Lullabies to Violaine, Vol. One

During their prime from 1982 to 1990, The Cocteau Twins released many more EPs than they did full-length albums. All of those interstitial releases are collected on Lullabies to Violaine, Vol. 1. Though the group's longer releases shouldn’t be dismissed, this is a more accurate and often more interesting way to track the creative evolution of a quite extraordinary band. Though the Cocteaus quickly outgrew their tough punk beginnings, “Feathers Oar-Blades” and “Peppermint Pig” stand among works by PiL and Joy Division as some of the best songs of the postpunk era. “Sugar Hiccup” might be the point where it all changed for the Cocteaus. From then on, a tint of sweetness and elegance began to grow where once there was only aggression and atonality. Even if you're a longtime fan, you might have missed some of the best songs from their dazzling run between 1984 and 1990. “Kookaburra,” “Quiquose,” “Love’s Easy Tears,” and “Mizake the Mizan” are just a few of the lesser-known tracks that nonetheless epitomize the iridescent opulence and trembling romance that captivated the band’s cult following.