Moon & Melodies
This 1986 collaboration between Harold Budd, the master ambient minimalist, and the Cocteau Twins, the original purveyors of ethereal pop, delicately balances the former's hypnotic atmospheres with the latter's soft grooves and cryptic female voices. While both artists are known for their romantic sounds, the moodier, darker tones that frequently inhabit Budd's ambient works are subverted here for a generally upbeat feeling. Nevertheless, the natural symbiosis between Budd and the Cocteaus makes for a charming, low-key musical marriage. These eight songs are split between light and airy instrumental compositions and groove-oriented vocal tracks. In the former style, "Why Do You Love Me?" is the most memorable, matching Budd's cascading, aqueous keyboard runs with guitaristSimon Raymonde's graceful feedback washes. The latter style is exemplified by "She Will Destroy You," which sounds like aCocteau Twinstune with romantic keyboard and saxophone accompaniment. Some might argue that not every track feels like a true collaboration, butThe Moon and the Melodieshas no exalted aspirations, rather it is designed as pretty, relaxing music, and it succeeds on its own terms.--Bryan Reesman