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The Pink Opaque

by Cocteau Twins

Released: January 13, 1986

Gothic rock, post-punk, ethereal wave

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

It was first released in early 1986 by 4AD Records and was intended to serve as the band's breakthrough in the United States. The Cocteau Twins, with their dreamy, ethereal soundscapes, were active from 1979 to 1997, consisting of original members Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie, and Will Heggie, who was later replaced by Simon Raymonde. The Pink Opaque is an album by the Scottish rock band, the Cocteau Twins.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

This compilation album includes tracks from the group's…

This compilation album includes tracks from the group's early EPs and albums.

Their distinctive sound was characterised by Fraser's soprano…

Their distinctive sound was characterised by Fraser's soprano vocals and the effects-heavy guitars of Guthrie.

The Pink Opaque is a collection of some…

The Pink Opaque is a collection of some of their strongest work from the early '80s.

The 10 tracks on the album include "The…

The 10 tracks on the album include "The Spangle Maker," "Millimillenary," "Wax and Wane," and "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops." The Pink Opaque effectively functions as both a definitive representation and an excellent starting point to the band's unique sound.

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Essential Tracks

The Spangle Maker

Millimillenary

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Explore the Album

Cocteau Twins - The Pink Opaque

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Then

Reception

The release of The Pink Opaque was closely associated with the Twins' increasing popularity and recognition outside of the UK, playing a critical part in the band's establishment in the US indie scene.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

The Pink Opaque is an album by the Scottish rock band, the Cocteau Twins. It was first released in early 1986 by 4AD Records and was intended to serve as the band's breakthrough in the United States. This compilation album includes tracks from the group's early EPs and albums.

The Cocteau Twins, with their dreamy, ethereal soundscapes, were active from 1979 to 1997, consisting of original members Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie, and Will Heggie, who was later replaced by Simon Raymonde. Their distinctive sound was characterised by Fraser's soprano vocals and the effects-heavy guitars of Guthrie.

The Pink Opaque is a collection of some of their strongest work from the early '80s. The 10 tracks on the album include "The Spangle Maker," "Millimillenary," "Wax and Wane," and "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops." The Pink Opaque effectively functions as both a definitive representation and an excellent starting point to the band's unique sound.