The Box Set cover

The Box Set

Cocteau Twins · 1991

145 min · 38 tracks · post-punk · gothic rock · dream pop

A lush tapestry of ethereal soundscapes, shimmering melodies, and haunting vocals that define the dream pop genre.

Why this album works

This box set is significant for its comprehensive collection of the band's singles and B-sides, which helped solidify the Cocteau Twins' legacy within the dream pop genre. It received positive critical reception, being praised for its meticulous curation and the way it encapsulates the band's unique sound, influencing many artists in the shoegaze and ethereal wave scenes.
Best for
ethereal soundscapes for dreaming dynamic flow with varied pacing immersive listening in two halves
Context
The Box Set was released in 1991, marking a transitional phase for Cocteau Twins as they were moving from their earlier albums into a period of increased visibility. This compilation followed their acclaimed 1990 album Heaven or Las Vegas and represented a retrospective look at their influential discography, showcasing tracks from their early singles to later works.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Feathers‐Oar‐Blades 4:30
  • 2 Alas Dies Laughing 3:39
  • 3 It’s All but an Ark Lark 8:04

Disc 2

  • 1 Peppermint Pig (7″ version) 3:23
  • 2 Laugh Lines 3:19
  • 3 Hazel 2:49
  • 4 Peppermint Pig (12″ extended version) 5:01

Disc 3

  • 1 Sugar Hiccup Standout 3:39
  • 2 From the Flagstones 3:38
  • 3 Hitherto 3:53
  • 4 Because of Whirl‐Jack 3:28

Disc 4

  • 1 The Spangle Maker 4:41
  • 2 Pearly‐Dewdrops’ Drops (12″ version) Standout 5:13
  • 3 Pepper‐Tree 3:57
  • 4 Pearly‐Dewdrops’ Drops (7″ version) 4:10

Disc 5

  • 1 Aikea‐Guinea 3:57
  • 2 Kookaburra 3:19
  • 3 Quisquose 4:10
  • 4 Rococo 3:07

Disc 6

  • 1 Pink Orange Red 4:40
  • 2 Ribbed and Veined 3:57
  • 3 Plain Tiger 4:01
  • 4 Sultitan Itan 3:49

Disc 7

  • 1 Great Spangled Fritillary 4:02
  • 2 Melonella 4:02
  • 3 Pale Clouded White 4:59
  • 4 Eggs and Their Shells 3:07

Disc 8

  • 1 Love’s Easy Tears 3:36
  • 2 Those Eyes, That Mouth 3:38
  • 3 Sigh’s Smell of Farewell 3:33
  • 4 Orange Appled 2:49

Disc 9

  • 1 Iceblink Luck Standout 3:20
  • 2 Mizake the Mizan 3:03
  • 3 Watchlar 3:17

Disc 10

  • 1 Dials 2:39
  • 2 Crushed 3:18
  • 3 The High Monkey‐Monk 3:07
  • 4 Oomingmak (instrumental) 2:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata