This group was essentially the creation of Ivo Watts-Russell (b. circa 1955, England), the co-owner of 4AD Records, a highly successful Wandsworth, London-based independent label. This Mortal Coil was actually a collaboration of musicians recording in various permutations, overseen and directed by Ivo. The first single, an epic cover of Tim Buckley's Song To The Siren, was originally intended as a b-side. However, bolstered by the considerable talents of Robin Guthrie and Elizabeth Fraser ( Cocteau Twins), it saw its own release and became a near permanent fixture in the independent charts as a result. The album which followed set the pattern for the occasional outings to come. Featuring a selection of artists from the 4AD roster plus various outsiders, the albums included several covers of Ivo's favourite songwriters (Buckley, Alex Chilton, Roy Harper, Gene Clark and Syd Barrett). At times shamefully indulgent, the series has nevertheless highlighted the occasional stunning performance and breathtaking arrangement. The most recent outing, which Ivo promises to be final, continues this tradition. In addition to label favourites Kim Deal ( Pixies), Tanya Donelly ( Throwing Muses/ Breeders/Belly) and Heidi Berry, also recruited is Caroline Crawley ( Shelleyan Orphan). Previous encumbents have included Howard Devoto and Gordon Sharp (Cindytalk).

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