6. Cocteau TwinsGarlands

So remember when I said I bought the Smiths record and I met this guy who became my friend? His name was Ishmael, and he ended up being in a band called Digable Planets. He loved the Cocteau Twins, and I think he’s the one who introduced me to them when I was about 15. My favourite thing about Cocteau Twins is how Liz Fraser sings with no lyrics – it’s all just gibberish and melody. It makes it feel okay to do anything you want. They tap into an era and a sound that I really like, with the drum machines coming in… I like on this record in particular that there’s a little bit of a punk influence, it’s almost more rock compared to their later records – but still with the beautiful melodies. This record stretched my perception of how different elements can come together.