This Mortal Coil, the musical project spearheaded by 4AD Records founder Ivo Watts-Russell in the early 1980s, was a true visionary force in the world of alternative music. The group’s unique approach to covers and re-imaginings of songs, as well as their stunning original compositions, created a rich and ethereal soundscape that has continued to captivate listeners for decades. With an ever-changing roster of musicians and vocalists, This Mortal Coil produced some of the most haunting and beautiful music of the era.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 best This Mortal Coil songs of all time. From their stunning covers of classics like Tim Buckley’s “Song to the Siren” and Big Star’s “Holocaust,” to their breathtaking original compositions like “Song to the Siren” and “The Jeweller,” we will take a deep dive into the group’s discography and showcase their most essential tracks. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of This Mortal Coil, this list is sure to inspire and transport you to a world of otherworldly beauty and haunting melodies.
1. Song to the Siren
“Song to the Siren” is perhaps the most iconic and beloved song from This Mortal Coil’s catalog. Originally written by Tim Buckley, This Mortal Coil’s haunting cover features the ethereal vocals of Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser, backed by a lush and atmospheric arrangement of guitars, synths, and percussion. The song’s lyrics, which speak of a powerful and all-consuming love, are delivered with an otherworldly beauty that has made it a timeless classic. Fraser’s vocal performance is particularly stunning, conveying both vulnerability and strength in equal measure. “Song to the Siren” has been covered by many artists over the years, but This Mortal Coil’s version remains the definitive one, a testament to the group’s unique approach to reimagining classic songs.
2. You And Your Sister
“You and Your Sister” is a beautiful and melancholic ballad originally written by Chris Bell of the iconic Memphis band Big Star. This Mortal Coil’s rendition features the gentle vocals of Kim Deal of The Breeders and Pixies, backed by a haunting arrangement of acoustic guitars, strings, and atmospheric synths. The song’s lyrics speak of the bond between siblings, and the pain of losing someone close to you. Deal’s delicate vocal delivery perfectly captures the emotions of the song, conveying both sadness and longing. This Mortal Coil’s version of “You and Your Sister” is a stunning example of the group’s ability to take a classic song and make it their own, imbuing it with their signature ethereal sound and creating a truly unforgettable listening experience.
3. Another Day
“Another Day” is a haunting and ethereal track from This Mortal Coil’s debut album, “It’ll End in Tears.” The song features the dreamy vocals of Elizabeth Fraser, backed by a minimalist arrangement of piano, synths, and percussion. The lyrics, which speak of the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life, are delivered with a wistful and introspective tone that perfectly matches the song’s melancholic melody. Fraser’s vocals, as always, are a highlight of the track, conveying both fragility and resilience in equal measure. “Another Day” is a stunning example of This Mortal Coil’s ability to create a rich and atmospheric soundscape with just a few simple elements, and it remains one of their most enduring and beloved songs to this day.
4. Kangaroo
“Kangaroo” is a mesmerizing and hypnotic track from This Mortal Coil’s second album, “Filigree & Shadow.” The song, originally written by Alex Chilton of Big Star, features the haunting vocals of Alison Limerick, backed by a moody and atmospheric arrangement of guitars, synths, and percussion. The song’s lyrics, which speak of love and loss, are delivered with a powerful and emotional intensity that perfectly matches the song’s lush and dreamy sound. Limerick’s vocal performance is particularly stunning, conveying both vulnerability and strength in equal measure. “Kangaroo” is a testament to This Mortal Coil’s unique approach to covers and re-imaginings of classic songs, and it remains one of the most haunting and evocative tracks in their discography.
5. Tarantula
“Tarantula” is a brooding and atmospheric track from This Mortal Coil’s second album, “Filigree & Shadow.” The song features the haunting vocals of Tanya Donelly, backed by a sparse and moody arrangement of guitars, synths, and percussion. The lyrics, which speak of fear and uncertainty, are delivered with a haunting and introspective tone that perfectly matches the song’s dark and mysterious sound. Donelly’s vocal performance is particularly stunning, conveying both vulnerability and strength in equal measure. “Tarantula” is a prime example of This Mortal Coil’s ability to create a rich and evocative soundscape with just a few simple elements, and it remains one of their most atmospheric and memorable tracks to this day.
6. Holocaust
“Holocaust” is a stunning and powerful cover of the iconic Big Star track, featured on This Mortal Coil’s debut album, “It’ll End in Tears.” The song features the ethereal vocals of Elizabeth Fraser, backed by a lush and atmospheric arrangement of guitars, synths, and percussion. The lyrics, which speak of heartbreak and loss, are delivered with a haunting and emotional intensity that perfectly matches the song’s dreamy and melancholic sound. Fraser’s vocal performance is particularly striking, conveying both fragility and strength in equal measure. This Mortal Coil’s version of “Holocaust” is a true masterpiece of ethereal and atmospheric music, showcasing the group’s unique ability to take classic songs and imbue them with their signature sound and style.
7. Drugs
“Drugs” is a haunting and atmospheric track from This Mortal Coil’s second album, “Filigree & Shadow.” The song features the dreamy and ethereal vocals of Alison Limerick, backed by a moody and hypnotic arrangement of guitars, synths, and percussion. The lyrics, which speak of addiction and dependence, are delivered with a haunting and introspective tone that perfectly matches the song’s brooding and mysterious sound. Limerick’s vocal performance is particularly striking, conveying both vulnerability and strength in equal measure. “Drugs” is a prime example of This Mortal Coil’s ability to create a rich and evocative soundscape with just a few simple elements, and it remains one of the most haunting and memorable tracks in their discography.
8. Strength of Strings
“Strength of Strings” is a haunting and atmospheric track from This Mortal Coil’s second album, “Filigree & Shadow.” The song features the dreamy and ethereal vocals of Julee Cruise, backed by a moody and hypnotic arrangement of guitars, synths, and percussion. The lyrics, which speak of the power of love and connection, are delivered with a haunting and introspective tone that perfectly matches the song’s brooding and mysterious sound. Cruise’s vocal performance is particularly striking, conveying both fragility and strength in equal measure. “Strength of Strings” is a prime example of This Mortal Coil’s ability to create a rich and evocative soundscape with just a few simple elements, and it remains one of the most haunting and memorable tracks in their discography.
9. With Tomorrow
“With Tomorrow” is a beautiful and melancholic track from This Mortal Coil’s second album, “Filigree & Shadow.” The song features the gentle and ethereal vocals of Deirdre Rutkowski, backed by a minimalist and atmospheric arrangement of piano, strings, and percussion. The lyrics, which speak of the fleeting nature of life and the hope for a brighter tomorrow, are delivered with a wistful and introspective tone that perfectly matches the song’s haunting melody. Rutkowski’s vocal performance is particularly stunning, conveying both vulnerability and resilience in equal measure. “With Tomorrow” is a testament to This Mortal Coil’s ability to create a rich and emotional soundscape with just a few simple elements, and it remains one of the most beautiful and evocative tracks in their discography.
10. Acid, Bitter and Sad
“Acid, Bitter and Sad” is a haunting and atmospheric track from This Mortal Coil’s second album, “Filigree & Shadow.” The song features the dreamy and ethereal vocals of Caroline Crawley, backed by a moody and hypnotic arrangement of guitars, synths, and percussion. The lyrics, which speak of the pain of heartbreak and the struggle to move on, are delivered with a haunting and introspective tone that perfectly matches the song’s brooding and mysterious sound. Crawley’s vocal performance is particularly striking, conveying both vulnerability and strength in equal measure. “Acid, Bitter and Sad” is a prime example of This Mortal Coil’s ability to create a rich and evocative soundscape with just a few simple elements, and it remains one of the most haunting and memorable tracks in their discography.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
