As I have written about before, during college I was exposed to a lot of music I had never heard before. Among the standouts was Scottish band Cocteau Twins. Anyone interested in different music during the late Eighties was probably exposed to the band’s ethereal music at some point, whether from 120 Minutes or college radio–especially when Blue Bell Knoll was released.

I haven’t paid much attention to the band’s music since, other than the occasional listen. However, I recently found out that former Cocteau Twin member Robin Guthrie is set to release a new solo album in late September. Carousel is not Guthrie’s first solo effort, but based on what I have heard during the past couple of weeks I will argue that it is his best. Obviously, the signature sound that made the Cocteau Twins so dreamy is intact, but without the vocals to distract (and let’s admit it, Cocteau Twins’ singer Liz Fraser’s delivery was distracting, if only because it was mostly gibberish) the album flows beautifully. It’s perfect mood music, especially “Sparkle”.

In addition to Carousel, Guthrie has two EPs available this year. Angel Falls was released this spring and Songs To Help My Children Sleep will be available in November. All will be available via the usual outlets, including iTunes, Amazon, and emusic.

Download the MP3 of lead single from Carousel, “Some Sort Of Paradise”.

Guthrie also formed the UK label, Bella Union, home to Denton’s Midlake.