More AD

Back in April 2024 I did a deep dive into all things 4AD & the incredible Ivo Watts-Russell

One of the 4AD's earliest signings was the band Modern English. In 1983, Watts-Russell decided that the band should re-record two of its earliest songs, "Sixteen Days" & "Gathering Dust", as a medley. At that time, ME was closing its set with this medley & Ivo felt it warranted a re-do.

 

When the band declined the offer, Watts-Russell decided to assemble a group of musicians to record the medley themselves: Elizabeth Fraser & Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins; Gordon Sharp of Cindytalk (later known as Cindy Sharp or Cinder); Martyn Young of Colourbox; plus a few members of Modern English themselves (guitarist Gary McDowell & bassist Michael Conroy).

The 1983 Sixteen Days/Gathering Dust EP resulted from these sessions. Pleased with the EP, Watts-Russell decided to pursue the recording of a full album under the This Mortal Coil moniker, 1984s It'll End in Tears, which I included (along with Filigree & Shadow) in the 4AD shares.

Here's their third full-length, Blood which I had not shared yet. Again the album contains some wonderful but off-kilter cover songs in the typical TMC style (like their incredible take on Spirit's "Nature's Way"). 

 

This Mortal Coil - Blood, 4AD DAD1005CD, 1991.
decryption code in comments

The Lacemaker    
Mr. Somewhere
Andialu
With Tomorrow
Loose Joints    
You & Your Sister
Nature's Way
I Come & Stand at Every Door
Bitter
Baby Ray Baby    
Several Times
The Lacemaker II    
Late Night
Ruddy & Wretched
Help Me Lift You Up
Carolyn's Song
D.D. & E.    
'Til I Gain Control Again
Dreams are Like Water    
I am the Cosmos
(Nothing But) Blood

 

 

Enjoy,
NØ