This Mortal Coil Soundboard
This Mortal Coil was not a movie, television show, or song, but rather a highly influential musical project that left an indelible mark on the alternative music scene in the 1980s. Formed in 1983, This Mortal Coil was spearheaded by Ivo Watts-Russell, co-founder of the renowned British record label 4AD. The project featured a rotating lineup of musicians from various 4AD bands, creating a unique and diverse sound. It was with the release of their debut album, "It'll End in Tears," in 1984, that This Mortal Coil truly made its mark.
The cast of musicians involved in This Mortal Coil reads like a who's who of the alternative music scene at the time. Some of the notable contributors included Elizabeth Fraser and Robin Guthrie from Cocteau Twins, Lisa Gerrard from Dead Can Dance, Howard Devoto from Magazine, Simon Raymonde from Dif Juz, and many others. This collective of talented musicians brought their individual styles and influences, resulting in a mesmerizing and ethereal sound that characterized This Mortal Coil's music.
"It'll End in Tears" was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The album featured hauntingly beautiful cover versions of songs originally recorded by various artists, including Tim Buckley, Roy Harper, and Big Star. This Mortal Coil's reinterpretations breathed new life into these tracks, showcasing the musicians' immense talent for arrangement and production. The album also introduced listeners to the angelic vocals of Elizabeth Fraser, whose ethereal voice became a key element of This Mortal Coil's sound.
Following the success of their debut, This Mortal Coil released two more albums: "Filigree & Shadow" in 1986 and "Blood" in 1991. These albums further solidified the project's reputation for creating atmospheric and introspective music. With each release, they continued to collaborate with an array of talented musicians, including members of Cocteau Twins, Pieter Nooten, and Louise Rutkowski, among others.
While This Mortal Coil disbanded in the early 1990s, their influence can still be felt in the music of subsequent generations. Their sound paved the way for the dream pop and shoegaze genres that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The project's focus on atmosphere, layered instrumentation, and emotive vocals set a precedent for many alternative bands to come.
Today, fans of This Mortal Coil can still enjoy their music through various streaming platforms or by purchasing their albums. Additionally, there are several websites where you can play and download their sounds to fully immerse yourself in their captivating and atmospheric world. Whether you're a longtime devotee or a curious listener, exploring This Mortal Coil's discography is a rewarding experience that showcases the creative genius of Ivo Watts-Russell and the incredibly talented musicians who contributed to the project.
So, if you're longing for a sonic journey that transcends time and space, look no further than This Mortal Coil. Their music continues to captivate audiences with its haunting beauty, making them an enduring presence in the alternative music pantheon.
