I thought I had every version of the Cocteau Twins' Peppermint Pig single for instance, but recently realised that a US version of the CD was released in 1991 and, although outside of the "First Ten Years" remit, still helped me paint a complete picture. So after acquiring that version, I've added it to the blog entry at the end, please reference here for the additional information (at the bottom of the page)
As I said, it's difficult to know sometimes whether there are other versions that exist. I used to think that there were only three versions of the Cocteau Twins first single Lullabies, only one of these being an original from 1982. When this happens, I hold back a little to give myself time to discover any other versions. Thankfully I did wait as I discovered what must be a very rare gem, so much so that I think I must also share this :
This is rocking horse poo and is about as rare to find as one of the these four versions of the Lullabies single. Somewhere out there may be something even rarer than the above, an original poster or postcard for the Lullabies single. I haven't found one yet, but as always, that doesn't mean that one doesn't exist. The image is taken from a book by Stefan Lorant published in 1937 called Liliput Pocket Omnibus
So here we go then, Cocteau Twins 1982 single Lullabies
(1) Netherlands 12"
(2) UK 12"
(3) UK CD
(4) US CD
The two CD's are re-issues from 1991. That is strictly outside of my collecting remit of the first ten years, but it would be a shame not to include them when there are just these four versions.
(1) Netherlands 12"- 4AD / CNR - 151.089 released in 1982
This is the rare one. Lullabies was the first Cocteau Twins single and was released in the UK and can be quite easily found. It wasn't until very recently that I discovered that it was also released in the Netherlands. The item on ebay had no photo and only had a description of the catalogue number. Discogs was a useful tool here, becasue even though it wasn't listed on Discogs, I could go to the CNR Weesp company to see if this catalogue was missing from the listings and it was. Something had to belong to the missing catalogue number, so I took it as a hint that this ebay item may be genuine....and it was!
This version has a slightly darker contrast on the cover than the colouring of the UK version.
The back cover has a slight amendment to the 4AD logo at the bottom :
It shows the catalogue number which is poorly printed and a little blurred (Do not adjust your set)
As is also the text "Marketed by CNR Weesp" in the bottom right corner
The labels are intersesting, as they resemble the 4AD labels of the previous year (1981). If my label history of 4AD is correct (here), 4AD must have distributed left over (possibly??) labels from 1981 out of the UK for the non-uk releases. (4AD labels were still used for Bauhaus releases in Greece even when Bauhaus were no longer with 4AD but by then on Beggars Banquet)
These crumpled paper labels were used on UK releases in 1981 and then they moved onto other picture labels in 1982 (as you will see in release 2). This Netherlands version still has the crumpled paper picture and older black 4AD label design
(2) UK 12" - 4AD - BAD 213
The UK version is lighter and brighter in colour than the Netherlands version
The catalogue number on the back sleeve is at a 45 degree angle (who knows why)
On one side the label has the female wrestlers picture, typical of 4AD in 1982, one of three picture labels used that year
and the other label all in white also typical of 1982 and progressed on from the 1981 black label.
(3) UK CD- 4AD - BAD 213CD released in 1991
As with the CD single for Peppermint Pig, this was released for a singles box set. But either some were sold separately or since then, some scrupulous traders have split them on the second hand market to make more money.
The UK version comes in a slim CD jewel case and the cover is the same as the original 12" a typical single cover that folds over itself and shows the 12" back cover on the inside
(4) US CD- Capitol - C2-15766 released in 1991
As with the UK version, this was part of a set but could also have been sold seperatly. The colour of both the UK and US CD's are a pinky bronze colour. But the US disc is slightly darker in colour than the UK one
The front cover is different to the UK CD version as it only has a single piece with a white back, no folder over with the back cover of the 12".
The inlay is also quite different with both the Capitol and 4AD logos
These are the four versions I have found so far. As with the Peppermint Pig single, if I find any more, or even a postcard or poster, I will add it here and let you all know about it.
Full listing here on Discogs
