While I prefer Souvlaki, Pygmalion is definitely the band's most unique album, and luckily it doesn't suffer from being 'too unique' for its own good. Its influence on artists like Fursaxa (to a lesser extent, even artists like Natural Snow Buildings) is undeniable, and I really like the comparisons you outlined. Hex and Laughing Stock both have that pang of suffering to them, and indescribable quality that transcends the music.

I'm not really familiar with Fursaxa and Natural Slow Builidings, but if they are inspired by Pygmalion, then they will be great. And I like your comment on suffering. When New Grass enters on Laughing Stock, and it just feels as if your suffering has been redeemed... Really powerful stuff.

Also, though they never made an album as perfect as Pygmalion, and they were much more 'groovy' for lack of a better word, Seefeel in their own way took up the baton with ambient-house/shoegaze/IDM hybrids. Quique and Succour are wonderful albums.

I saw Seefeel live two weeks ago - obviously their reunion, but it was nice to see some of those songs from Quique in a live setting. It's a majestic album.

As for Slowdive, Pygmalion is my favourite and I suspect always will be from now on.

Envy... I would really like to see them some time as well.

I have always liked this band but recently I am madly falling in love with their music and Rachel Goswell.

I go through phases where I don't listen to them for a few months and then I binge on them for a about a week. Everything they've touched is pure gold, even their live recordings and demos. I'm not really sure whether I'd like to see them reform or not. Some of their live videos on Youtube look amazing and I'm sure they would still be amazing if they played live today. But they're one band who I really hope never tarnish their legacy for the sake of a few quid.

Rachel looks unbelievably dreamy throughout this clip...

^That's a great video. I had almost forgotten how much ecstasy kids were taking those days.

I've lost count of how many times I've watched that video. Incredible stuff. There's a longer version of it with slightly better sound quality and an 'interview' at the end, it's quite humorous.

Yeah Rachel was a stunner back in the day. She still is, she's quite the MILF now.

Just downloaded most of their music today, really looking forward to digging into it.