Queens of the Circulating Library

Queens of the Circulating Library is a 2000 album by the experimental British group Coil. It is unusual in the sense that it is perhaps the only release without participation from Peter Christopherson. On this album, Coil were: "Thighpaulsandra & John Balance with Dorothy Lewis as the queen of the circulating library. Thanks to Simon Norris." The lyrics were written by John Balance and spoken by Dorothy Lewis, Thighpaulsandra's mother. The line "It's in the trees, it's coming" that appears in the lyrics is from the 1957 British horror film Night of the Demon, and had previously appeared in sampled form in the song "Hounds of Love" by Kate Bush.

The album was initially released on the date of the Coil Presents Time Machines concert. The original packaging was clear, however a wider issue of the album used pink, c-shell CD cases. No album art was included for this release.

The catalogue number for this release is ESKATON 20.

Track listing

1. "Queens of the Circulating Library" – 49:26

Lyrics

I am a queen of the circulating library

I have declared an amnesty

All books may be returned without a penalty

Return the books to me

Return the books

Don't burn the books

You cut down the trees to make paper disease

It's in the trees: it's coming

Return the book of knowledge

Return the marble index

File under "Paradox"

The forest is a college, each tree a university

I am a queen of the circulating library

I'm here to answer your enquiry

All knowledge resides within me

Your membership has expired

You are way past expiry dates

Words, words, words, words!

You may as well listen to the birds

References

• entry at Discogs