Heaven Or Las Vegas

Cocteau Twins decided to scale back the overly pretty sound on Blue Bell Knoll while experimenting with more accessibility. The Twins ended up creating their best album since Treasure.

From the start, Heaven... is simply fantastic: on "Cherry-Coloured Funk," Guthrie's inimitable guitar work chimes leading a low-key but forceful rhythm, while Raymonde's grand bass work fleshes it out. Fraser simply captivates; her vocals are the clearest, most direct they've ever been, purring with energy and life.

There are many moments of sheer Cocteaus beauty and power, including the title track, with its great chorus. A near-perfect album.