dear fans, friends, and followers,
Welcome to the annual September instalment! This one will be brief, as I just sent out a newsletter last month and, really, not a terrible lot has happened. But thanks once again for keeping up with our dear Cocteau Twins — and welcome to our newest subscribers!
September has become — or, rather, has been — a kind of unofficial “Cocteau Twins Month” for those in the fan community, mainly because they’d released so many records during the month of September and Liz and Robin’s daughter, Lucy Belle, was born in September (in 1989 — Happy Birthday, Lucy!). Their former studio was named “September Sound” (in honour of said birthday). So, you get it. And here we are.
What better way to celebrate than with another CocteauFest? The fourth one, in fact, this year! In the last newsletter I mentioned there had already been one in Lima, Peru — the first in that country — earlier this year, followed by two events in San Francisco in August, and now another one coming up on 20th September in Seattle, Washington. As in San Francisco, this event, which will be held at Chop Suey, there will be a live performance by Seattle bands tribute bands Mocteau Twins (from San Diego, CA), and Sugar Hiccup — a Cocteau Twins tribute band — and local shoegazers Fotoform, along with music and dancing courtesy of DJ Slowdive. There will be some Cocteau Twins vinyl giveaways and some CocteauFest merchandise for sale. Tickets are still available.1
Far from promoting this event for the sake of selling tickets, I’m sharing this because I had not attended a CocteauFest since 2005 (Toronto), and I’d forgot how wonderful it is to spend time with all the wonderful folks in this community! Also, it’s a rare thing indeed to hear Cocteau Twins’ songs performed live by anyone, least of all bands capable of conveying their sounds competently. Because let’s be honest: the material is challenging! Especially for singers, it goes without saying. But Mocteau Twins and Sugar Hiccup do such an admirable job of it, and for those folks who may not ever have had the joy and privilege of seeing the Cocteaus live back in the day, it’s actually a really nice substitute. (And I had my first experience of what I can only characterise as a “Cocteau Bro” or “‘Teau Bro” when affably energetic and athletic young man in a ball cap was jumping up and down and high-fiving his friends when Sugar Hiccup played “Lorelei.” I love that enthusiasm!) In fact, Sugar Hiccup played about half of Treasure, including “Donimo,” their set opener. As I said, these are bold, brave musicians who are committed to putting a smile on your face.
The Fest is also an opportunity to see and meet folks who — believe it or not — weren’t even alive when the band broke up. On the first night in San Francisco (which was a DJ night at a club featuring mostly Cocteau Twins songs), there was a table of about five young men, all dressed more for a night out at a sports bar than a Goth club listening to Cocteau Twins. It turns out, they were true blue Cocteau fans! They even hit the dance floor a few times to twirl around. So you cannot judge a Cocteau Twins fan by their appearance, is what I’m saying. We come from all walks of life, and it’s a beautiful thing.
I’ve put together a video sampler of each band’s performance so you get an idea of what you can expect if you’re able to make it to Seattle in the next few days. FYI, Mocteau Twins tend to perform songs from the band’s later era, while Sugar Hiccup mainly focus on the earlier period, though there is some overlap. It may come as no surprise that neither band even goes near Blue Bell Knoll material. If you go and have the chance to introduce yourself to the band members — and I encourage you to! — you’ll find them all to be the most delightful people and ardent (and brave) Cocteau fans who just love the music.
Just as Lucy Belle Guthrie turns 36 this month, the album written and recorded when she was just a wee bairn likewise celebrates its anniversary this month (with the single, “Iceblink Luck,” marking its anniversary in August). By far the Cocteaus’ most successful record both commercially and critically, it’s often the “gateway drug” to the band. (Listen to an excerpt from Mocteau Twins’ performance of “Iceblink Luck” in the above video.)
“Under Two Blue Stars” dropped on 5 September, and at just under 3 minutes really packs a punch! It’s something of a different sound for Guthrie, and worth checking out.
From Robin:
Yet another orphan from 2018, something else unused from the same project as 'Prayer' ... It was indeed a busy year in the studio. Not sure I released much. Too busy recording, I guess. The photo, more obsolescence that I found in Vannes, last year. It's everywhere ...
I was personally more surprised that Elizabeth went to an industry party, but this is adorable regardless. (Side note: It was Liz’s birthday on 29 August!)
Had a brilliant time last night at the Beggars party catching up with so many old friends. Very sore head today, though!
And, well, with that bit of news I think I’ve reached the bottom of the bag for this month.
Stay strong and look out for one another, friends. There is much to live for, even now.
Kookaburra,
Michael
A late-breaking correction, as Mocteau Twins, who were originally slated to perform, had to cancel due to unavoidable circumstances.
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