164. Laura Arias Discusses Cocteau Twins, Blue Bell Knoll

You, Me and An Album

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3 Pairs of Boots vocalist Laura Arias joins this episode of YMAAA to discuss Cocteau Twins’ 1988 album Blue Bell Knoll. Laura talks about how she was introduced to Cocteau Twins during their early “goth” period and why she is particularly fond of Blue Bell Knoll. She specifies the elements of the band’s music that make it magical for her. Laura also discusses the latest 3 Pairs of Boots album, Boot Scootin’, and how she and her husband/bandmate Andrew Stern manage to blend multiple genres in their music. (Andrew was a guest on YMAAA for Ep 81, when he discussed Rosanne Cash’s album The River & The Thread.)

Al had asked Laura for any live clips of Cocteau Twins that she would recommend, and she came back with these. Enjoy!

“Blue Bell Knoll” live

https://youtu.be/m1QJjfjxnsM

Heaven or Las Vegas live:

https://youtu.be/w0yjLjm_7f8

Be sure to keep up with 3 Pairs of Boots! You can follow them at @3pairsofboots on Instagram and subscribe to them on YouTube, also at @3pairsofboots. Also, you can check out their website at 3pairsofboots.com.

Al is on Bluesky at @almelchior.bsky.social. This show has accounts on Instagram and Threads at @youmealbum. Subscribe for free to You, Me and An Album: The Newsletter! https://youmealbum.substack.com/. You can also support the show on Buzzsprout at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1542814/episodes or at the link at the bottom of these show notes.

IMPORTANT NOTE: At the beginning of the episode, Al mentioned a GoFundMe page for Kira Neal (a two-time guest on YMAAA). Please donate if you are able and/or share the page with others who may be able to help Kira, who is undergoing two brain surgeries: https://www.gofundme.com/f/brain-surgery-at-39-musicians-the-waymores-need-your-help

1:48 Laura joins the show

2:43 Al talks about his reaction to Blue Bell Knoll

3:22 Laura revisits how she was introduced to Cocteau Twins

8:01 Laura talks about her reaction to the changes in Cocteau Twins’ sound

10:47 Laura discusses Elizabeth Fraser’s vocal and lyrical styles

15:39 Laura thinks Cocteau Twins will continue to have a following for years to come

19:07 Laura identifies some of things that Cocteau Twins do that create magic

22:58 Laura is impressed that Cocteau Twins could create such great music while under duress

25:09 Al and Laura ponder the meanings of the song titles

27:10 Laura notes that Cocteau Twins were unconventional from the start

28:52 Do Cocteau Twins have things in common with Van Halen?

34:18 Laura likes how the title track sets the tone

37:42 Laura experiences each song from Blue Bell Knoll as a reset

40:36 Laura and Al make note of Simon Raymonde’s bass parts

42:57 Laura break downs some of the other elements of Cocteau Twins’ sound

44:49 What can The Police teach us about Cocteau Twins’ lyrics?

47:50 Laura’s advice to people who aren’t familiar with Blue Bell Knoll

50:14 Laura talks about making four 3 Pairs of Boots album in five years

56:41 Laura addresses the way that 3 Pairs of Boots mixes genres

Outro music is from “Tempt My Fate” by 3 Pairs of Boots.

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