Day 85: This Mortal Coil - It’ll End in Tears

I’ve started and stopped listening to today’s album probably two or three times. Not because I don’t like it, it’s just one of those records that requires your full attention, so I was waiting for the right moment. I think the right moment is probably now, as I’m writing on a plane with nothing to distract me, so I can finally get into it. Today, I’m listening to It’ll End in Tears by This Mortal Coil.

Album cover courtesy of 4AD

This Mortal Coil is a music collective that consists of bands and artists from the label 4AD, including members of the Cocteau Twins, Cindytalk, Dead Can Dance and Colourbox. The collective is headed by the head of 4AD, Ivo Watts-Russell.

It’ll End in Tears was released in 1984 as the collective’s first LP, and it consists of half covers and half original songs, both of which are excellent. The instrumental track “The Last Ray” is among the best on the record, as are “Song to the Siren and “Another Day”, both of which have Elizabeth Fraser from Cocteau Twins on the vocals. I love that there’s two Big Star covers on the album, that band is another of my favourite discoveries from this project.

If there’s one word to describe this with, I’d say it’s beautiful. It’s sort of hazy and dream-like but with an edge to it, it’s a little bit moody without being too dark. Strangely, I almost find the music so pretty that it’s hard to listen to in a way that’s difficult to explain. It’s not something that’s going into the roster, but I’m glad I listened to it and I’m sure I’ll break it out at the right moment. It’s a 9/10.

My holiday is over today so I’m back to my long yammering posts starting tomorrow. Although, should I keep them shorter? Contact me with feedback if you have any, I’m not sure which ones are more fun to read.