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Violaine
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Wikipedia article
"'Violaine'" is a single by Cocteau Twins. It was released by Fontana Records in July 1996. It was the second single to be released from the 'Milk & Kisses' album, and their last single to be released from a non-compilation album. It reached No. 56 on the UK Singles Chart.
Background and release
"Violaine" was the second single to be released from the 1996 album 'Milk and Kisses'. It was the last single to be released by the band prior to their disbandment in 1997 following a series of un-successful attempts by the band to record new material for their ninth studio album. The song Touch Upon Touch, which was released in 1996 on the compilation 'Volume 17' and in 1997 on the compilation 'Splashed With Many a Speck', was the last song recorded by the band prior to the breakup in 1997.
Often described as a masterpiece by music critics, "Violaine" "ranks among the bands finest arrangements ever" claims Justin Chadwick writing in the 'Albumism Magazine Online' in 2021. With most songs on the 'Milk and Kisses', and largely for most of the bands career, the lyrics to "Violaine" are words in English sung backwards.
Like their previous single, "Violaine" enjoyed considerable success on European radio, including in Poland where it was considered a "power play" track on various radio stations in the country.
A Chinese version of Tranquil Eye was recorded by Faye Wong (Wangfei), for whom the song was originally composed.
Five tracks were released across two CDs. It was the band's second multi-disc single.
Critical reception
Whilst reviews for the album 'Milk and Kisses' were mixed largely due to the growing tension between the band, "Violaine" stood out as a favourite amongst critics. Writing in the 'Sputnik Music', Robert Garland writes "Violaine has an impact as far as dream pop goes, but the albums larger mainstays are found in its belly."
Live performances
The track has been performed several times by the band, mostly during their 1996 tour for 'Milk and Kisses' prior to the disbandment of the group.
Track listing
All tracks are written by Cocteau Twins
CD: Fontana / CTDC6 (UK)
# "Violaine" 3:46# "Smile" 3:52
# "Tranquil Eye" 4:25
CD: Fontana / CTDD6 (UK)
# "Violaine" 3:46# "Circling Girl" 3:32
# "Alice" 4:26
Performers
* Robin Guthrie
* Elizabeth Fraser
* Simon Raymonde
Charts
References
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