Cocteau Twins – Treasure

Treasure is the third studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Cocteau Twins, released on 1 November 1984 by 4AD. With this album, the band introduced their current core line-up of vocalist Elizabeth Fraser, guitarist Robin Guthrie and bassist Simon Raymonde. This new line-up also coincided with the development of the ethereal sound associated with the band’s music.

The album peaked at No. 29 on the UK Albums Chart and became the band’s first Top 40 album in the United Kingdom, staying there for eight weeks. Treasure is considered one of the band’s most successful releases, although the band themselves did not consider it their best.

The album was recorded from August to September 1984 at Palladium Studios, Edinburgh and Rooster, West London.

Simon Raymonde suggested that the album was rushed and unfinished, while Robin Guthrie called it an “abortion”. However, as Raymonde observed, “It seems to be what people liked best, and that’s probably why it sold best”.

Treasure is considered by many fans of the group to be the band’s best work, and has been recognized by critics. Music website Pitchfork wrote: “The Cocteau Twins’ third album had a fairly simple title. Treasure is a word for the endless inventive melodic lines you’ll find buried in these songs, and it defines what you’ll get from them for years to come”, also noting that the album marked the beginning of Cocteau Twins’ musical imprint. Ned Raggett of AllMusic praised the LP’s comprehensive variety, saying that “Treasure takes life from its title and then continues as a full and complete triumph”. BBC Online wrote: “Treasure was the first time the Cocteau Twins did it 100% right” and Melody Maker described the album as “a true masterpiece” stating that the band was “the voice of God”.

Jennifer Makowsky of music website PopMatters included the album in her list of the 12 essential Alternative Rock Albums of the 80s, writing that it stood the test of time, paving the way for bands such as Sigur Rós and Beach House. Treasure was also included in the 2008 edition of 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Robert Smith of the Cure finally calls it one of the most romantic albums ever recorded, so much that he played it while getting ready for his wedding day.

From this exceptional album I select the stunning “Persephone”.
 
Trackist

1. Ivo 3:53
2. Lorelei 3:43
3. Beatrix 3:11
4. Persephone 4:21
5. Pandora (For Cindy) 5:34
6. Amelia 3:34
7. Aloysius 3:26
8. Cicely 3:27
9. Otterley 4:06
10. Donimo 6:11