“Ivo” is a textured, atmospheric song by the Cocteau Twins—and a tribute to Ivo Watts-Russell, founder of the band’s label, 4AD. It opens their 1984 album Treasure.
I’ve listened to it through headphones or earbuds ever since discovering Treasure at The Beat in Sacramento during the 1980s. It is definitely a case of the louder, the better. If you’re allowing background noise to filter in, you’re listening to it wrong.
Unfortunately, no matter how loud it gets, I still can’t make out the words. For years, I assumed Elizabeth Fraser was singing in French, but I honestly have no idea. And it really doesn’t matter: the sound of her voice is far more important here than the literal meaning of the lyrics.
There is one point where I’m convinced she sings “Green Onions.” I know that can’t possibly be right—but it’s what I hear every time.