This Mortal Coil was not so much a band as a unique project helmed by Ivo Watts-Russell, the co-founder of the influential British record label 4AD. Originating in the early 1980s, This Mortal Coil was conceived as a collaborative effort that brought together various artists and musicians, many of whom were signed to the 4AD label, to re-imagine and record a series of eclectic and emotionally resonant songs, ranging from obscure covers to original pieces. The project lasted through the decade, producing three seminal albums that cemented its reputation for ethereal, haunting soundscapes and introducing a wider audience to the talents of artists such as Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins and Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance.
Their debut album, "It'll End In Tears," released in 1984, is perhaps the most well-known, featuring the iconic cover of Tim Buckley's "Song to the Siren," performed by Fraser. It was followed by "Filigree & Shadow" in 1986 and "Blood" in 1991, both of which continued the project's tradition of moody and expressive reinterpretations, overlaid with lush, atmospheric production. While This Mortal Coil ceased producing new material after "Blood," their legacy endures, particularly among fans of dream pop, gothic rock, and post-punk genres. The remastered versions of their albums, including "Dust & Guitars," a collection of singles and rarities, offer a polished and immersive listening experience that underscores the enduring significance of the project.
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