This Mortal Coil was not a band, but a unique collaboration of musicians recording in various permutations, the brainchild of 4AD kingpin Ivo Watts-Russell. Named after a song by the '60s band Fever Tree, 'Filigree & Shadow' was intended from the start as a double album. As before, he drew on a large pool of musicians - Simon Raymonde made important contributions, as did members of Colourbox, Dif Juz and The Wolfgang Press - but this time the bulk of the vocalists came from outside 4AD's orbit. The selection of cover versions included material by Tim Buckley, Gene Clark, Tom Rapp, Judy Collins and Colin Newman. 'Filigree & Shadow' was originally released in September 1986.
