finetune artist: This Mortal Coil

This UK band was essentially the creation of Ivo Watts-Russell, the co-owner of 4AD Records, a highly successful Wandsworth, London-based independent label. This Mortal Coil was actually a collaboration of musicians recording in various permutations, overseen and directed by Watts-Russell. The first single, an epic cover version of Tim Buckley's "Song To The Siren', was originally intended as a b-side. However, bolstered by the considerable talents of Robin Guthrie and Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins), it saw its own release and became a near-permanent fixture in the independent charts in 1983 as a result. The album that followed set the pattern for the occasional outings to come. Featuring a selection of artists from the 4AD roster plus various outsiders, the albums included several cover versions of works by Watts-Russell's favourite songwriters (Buckley, Alex Chilton, Roy Harper, Gene Clark and Syd Barrett). At times shamefully indulgent, the series nevertheless highlighted the occasional stunning performance and breathtaking arrangement. The final This Mortal Coil outing was 1991"s Blood, a collection which continued this tradition. In addition to label favourites Kim Deal (Pixies), Tanya Donelly (Throwing Muses/Breeders/Belly) and Heidi Berry, Caroline Crawley (Shelleyan Orphan) was also recruited. Previous incumbents included Howard Devoto and Gordon Sharp (Cindytalk). In 1998, Watts-Russell repeated the exercise with the Hope Blister.

Listen to This Mortal Coil at Finetune.

(1991) Blood
(1986) Filigree & Shadow
(1984) It'll End in Tears

Song to the Siren
You and Your Sister
Kangaroo
Another Day
Dreams Made Flesh