I just don't get it. I mean, you can't understand a thing the woman sings. The guitars sure are pretty, though, with all that whirling and echoing. And her voice, darting in and out almost wordlessly sometimes warms my soul and other times chills me to the bone. The Cocteau Twins are one enigmatic group, boy howdy. So minimalist in ways, so indulgent in others - they can be frustrating, but the power and majesty (and prescience - they are second only to the Cure in fomenting the rise of Gothic rock) of their music cannot be denied.

Their earlier music, including standout LPs Head Over Heels and Treasure, is summarized on the imported The Pink Opaque (inexplicably, "Sugar Hiccup," one of their best and most popular songs, is missing). Two of their later albums, Blue Bell Knoll and Heaven Or Las Vegas (featuring "Iceblink Luck") are worth seeking out, too. Even better is Stars & Topsoil, an import-only career spanning collection.