Moneypenny's music radar: Kate Bush

[mme_moneypenny]

I am in awe of the high-pitched songstress Kate Bush's second album Lionheart the last two days. Somehow, for some inexplicable reason, this album has eluded me for the best part since I've discovered her music in high school. I almost instinctively became hooked on her distinctive sound, having been introduced to her debut and second-to-last (at

Comments

[jbacardi]

A lot of the hardcore Kate fans consider Lionheart to be a notch below her debut and Never For Ever; it was a bit of a rush job, intended to capitalize on her notoriety post-"Wuthering Heights".

I have to say that I kinda put it in that category as well- I think she tossed a lot of the tracks out there half-baked, mostly on the second side. There are some tracks on that album that I love deeply, such as (especially) "Oh England", "Symphony in Blue", "Don't Push Your Foot on the Heartbrake" and "Wow"...all on the first side. There I go again, old man me, thinking vinyl! I really like that cover as well.

God, I loved Kate Bush so much in the late 70's and 80s, ever since I saw her perform "Them Heavy People" and "Man With the Child in His Eyes" on Saturday Night Live. My favorite remains The Dreaming, because it's just so challenging and weird, but I love all of her albums for the most part. The newest one was OK, but sounded like it was written 14 years ago (and I'll bet most of it was), and The Red Shoes seemed equally uninspired,

[mme_moneypenny]

I rarely take into account what the reviews say. I try to kindle that 'direct' impression and experience. Or maybe I'm not such a hardcore fan, but in any case, I'm simply appreciating the album a lot now. The same friend I referred to in the post deems The Dreaming to be his favourite of hers. I dunno, some of it is good, but as with Hounds of Love, I find that I tire easily of its frenetic quality. Those first three albums were certainly stellar and unique and timeless. Not that I'm discounting the others. I love The Sensual World, but yeah, the rest doesn't resonate as much as those first three.

PS

[mme_moneypenny]

And 'old skool' rather than 'old man' you - I too like my vinyls =) (on another note, have you seen how turntables have made a comeback? Check out genie vinyls - some beautiful stuff they've got!)

Re: PS

[jbacardi]

I've long held that I prefer the sound, on a decent stereo system, of a good-condition vinyl LP than I do a compact disc or mp3. There's just a warmth and presence there that's missing in the CD, although they've made some strides in that department and are certainly more portable (and less prone to get annoying pops). But I still buy (used) and listen to vinyl, old skooler that I am, although I don't really buy new all that much.

Got all of Kate's albums through The Whole Story on LP!

Have you got a link handy for Genie Vinyls? Google's not being helpful.