{"product_id":"cocteau-twins-blue-bell-knoll-cd-copy","title":"Cocteau Twins - Blue Bell Knoll","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBLACK VINYL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first Cocteaus album to feature a full-band lineup since Treasure was also their first full studio record released in America, resulting from the group's stateside deal with Capitol. Much to longtime fans' surprise, the Twins in fact were much more content with Capitol than 4AD, hinting at their eventual full departure from that label. This was all well and good, but the trio's new inspiration didn't fully translate into their work, unfortunately. While Blue Bell Knoll has some striking moments that are pure Cocteaus at their best -- the opening title track is especially lovely with a keyboard loop leading into Fraser's ever-wonderful vocals, a light rhythm, and a great final Guthrie solo -- it's still the band's least noteworthy release since Garlands. The feeling throughout is of a group interested in dressing up older approaches that have served them well, but aren't as distinct; the quite-lush arrangements by Guthrie are fine but the songs are a touch more pedestrian. Blue Bell Knoll has enough initial steam, however, to ensure that there are reasons to listen, happily. \"Athol-Brose\" has the inspirational feel that the Twins can easily create. \"Carolyn's Fingers,\" the clear album standout, is perhaps the strongest individual Cocteau song since \"Aikea-Guinea,\" with Fraser singing against herself over a rough, hip-hop-inspired rhythm while Guthrie peels off a fantastic main guitar melody and Raymonde contributes some supple bass work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA1        Blue Bell Knoll    3:22\u003cbr\u003eA2        Athol-Brose    2:58\u003cbr\u003eA3        Carolyn's Fingers    3:07\u003cbr\u003eA4        For Phoebe Still A Baby    3:15\u003cbr\u003eA5        The Itchy Glowbo Blow    3:20\u003cbr\u003eB1        Cico Buff    3:47\u003cbr\u003eB2        Suckling The Mender    3:34\u003cbr\u003eB3        Spooning Good Singing Gum    3:49\u003cbr\u003eB4        A Kissed Out Red Floatboat    4:09\u003cbr\u003eB5        Ella Megalast Burls Forever    3:40\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Analog Record Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45109258518728,"sku":null,"price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0348\/8505\/files\/51g1mcV0D6L._SL1024.jpg?v=1779744531","url":"https:\/\/www.analogrecordshop.com\/products\/cocteau-twins-blue-bell-knoll-cd-copy","provider":"Analog Record Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}