Stevie Nicks Loves Kate Bush Ahhhhh!!!

[mdakd]

Just listened to Stevie's selections on the Ken Bruce show where she's doing "Tracks of my Years" and she picked "Running Up That Hill" as one of the songs.

She said she even wanted to record the song after hearing it, but she realized she couldn't outdo it so she didn't. But still! Knowing that she admires Kate Bush....big points Stevie! :thumbsup:

P.S. If you want to listen to it, you can go to the link here and listen to it on the player. It starts around 16:30 with the Eagles story and then goes into it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0140tjc

This is so crazy and music-affirming! :D

[mezzoforte]

Well done, Nicks.

I ove it when Stevie loves the same things I do. It helps me get past her admiration for Katy Perry and for those sparkly, softball-playing vampires.

[fringed n fab]

I've listened to music since I was in Pampers and still have no clue who this Kate Bush is. Is she a UK artist or something and popular over there? Or here?? IDK. :confused: I must've missed her songs on the airwaves.

[Pyewacket]

Ha...I just posted the audio on another thread. :)

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[Nickingham]

She's a UK artist that got big in the 80's.And still is.Like Stevie said,Kate Bush is a good writer and I agree but, I don't like the way she sings.

[Pyewacket]

I've listened to music since I was in Pampers and still have no clue who this Kate Bush is. Is she a UK artist or something and popular over there? Or here?? IDK. :confused: I must've missed her songs on the airwaves.

Kate Bush has had hits just about everywhere except in the US since her 1978 UK debut. It wasn't until 1985 before Kate had a bona fide hit in the US, which was "Running Up That Hill" (the song Stevie's just said she considered recording). That song only made it to #30 on our charts, and was Kate's only charting US hit.

She's certainly worth a look...she's an amazing songwriter, self-producer and conceptualist (she's long been the director of her own videos). She's been compared with Stevie by many (myself included), but she's really more like Lindsay, being someone who fiddles in the studio with bizarre (often third-world) instruments and creates offbeat soundscapes to accompany her songs.

Here's "Running Up That Hill" for starters. :)
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[Somajoseph]

That is so cool! I was literally just watching Kate's video for the Sensual World on You Tube earlier tonight.
I cant say I was a huge fan, but I did buy & enjoy the Sensual World CD back in 89. I think Stevie & Kate have alot in common. Both very unique & feminine artists .

[desertangel]

Yep, I love it when we have the same taste in things too! Loved this song since it came out. It's haunting. Found a copy of the vinyl LP at a thrift store a few years back, burned it onto a mix CD and shared with some folks who also love it. Good stuff! I would be interested in hearing Stevie's interpretation though. Check this one out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzI0thK61Dc

[BombaySapphire3]

I 've been both a Kate and Stevie fan for decades and had no idea that Stevie had ever considered recording RUTH and she's right she could not do it better than Kate any more than Kate could do Edge better than Stevie. They are both such idiosyncratic singers and writers it makes them very difficult for anyone to cover..just take a listen to Pat Benatar's screechingly awful cover of Kate's Wuthering Heights..what a botch.

[Dodfather]

I love Kate! Her new album, 500 Words For Snow, is out in November - the official annnouncement came earlier this week.

[golddustboy71]

Kate bush is a sublime genius...there is no one really quite like her...best album probaly The Hounds of Love or The Sensual World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJc64xncBt4

[mitzo]

I adored both Stevie and Kate in the '80's and went for weeks listening to nothing but those two.

I still adore them.

[mikebise]

I would consider "This Woman's Work" to be a true hit in the US for Kate. Just about everyone knows it, whether from its initial release on the 1988 She's Having A Baby soundtrack, its 1989 single release here, and the many cover versions that have been hits.

Kate's gay US audience would probably know her more because of her video hits "Cloudbusting", "Experiment IV", "Love And Anger" and "Rubberband Girl". All of those were insanely popular in Dallas gay bars, and Texas overall.

My ex Eric and I used to think Kate was paying tribute to Stevie's "I Can't Wait" video in "Rubberband Girl" with dancing in front of the giant stairway, like Stevie does. Kate seems to be imitating Janis in there, so why not Stevie, too? ;)

[tothegypsy]

That is so cool! I was literally just watching Kate's video for the Sensual World on You Tube earlier tonight.
I cant say I was a huge fan, but I did buy & enjoy the Sensual World CD back in 89. I think Stevie & Kate have alot in common. Both very unique & feminine artists .

If that's the only full album of hers that you've listened to, you must must must try Hounds of Love :)

[mezzoforte]

If that's the only full album of hers that you've listened to, you must must must try Hounds of Love :)

Seconded! The title track is one of the best songs ever written, imo.

[mikebise]

The Dreaming is my favourite of Kate's, with "Get Out Of My House", "Sat In Your Lap" and "Houdini" as my stand-outs.

I forgot to mention that Kate is also known for being sampled in the massive 1992 hit "Something Good" by Utah Saints, which incorporates "Cloudbusting" in the song and video (listening to it right now!).

In November 1985, People magazine compared Rock A Little and Hounds Of Love, and said that Stevie & Kate were very similar in many ways.

I love Pat's cover of "Wuthering Heights"! It's what got me into Kate Bush in the first place.

Kate's live version of "Running Up That Hill" reminds me of Waddy's guitar somewhat, so I could see Stevie performing it in concert (instead of "Face The Promise"?) ;)

[Macfanforever]

I do like Kate Bush .I wonder why Kate did not do good in the states.Others from UK cleaned house here like now with Adele.

[mikebise]

After Kate's first album, The Kick Inside, failed to take off in the US in 1978 (despite an appearance on Saturday Night Live), the American branch of EMI refused to release her next two albums: Lionheart and Never For Ever.

Luckily, with the rise of MTV and Kate's well-known video presence, EMI America did release The Dreaming when it came out in September 1982. The sticker on The Dreaming even said:

Featuring "Suspended In Gaffa" - As seen on MTV!

There was a huge grassroots campaign of Kate's North American fandom in 1984-1985 to get Kate's name and music more out there in the US and Canada. It was an exciting time! And then to have Kate finally have chart and financial success here with Hounds Of Love was a dream literally come true!

[Pyewacket]

I do like Kate Bush .I wonder why Kate did not do good in the states.Others from UK cleaned house here like now with Adele.

Kate's releasing two albums this year -- the first one debuted at #2 in the UK back in May, blocked from the top spot only by the juggernaut that is Adele.

The next one ("50 Words For Snow," due in November) sounds really promising: a concept album with just seven songs that range from seven to fourteen minutes. I can't wait!

http://c438342.r42.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/kate-bush-50-words-for-snow.jpg

[mikephxaz]

Kate Bush's songs "A Woman Work" and her duet with Peter Gabriel "Don't Give Up" could be two of the most beautiful songs ever written....watch the video of Don't Give Up....its beautiful!!

[TrueFaith77]

Kate Bush is very simply the greatest female music artist of all time.

Still, I wish she'd retire.


Kate's releasing two albums this year -- the first one debuted at #2 in the UK back in May, blocked from the top spot only by the juggernaut that is Adele.



Dat's right! Don't get between Adele and a buffet table.

[wheart]

WOW!! Another reason to love Ms. Nicks (not that I needed anymore!). I wouldn't have pegged Stevie as a Kate Bush fan.

[BombaySapphire3]

Kate Bush is very simply the greatest female music artist of all time.

Still, I wish she'd retire.





Really?I think disc 2 of Aerial "A Sky of Honey" is brilliant.Why should she retire:shrug:

[mezzoforte]

Kate Bush is very simply the greatest female music artist of all time.

Still, I wish she'd retire.

Really? I really liked Aerial. I'm still not sure about Director's Cut, but I'm just pleased she's still a creative artist. I'll try anything she releases.

Dat's right! Don't get between Adele and a buffet table.

*Sigh*
Haven't we all heard enough fat jokes about Adele? Were they ever funny? Her job isn't to look hot for us--it's to sing for us. And she does it brilliantly.

[GoldDustBoy]

Really?I think disc 2 of Aerial "A Sky of Honey" is brilliant.Why should she retire:shrug:

It is brilliant, but I also love A Sea Of Honey. I've been listening to Mrs. Bartolozzi on my ipod during a long bus trip, and I could barely hold the tears. It's a proof that the words "washing machine" can really work in a song. :) I've noticed that many people who like Stevie also like Kate. There is craziness in her music and performance that I can really relate to. :) My favorite albums are Never for Ever, Dreaming, and Lionheart. I also found this on youtube, and I think it sounds really great


Kate Bush & Stevie Nicks - How To Be Invisible/Secret LoveMix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1C0mpt4tr0

[TrueFaith77]

Really? I really liked Aerial. I'm still not sure about Director's Cut, but I'm just pleased she's still a creative artist. I'll try anything she releases.

Of course, I will try anything she releases as well (I even sat through The Golden Compass for the credits!). Aerial is fine. It's beautiful sounding. But the first disc is uninspired and the second disc is sonically exciting, but I've pulled out all of her previous records regularly. Never Aerial since 2005.

Director's Cut was a red flag.



*Sigh*
Haven't we all heard enough fat jokes about Adele? Were they ever funny? Her job isn't to look hot for us--it's to sing for us. And she does it brilliantly.

No. I'm the only person I know who makes them. There should be more. I'm not asking her to look hot for me. I'm asking for her to provide evidence in her music that she has a passion for something other than eating. The indulgence and selfishness that she expresses in her music, the lack of discipline in her vocals, make the outward manifestation of these qualities available to ridicule. It's my (critical) defense against the coursening of the culture that she promotes and from which she benefits. Note that I wasn't simply making a fat joke: I was referring to her personality. There's no compassion in "Rolling in the Deep." Plus, she killed Amy Winehouse.

Conversely, heartbreak brings out the humanity in other plus-size artists. Mama Cass wouldn't step on you on the way to the buffet, I'm sure she'd invite you over to enjoy with her. She'd throw a party. I can tell this from the generousity of her music.

[tothegypsy]

*Sigh*
Haven't we all heard enough fat jokes about Adele? Were they ever funny? Her job isn't to look hot for us--it's to sing for us. And she does it brilliantly.

Agreed. Even if someone doesn't like her music, there's no need to be crass.

[Pyewacket]

I also found this on youtube, and I think it sounds really great


Kate Bush & Stevie Nicks - How To Be Invisible/Secret LoveMix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1C0mpt4tr0

I made that earlier this year (before the releases of IYD and DC). Thanks for posting it. :)

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[Sanne2]

No. I'm the only person I know who makes them. There should be more. I'm not asking her to look hot for me. I'm asking for her to provide evidence in her music that she has a passion for something other than eating. The indulgence and selfishness that she expresses in her music, the lack of discipline in her vocals, make the outward manifestation of these qualities available to ridicule. It's my (critical) defense against the coursening of the culture that she promotes and from which she benefits. Note that I wasn't simply making a fat joke: I was referring to her personality. There's no compassion in "Rolling in the Deep." Plus, she killed Amy Winehouse.



Wow........

[BombaySapphire3]

To get back on topic ..somewhat I could not be more excited about Kate's upcoming new concept album..Few artists can really pull off a concept album ..Pink Floyd in their prime are one of course and Kate's two concept pieces The Ninth Wave and A Sky of Honey are their equals IMO. I'll admit that The Red Shoes and A Sea of Honey had some less than stellar moments to me but a Sky of Honey released just six years ago is incredible.It is absolute rubbish that she should retire.Not only that she is over a decade younger than La Nicks.:rolleyes:

[BombaySapphire3]

Plus, she killed Amy Winehouse.
.

Huh ?did I miss something ?Were they flatmates sharing the same pantry :shrug:

[DeeGeMe]

I've also been a fan of both Stevie and Kate for years. Stevie is still my all-time fav but Kate ranks right up there too. I'd also add "The Red Shoes" to the must Kate lps.

[bombaysaffires]

Thanks for this link, I LOVE this song. haven't seen the video in decades but watching it again I see some total similarities to this and some of Stevie's videos.... the big windows full of light ,the shadow of the window panes on the floor reminds me of almost identical scenes in the I Can't Wait video and the scene where she dances with the guy (starting around 2:41 in the video) is verrry reminiscent of the If Anyone Falls video.

[Pyewacket]

For those interested in what "50 Words For Snow" holds in store for us, I am copying and pasting this post from everautumn in the KateBushNews&Information forum. I abbreviated his preamble (since it's probably bad form to post any of his wording at all -- sorry!):

"The BBC released a long version of Kate's interview with John Wilson for Front Row which ... indicated that Kate wanted to meet at her home studio so that she could resume work following the interview. The chat focused largely on Director's Cut, of course, but they did touch on the next recording. She actually reveals slightly more than I realized at the time."

- - - -
JOHN WILSON: ...And in the studio you’ve obviously been reworking these songs and seeking new inspiration and reinterpretation and it’s sparked off the process of recording new material. So you’ve finished this record, Director’s Cut, but you’re now working on another album? How far through are you?

KATE BUSH: Yes. Well, the Director’s Cut has been finished for quite a while and although there were loose ends that had to be sorted, like the mastering and the artwork, which took a while, I started recording this new record quite soon. I’ve done most of the writing.

JW: And how does the writing start? In a notebook? Are you sitting at the table writing lyrics first? Or does it always start with the suggestion of a melody or some kind of rhythm even?

KB: Well, I’ve put a packet of bone meal on my piano. And it seems to be helping the sort of blossoming of the songs.

JW: Bone meal? That you would normally put in the garden?

KB Yes. I mean, it wasn’t deliberate – I was en route to the garden and I happened to have a packet of bone meal and just left it on the piano and it was there for a few days. And then I’d noticed actually that I’d written a couple of songs since it’d been there so I thought I’d just leave it there and see if it sped the process up a bit (laughs).

JW: It’s working its magic through the ivories somehow?

KB Yeah.

JW: Can you give us any idea what the songs are sounding like? Is it going to be very different to this set you presented in the Director’s Cut?

KB: Yeah, they’re quite bone mealy, I think (laughs).

JW: More organic?

KB: I think they’re different. I think they’re quite different, but then, that’s very important with me for each album, that it feels like I’m doing something different. So hopefully there’s something that’s a new approach or a new sort of genre that’s evolved in each album.

JW: So Aerial was very electronic in a way and there’s a lot of soundscapes on that record. And you can get lost in a world of Aerial. And with this record, with the revisiting of Sensual World and The Red Shoes on Director’s Cut, I think there’s a great sense of intimacy. So, where’s the new album going to sit? Somewhere between those two?

KB: It’s very difficult to talk about work in progress, because it is an evolving process and even if I was able to talk about it now, it might completely change in a few weeks. And so, it’d no longer be relevant.

JW: And are you writing as quickly as when you were 20 years old? I mean, from start to finish, from putting a melody down or first lyric to finishing the song?

KB: Well the song writing is normally quite quick. But the arrangement and production can sometimes take a bit longer. But with quite a few of these new songs, I’ve kind of gone back to an older approach where I would sit at the piano and just keep working them. So they’re much more kind of “worked in” before they go into the studio.

JW: And thematically, lyrically, are they stories or do you look at yourself? Are they autobiographical songs? ‘Cos you’ve really always been a narrative lyricist.

KB: I think telling stories is the kind of buzz for me, really. And although obviously my life does seep into my work – it would be impossible for it not to – I don’t think I could say really any of my work is autobiographical. Maybe “Moments of Pleasure” touches on stuff that has actually happened, most of it is just made up story, but I’m putting experiences that I’ve had into it.

JW: …Very often you are looking to literature for inspiration. Does that still happen?

KB: I’ve always found reading a book a very powerful experience. I read a lot when I was very young and I think it’s an important thing to do, to read a lot of books. But I think there’s all kinds of places inspiration can come from, whether it’s a book or a film or maybe something that somebody just says or a thought that pops into your head… The whole thing is such an elusive process.

JW: …And is there a master plan, then? You’re putting Director’s Cut out and you’re working on a new album, as-yet-untitled, you don’t know how it’s going to sound, even, but you’ve got how many songs – most of them written?

KB: Um… yeah.

JW: (Laughs) You’re not gonna give too much away about this, are you?

KB: No, I just think you can’t talk about something that isn’t finished. You know, I might end up with twice the amount of songs I’ve got.

JW: When do you expect it to be heard?

KB: Well, I suppose like all my records, I hope that they’ll be very quick and easy to make. So, let’s see.

JW: Next year? Couple of years?

KB: I don’t know. The most important thing is that it’s got something hopefully of worth to send out there, otherwise you wouldn’t put it out. It’s very frustrating that albums take as long as they do and I wish there weren’t such big gaps between them. Sometimes it’s extremely stressful.

[fumidesigns]

*lowers head in shame* Who's Kate Bush? I don't think I've ever heard her music.

[Sanne2]

*lowers head in shame* Who's Kate Bush? I don't think I've ever heard her music.

Im surprised there are even people that have never heard of her. Especially since most SN fans like Kate Bush too. I didn't realise she wasn't as huge in America as she was/is in Europe.
You have probably heard her music, and if you've lived through the eighties you've atleast seen her pretty face several times on MTV.

[TrueFaith77]

*lowers head in shame* Who's Kate Bush? I don't think I've ever heard her music.

She's the greatest female music artist of all time. If you are interested in exploring her work, I recommend starting from the beginning (The Kick Inside) and moving forward to more wonders. On that album, she has a song called "Man With the Child In His Eyes", which I always connect to "Beautiful Child" (though they are dealing with VERY different circumstances--or are they? ;) ).

Also, for more Stevie comparisons sake, I always refer to "Ghosts Are Gone" as a white trash version of Kate Bush's "Get Out of My House" post-break up exorcism. That's from Bush's definitive The Dreaming album (possibly her best work, though Hounds of Love is the opus).

In contrast, I had written elsewhere on the board, that I feel like Kate and Stevie have very different approaches to appropriating other artworks (movies, especially) for the use of their songs. Kate always digs deeply into moments or aspects of a movie and gives it fully explored depth--but kind of on its own terms. Stevie, on the other hand, appropriates those images, moments, elements for how they resonate with her own personal emotions. Both approaches are fascinating and often result in beautiful songs.

[fumidesigns]

Im surprised there are even people that have never heard of her. Especially since most SN fans like Kate Bush too. I didn't realise she wasn't as huge in America as she was/is in Europe.
You have probably heard her music, and if you've lived through the eighties you've atleast seen her pretty face several times on MTV.

I'm definitely an 80s baby! Maybe I just don't know her name. I'll google and see what songs she has from back then.

[golddustboy71]

*lowers head in shame* Who's Kate Bush? I don't think I've ever heard her music.
watch and learn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5P0v0kGauc

[TrueFaith77]

watch and learn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5P0v0kGauc

OMG, she can't START with Moments of Pleasure!

You have to be fully immersed in Kate and then when you discover that song--the effect is devestating!

I also wrote a (rather dense) piece on Kate Bush's Love and Anger video. For Bush fans, I hope it's enjoyed. For the uninitiated, it might be confusing.

http://johndemetry.blogspot.com/2007/12/battle-of-bushes.html

[fumidesigns]

Ummmmmmm so yeah I remember her.

*exits stage left*

[golddustboy71]

OMG, she can't START with Moments of Pleasure!

You have to be fully immersed in Kate and then when you discover that song--the effect is devestating!

I also wrote a (rather dense) piece on Kate Bush's Love and Anger video. For Bush fans, I hope it's enjoyed. For the uninitiated, it might be confusing.

http://johndemetry.blogspot.com/2007/12/battle-of-bushes.html

yes you're right i just happen to love that one...I suppose the best thing to do is start at the very begining with Wuthering Heights

[TrueFaith77]

Ummmmmmm so yeah I remember her.

*exits stage left*

:lol:

:(

[fumidesigns]

This phone is horrible so I only saw the "running hills" video. The dancing was cool. Yup..........and I'll try to check another song later cuz.......... *sigh*

*exits stage left*

[HejiraNYC]

She's the greatest female music artist of all time. If you are interested in exploring her work, I recommend starting from the beginning (The Kick Inside) and moving forward to more wonders. On that album, she has a song called "Man With the Child In His Eyes", which I always connect to "Beautiful Child" (though they are dealing with VERY different circumstances--or are they? ;) ).



Oh, no!! Not The Kick Inside, which is a solid debut album and 100% original and captivating in its own right, but I think it pales in comparison to her later, more mature and edgier efforts like The Dreaming and Hounds of Love. I would start at HoL, TD, Never for Ever and then eventually work back to the earlier stuff. It's hard to appreciate the often syrupy sweet sentimentality of those first two albums without first realizing that she would later become this incredible, but eccentric force of nature. Another good starting point is to listen to The Whole Story, which offers manageable doses of those first two albums.

I personally view Kate and Stevie to be on opposite ends of the spectrum. I mean, like night and day. Their looks, their voices, their careers, their nationalities, their songwriting, their musical styles. Totally opposite in every possible way. The only thing they share is their bond as eccentric female singer-songwriters.

[Christopher]

The Dreaming is my favourite of Kate's, with "Get Out Of My House", "Sat In Your Lap" and "Houdini" as my stand-outs.

I forgot to mention that Kate is also known for being sampled in the massive 1992 hit "Something Good" by Utah Saints, which incorporates "Cloudbusting" in the song and video (listening to it right now!).

In November 1985, People magazine compared Rock A Little and Hounds Of Love, and said that Stevie & Kate were very similar in many ways.

I love Pat's cover of "Wuthering Heights"! It's what got me into Kate Bush in the first place.

Kate's live version of "Running Up That Hill" reminds me of Waddy's guitar somewhat, so I could see Stevie performing it in concert (instead of "Face The Promise"?) ;)

Same for me!! When I picked up Benatar's "Crimes Of Passion" LP in 80' I immediately zeroed in on this melodramatic, moody "Wuthering Heights". It was one of my favorite songs on this classic album. It's not hard to understand why Pat would have been attracted to it, with its soaring melody & theatrics and her training as an opera singer. Interesting little Stevie related factoid is that Keith Olsen, producer of Buckingham Nicks, The White FM album, and the arbitrary Stevie solo tune, was at the helm of production on "Crimes Of Passion" Pat biggest selling record of her entire career (5x Platinum).

Anyway, It wasn't until U. S. record execs gave Kate a 2nd breakout chance in America during the oft proclaimed 2nd British music invasion of the early to mid 80's that I came upon Kate's work again. I immediately picked up "Hounds Of Love" after RUTH and loved it! Next up was the superb "Don't Give Up" w Peter Gabriel & "The Whole Story" in 86', where I first heard songs from her 1st 4 records, including Kate's version of WH, to which my first reaction was :shocked: ! Her voice was so shrill (and that was a new vocal!) and the music felt so miniature, yet ostentatious and all Dark Shadow-ish. Needless to say, her older material was an acquired taste, which I grew to love and appreciate. I especially enjoyed "Babooshka", "Experiement IV", "Breathing" & TMWTCIHE, but I still prefer Benatar's version of WH!

For me Kate's masterpiece is "The Sensual World". I think it's a perfect place for those unfamiliar with Kate's work to begin. It's accessible, romantic & heartbreaking, just as Bella Donna would be a great place for a Stevie newbie to begin. The "The Red Shoes" is good as well, even as it borders on self indulgent, insulated & a little neurotic. But it's worth a listen if you can put up with its excesses.

[mikebise]

"You're The One" on The Red Shoes is the most depressing break-up song ever. The lyrics just kill me.

"It's just everything we did,
We did together...
And there's a little piece of you
In whatever..."

[Christopher]

"You're The One" on The Red Shoes is the most depressing break-up song ever. The lyrics just kill me.

"It's just everything we did,
We did together...
And there's a little piece of you
In whatever..."

Great Lyric! :angel: It's quite harrowing indeed.

[mikebise]

The first time I heard "You're The One" in 1993, I had a (crystal) vision, and I knew this song would devastate me one day. And 12 and 1/2 years later, it did.

It's still very hard to listen to.

Stevie comes closest in "She Still Loves Him", with the line: "They wouldn't have liked it much anyway to know that she still loves him..."

But "You're The One" has that starkness of the break-up, and the realization that it's all gone, all of it.

"It's alright, I know where I'm goin'
I'm goin' to stay with my friend
Mmm, yes, he is very good looking...
The only trouble is
He's not you...
He can't do what you do
He can't make me laugh an' cry
At the same time...

I know where I'm goin'
But I don't wanna leave...
I just have one problem
We're best friends, yeah...

Sugar...
Honey...!
Sugar..."

[Pyewacket]

Interesting little Stevie related factoid is that Keith Olsen, producer of Buckingham Nicks, The White FM album, and the arbitrary Stevie solo tune, was at the helm of production on "Crimes Of Passion" Pat biggest selling record of her entire career (5x Platinum).



Some off-topic but interesting info about the Olsen/Benatar working relationship: there was none! "Crimes" was Pat's second LP and the person who really produced it was her guitarist and husband-to-be, Neil Giraldo. The record company was nervous about her being able to build on the success of the first record, so they brought in a heavy hitter (Olsen). But according to Pat's autobiography, he did almost nothing and left it for Neil and Pat to find their own way through. Still, when it came time to divvy up album credits, Neil's name could only be found under "The Band." She was quite pointed about this (her wording seemed very annoyed!). It wasn't until the third album that Neil would begin to get a producer's credit.

Back on topic: I also discovered "Wuthering Heights" (and all of Kate's works for that matter) through Pat Benatar, who'd heard the song while on tour through Europe. Pat's voice is gorgeous on it, but even she feels she did not do it justice. My preference is for Kate's original vocal, which is high, but not shrill, and very plaintive like that of a ghost sadly begging to be let in (which is appropriate, since that is the role being played).

Also good is this live version, for which the wireless microphone was invented(!):
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[mikebise]

I much prefer Kate's original "Wuthering Heights" vocal to the 1986 one. Ugh.

Because of Pat's version (which I got in March 1981 when Crimes Of Passion was still in the Top Five), I finally broke down and got the first album by "that Kate Bush person" in September 1983. So, The Kick Inside was my first Kate album, and "Moving" my first time to hear her voice. After 2 and 1/2 years of non-stop Pat, Kate's "Wuthering Heights" was a big shock to me!

At first I hated the album. But I played it non-stop that first weekend. By Sunday afternoon, I was entranced!!!! "Oh To be In Love", "James And the Cold Gun", "The Saxophone Song"... Every song is wonderful.

The next day, when I went back to college, I bought Kate Bush, the EMI America sampler put out in 1983, and started falling for her music even more. Right before Christmas break 1983, I got The Dreaming, Kate's most recent album, on cassette for my Walkman, and my headphones were glued to my head until the middle of January!!!! (At first, I was SO amazed at the tambourine jangling from the left headphone to the right on "Houdini"!).

[mikephxaz]

On an earlier post someone said that Kate is the best female vocalist of our time....I'm not sure I agree with that but i understand why a Stevie fan would love Kate and vice versa..however I always found Kate's compositions and vocals to be more theatrical than Stevie's...Stevie is more grounded, more real, more attainable...Kate is "out there"...I love them both:xoxo:

[TrueFaith77]

On an earlier post someone said that Kate is the best female vocalist of our time....I'm not sure I agree with that but i understand why a Stevie fan would love Kate and vice versa..however I always found Kate's compositions and vocals to be more theatrical than Stevie's...Stevie is more grounded, more real, more attainable...Kate is "out there"...I love them both:xoxo:

I didn't say vocalist or singer (greatest female singer of all time is Aretha); I said female music artist. And I stand by that pronouncement.

[fumidesigns]

I didn't say vocalist or singer (greatest female singer of all time is Aretha); I said female music artist. And I stand by that pronouncement.

Oh my......lol!

[mikephxaz]

Oh my......lol!

lol:eek: ..............

[tothegypsy]

I can see how someone would make that argument. Kate is truly a musical mad scientist.

[HejiraNYC]

OMG, I frackin' love YouTube. I had no idea this existed. It's almost as if Kate Bush was an honorary member of Pink Floyd:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6TWPUxLOIkU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Pyewacket]

I'm sure you know about this Floyd/Bush collab, but I'll post it anyway.
<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FKuRvBCuwkE?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FKuRvBCuwkE?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

[Dodfather]

It's almost as if Kate Bush was an honorary member of Pink Floyd:



She kind of is, lol. David Gilmour is a good friend of her brother Paddy and discovered her talent at the age of fiteeen and brought her to the attention of EMI. He comntinued to be involved (in an advisory capacity) in the early stages of her career, including the 3 years it took to work on her debut album.

[beccamorrisfift]

My old headteacher used to play Babooshka in assemblies, that was the first time I heard Kate Bush.
Quite strange to think back now to a hall full of seven to eleven year olds singing Babooshka :laugh:

[TrueFaith77]

I can see how someone would make that argument. Kate is truly a musical mad scientist.


Thank you for understanding and not laughing.

[mikebise]

My old headteacher used to play Babooshka in assemblies, that was the first time I heard Kate Bush.
Quite strange to think back now to a hall full of seven to eleven year olds singing Babooshka :laugh:

It's a cool thought, until you think of the subject matter of "Babooshka" (a wife setting up her husband to cheat!), but still very awesome!

In 1991, I used to have my 5-year old niece hee haw-ing along with Kate on "Get Out Of My House". But then she got in trouble with her parents for singing along to Stevie's "Sometimes It's A Bitch"! :eek: ;)

[beccamorrisfift]

It's a cool thought, until you think of the subject matter of "Babooshka" (a wife setting up her husband to cheat!), but still very awesome!

In 1991, I used to have my 5-year old niece hee haw-ing along with Kate on "Get Out Of My House". But then she got in trouble with her parents for singing along to Stevie's "Sometimes It's A Bitch"! :eek: ;)

Lol ! I guess it taught us a life lesson ! :laugh:

Well, I think next time I see my cousins 'Sometimes It's A Bitch' might just get some airplay! We have to teach the young ones :lol:

[wild-heart]

Lol ! I guess it taught us a life lesson ! :laugh:

Well, I think next time I see my cousins 'Sometimes It's A Bitch' might just get some airplay! We have to teach the young ones :lol:

It's a belief of mine that all children should have Stevie songs sang to them. My little cousins were at my nans yesterday & one had a repunzel doll with the long blonde hair.. so i was singing landslide with the doll... my other cousin told me i sucked. :O

Ahh I love that Stevie loves Kate Bush. I've got back into Kate Bush recently and fell in love with her music all over again. (: Cannot wait for the new album.

[beccamorrisfift]

It's a belief of mine that all children should have Stevie songs sang to them. My little cousins were at my nans yesterday & one had a repunzel doll with the long blonde hair.. so i was singing landslide with the doll... my other cousin told me i sucked. :O

Ahh I love that Stevie loves Kate Bush. I've got back into Kate Bush recently and fell in love with her music all over again. (: Cannot wait for the new album.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I take time out of my day to 'educate' my younger sisters & cousins in the ways of FWM, Stevie, Kate and all decent music.
:cool:

[wild-heart]

I'm not ashamed to admit that I take time out of my day to 'educate' my younger sisters & cousins in the ways of FWM, Stevie, Kate and all decent music.
:cool:

:D thats the way it should be. My little brother is pretty well educated on Stevie Nicks and Courtney Love. I sent him to town to pick me up a Stevie CD. LOL. I also try to educate my friends because they have NO idea who any of the people are I listen to. I remember when i tried to introduce my friend to Patti Smith but he was having none of it. Whenever i mention people like Kate Bush, FM, Stevie or Patti Smith they look at me like who are these people. It saddens me. I like annoying the people in my life by talking about my fave artists. :D :D

[beccamorrisfift]

:D thats the way it should be. My little brother is pretty well educated on Stevie Nicks and Courtney Love. I sent him to town to pick me up a Stevie CD. LOL. I also try to educate my friends because they have NO idea who any of the people are I listen to. I remember when i tried to introduce my friend to Patti Smith but he was having none of it. Whenever i mention people like Kate Bush, FM, Stevie or Patti Smith they look at me like who are these people. It saddens me. I like annoying the people in my life by talking about my fave artists. :D :D

That's so strange, last week I went into town with my little sister to get the Tusk album, she didn't quite understand my excitement :lol:
My other sister did though, but you win some you loose some :rolleyes:

You should hear some of the flak I get from my friends for my taste in music ! My 'best-friend' just kind of tunes out whenever I talk about Stevie, Kate or anyone who isn't in the top 40 currently, she's just like, 'oh there's Becca, off on another music monologue !'

And, hell yeah, if we have to listen to their music on the radio 70% of the time they are just gonna have to ut up with us wittering away :]

[wild-heart]

That's so strange, last week I went into town with my little sister to get the Tusk album, she didn't quite understand my excitement :lol:
My other sister did though, but you win some you loose some :rolleyes:

You should hear some of the flak I get from my friends for my taste in music ! My 'best-friend' just kind of tunes out whenever I talk about Stevie, Kate or anyone who isn't in the top 40 currently, she's just like, 'oh there's Becca, off on another music monologue !'

And, hell yeah, if we have to listen to their music on the radio 70% of the time they are just gonna have to ut up with us wittering away :]

AHAH, i love that. My friend did not understand why i squeeled everytime i went into HMV and saw in your dreams... he was like but you actually own it.
AHA, awww i get some flack aswell. None of them understand why i don't like recent music, i don't know why but i have no connection to it what so ever! I don't think i could name anything thats in the top 40.. LOL thats terrible i'm only 19!

My one friend is pretty good at pretending to listen though.. and she never complains when i make her come into vinyl shops for hours while i have a good look and squeel at random records. Whenever i manage to get a fleetwood mac or Stevie Nicks one my squeel is that only a dog could hear. :D

High 5 for having an amazing taste in music. :D

[beccamorrisfift]

AHAH, i love that. My friend did not understand why i squeeled everytime i went into HMV and saw in your dreams... he was like but you actually own it.
AHA, awww i get some flack aswell. None of them understand why i don't like recent music, i don't know why but i have no connection to it what so ever! I don't think i could name anything thats in the top 40.. LOL thats terrible i'm only 19!

My one friend is pretty good at pretending to listen though.. and she never complains when i make her come into vinyl shops for hours while i have a good look and squeel at random records. Whenever i manage to get a fleetwood mac or Stevie Nicks one my squeel is that only a dog could hear. :D

High 5 for having an amazing taste in music. :D

LMAO ! I went there yesterday and they had re-arranged the store, I was fuming, I spent twenty minutes searching out the Stevie and FM sections, just so I knew for reference where they were !
(When I finally found them I stood there smiling like a moron for about five minutes, by myself)

You aren't the only one, I can't name any top 40 stuff either, the lyrics just make no sense and mean nothing so it's not exactly my cup of tea ! Lol, it's strange because they make it for us teenagers and we can't stand it ! :D

Hell Yeah, here's to being different ! *raises imaginary glass*

[wild-heart]

LMAO ! I went there yesterday and they had re-arranged the store, I was fuming, I spent twenty minutes searching out the Stevie and FM sections, just so I knew for reference where they were !
(When I finally found them I stood there smiling like a moron for about five minutes, by myself)

You aren't the only one, I can't name any top 40 stuff either, the lyrics just make no sense and mean nothing so it's not exactly my cup of tea ! Lol, it's strange because they make it for us teenagers and we can't stand it ! :D

Hell Yeah, here's to being different ! *raises imaginary glass*

I hate it when they re arrange! I remember when i went in when in your dreams was released and they had her on recommended with a description on why you should buy it, i was so happy it was a tad bit sad. The HMV in Birmingham is massive and i was beyond happy when i found the red rocks dvd because they didn't have it in any of the other hmvs.

Whenever i listen to the radio and hear some of the new stuff thats out i always think wtf. None of it is really relatable at all, like you said.. the lyrics are crap. LOL I know.

YAYYY, different is always great. :D

[SaidSomething]

I 've been both a Kate and Stevie fan for decades and had no idea that Stevie had ever considered recording RUTH and she's right she could not do it better than Kate any more than Kate could do Edge better than Stevie. They are both such idiosyncratic singers and writers it makes them very difficult for anyone to cover..just take a listen to Pat Benatar's screechingly awful cover of Kate's Wuthering Heights..what a botch.

...I ran up that hill...and thru the fog...It doesn't hurt me...I did not find an answer but I did hear Running Up That Hill....somewhere on the edge of 17...

[beccamorrisfift]

I hate it when they re arrange! I remember when i went in when in your dreams was released and they had her on recommended with a description on why you should buy it, i was so happy it was a tad bit sad. The HMV in Birmingham is massive and i was beyond happy when i found the red rocks dvd because they didn't have it in any of the other hmvs.

Whenever i listen to the radio and hear some of the new stuff thats out i always think wtf. None of it is really relatable at all, like you said.. the lyrics are crap. LOL I know.

YAYYY, different is always great. :D

WHAT !? YOU FOUND LIVE @ RED ROCKS IN A STORE !?!?!?! The guy in my HMV told me it was only available online !! I'm so jealous ! ;)

It's all about the deeper meaning for us I guess, LOL ! :laugh:

[wild-heart]

WHAT !? YOU FOUND LIVE @ RED ROCKS IN A STORE !?!?!?! The guy in my HMV told me it was only available online !! I'm so jealous ! ;)

It's all about the deeper meaning for us I guess, LOL ! :laugh:

YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Birmingham big HMV outside, it was £7. TBF the HMV in town is amazing, theres two and they are both huge and sell everything. :L That man lied to you. Did you ever get red rocks live?

:L:L:L:L yes!!!!!!!

[beccamorrisfift]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Birmingham big HMV outside, it was £7. TBF the HMV in town is amazing, theres two and they are both huge and sell everything. :L That man lied to you. Did you ever get red rocks live?

:L:L:L:L yes!!!!!!!

Well, that's it, I'm going on a road trip to Birmingham ! My HMV is miniature, they have barely anything ! I'm going to sue the company for lying to me! LOL :D
No, I never got it, I was going to buy it online but I didn't for some reason, I will get it on my road trip :laugh:

[wild-heart]

Well, that's it, I'm going on a road trip to Birmingham ! My HMV is miniature, they have barely anything ! I'm going to sue the company for lying to me! LOL :D
No, I never got it, I was going to buy it online but I didn't for some reason, I will get it on my road trip :laugh:

AHAHAA, it's a fiver on amazon i think. I deffo think a roadtrip is needed for you. LOL. Theres also this vinnyl shop (well theres two really good ones) and they have brilliant amounts of Fleetwood Mac most of the time. I'm vinyl obsessed aswell so it made me incredibly happy being able to get the wild heart album for £6. Ahh i am glad i live in B'ham aha. (:

[beccamorrisfift]

AHAHAA, it's a fiver on amazon i think. I deffo think a roadtrip is needed for you. LOL. Theres also this vinnyl shop (well theres two really good ones) and they have brilliant amounts of Fleetwood Mac most of the time. I'm vinyl obsessed aswell so it made me incredibly happy being able to get the wild heart album for £6. Ahh i am glad i live in B'ham aha. (:

You have no idea how jealous I am right now ! My dad travels a lot for work so next time he goes up that way I'm getting in the boot of his car and going along with him ! Mark my words :D
A piece of advice, never move to Essex then, it is crap for vinyl shops and the like ! On Thursday I'm heading over to my ONLY local vinyl shop to hunt out some of the good stuff, wish me luck ! :laugh:

[wild-heart]

You have no idea how jealous I am right now ! My dad travels a lot for work so next time he goes up that way I'm getting in the boot of his car and going along with him ! Mark my words :D
A piece of advice, never move to Essex then, it is crap for vinyl shops and the like ! On Thursday I'm heading over to my ONLY local vinyl shop to hunt out some of the good stuff, wish me luck ! :laugh:

I think you actually need to climb into your dads car and come here because it's pretty cool!!!!!!! The one vinyl shop is two floors and the bottom one is loads of random music related stuff thats really really cheap, like books and old magazines and random records from Paula Abdul to some people i've never heard of :L. I've found some proper amazing stuff down there. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!! :D I still think going in a shop and buying vinyls is way more exciting than getting them offline. :D

[beccamorrisfift]

I think you actually need to climb into your dads car and come here because it's pretty cool!!!!!!! The one vinyl shop is two floors and the bottom one is loads of random music related stuff thats really really cheap, like books and old magazines and random records from Paula Abdul to some people i've never heard of :L. I've found some proper amazing stuff down there. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!! :D I still think going in a shop and buying vinyls is way more exciting than getting them offline. :D

Oh Jesus ! That sounds like heaven ! I'm gonna hit up google maps right now and plan my route ! LOL :D
I was also thinking of going to London to see what they've got there.
Yesss ! Even buying a CD is way better in person, there's nothing quite like flipping through the booklet, which you can't do on iTunes. 'Real Life' for the win ! :laugh:

[wild-heart]

Oh Jesus ! That sounds like heaven ! I'm gonna hit up google maps right now and plan my route ! LOL :D
I was also thinking of going to London to see what they've got there.
Yesss ! Even buying a CD is way better in person, there's nothing quite like flipping through the booklet, which you can't do on iTunes. 'Real Life' for the win ! :laugh:

It really is, i spend hours in there. :D Yes!!!!! I agree with that. :D LOL, "real life for the win" made me laugh.

[beccamorrisfift]

It really is, i spend hours in there. :D Yes!!!!! I agree with that. :D LOL, "real life for the win" made me laugh.

LOL, looks like I'm doomed to endless road trips for a lot of weekends ahead ! It's gonna be great ! :D
LMAO, I love the way we spamming this thread with our chatter, we should probably move to inbox or something so people can actually see the real discussion at some point :laugh:
I think that ' real life for the win' may just have to become my sig ! :)

[wild-heart]

LOL, looks like I'm doomed to endless road trips for a lot of weekends ahead ! It's gonna be great ! :D
LMAO, I love the way we spamming this thread with our chatter, we should probably move to inbox or something so people can actually see the real discussion at some point :laugh:
I think that ' real life for the win' may just have to become my sig ! :)

LOL I was just thinking that, yes imbox me if you want. :D
ahaha Love it! :D

[beccamorrisfift]

LOL I was just thinking that, yes imbox me if you want. :D
ahaha Love it! :D

Goodbye nice thread, thank your for putting up with our chit chat for a little while !
*skips of to inbox* :p

[GoldDustBoy]

From a Kate Bush forum:

http://thehomegroundandkatebushnewsandinfoforum.yuku.com/topic/18461/Stevie-Nicks#.TnfuU9RNSyY

:blob2:

[baboles]

I love me some Kate Bush! I have her first record The Kick Inside and a greatest hits collection. She's a wonderful artist with a superb vision. I need to expand my Kate Bush collection and delve into her work. She probably wasn't very successful in the US because radio didn't consider her music commercial enough for airplay.

[mdakd]

I love me some Kate Bush! I have her first record The Kick Inside and a greatest hits collection. She's a wonderful artist with a superb vision. I need to expand my Kate Bush collection and delve into her work. She probably wasn't very successful in the US because radio didn't consider her music commercial enough for airplay.

Yes you absolutely MUST!!!

"The Dreaming", "Hounds of Love", and "Aerial" (A Sky of Honey aka disc 2) are all masterpieces in their own way. You can't go wrong with la Bush! :thumbsup:

[Pyewacket]

NPR is currently running the full stream of Kate Bush's "50 Words For Snow."

I warn you, it is a beautiful but very challenging album...seven songs that range up to 13 minutes long and are steeped in space and concept and more than a few influences from Joni Mitchell's later jazz work. The song structures are not even remotely pop.

My favorite so far is "Lake Tahoe" (where a ghost rises from the depths of the lake in order to find a long-lost friend). The one I have the most trouble with is actually the duet with Elton John (where they play star-crossed lovers who've circled one another for centuries). Oh, and the first voice you hear (on "Snowflake") is not Kate, but her 12-year-old son, Bertie.

IMHO, these songs take several listens to reveal themselves, but the best stuff always does.

http://www.npr.org/2011/11/13/142133269/first-listen-kate-bush-50-words-for-snow

[GoldDustBoy]

NPR is currently running the full stream of Kate Bush's "50 Words For Snow."

I warn you, it is a beautiful but very challenging album...seven songs that range up to 13 minutes long and are steeped in space and concept and more than a few influences from Joni Mitchell's later jazz work. The song structures are not even remotely pop.

My favorite so far is "Lake Tahoe" (where a ghost rises from the depths of the lake in order to find a long-lost friend). The one I have the most trouble with is actually the duet with Elton John (where they play star-crossed lovers who've circled one another for centuries). Oh, and the first voice you hear (on "Snowflake") is not Kate, but her 12-year-old son, Bertie.

IMHO, these songs take several listens to reveal themselves, but the best stuff always does.

http://www.npr.org/2011/11/13/142133269/first-listen-kate-bush-50-words-for-snow

I hate to say this, but it seems to me that this album lacks energy. I've had just one listen, and all I can say is it has some good, and some bad moments, but not one GREAT moment. I'm sure I'll grow to love it though. It will make a great soundtrack for the long walks in the snow this winter.

[HejiraNYC]

I must admit that I am struggling a little bit with this album so far. It's not just that it seems decidedly, um... somnombulant to me. But there is an "uneasy ease" about the proceedings- after a career full of concise, perfectly/meticulously crafted albums, this one seems unedited and seemingly improvised in places, which I find a little bit disturbing. Well... I suppose that is to be expected when almost every song is over ten minutes in length. In any case, I really, really want to like this album, so I hope it starts to leave tenderhooks in my ears upon repeated listenings.

[PolishStevieFan]

Kate Bush. What a woman! I love her music and attitude. She's otherwordly talented in so many ways. Her voice, just like Stevie's is very off-beat, idiosyncratic instrument and she uses it to perfection. I remember, that one time I got a chance to listen to Pat Benatar's version of "Wuthering Heights" and I was like: "this is not good Pat". No matter how many notes Benatar could belt in her heyday she was not able to make that song hers. There are certain songs that shouldn't be redone aby anyone else except for the artists that originally made them memorable. As for "Running Up That Hill", it's strange but I do imagine Stevie singing this gem of a song on her "Rock a Little" or "The Other Side of The Mirror" albums. For me there are two essential albums from Bush's discography: "Never For Ever" (with my all time favourites: "Blow Away" and "Delius (Song of Summer)") and of course "Hounds of Love" (which will always be special for "Under The Ice" nightmare of a song).

[Pyewacket]

I must admit that I am struggling a little bit with this album so far. It's not just that it seems decidedly, um... somnombulant to me. But there is an "uneasy ease" about the proceedings- after a career full of concise, perfectly/meticulously crafted albums, this one seems unedited and seemingly improvised in places, which I find a little bit disturbing. Well... I suppose that is to be expected when almost every song is over ten minutes in length. In any case, I really, really want to like this album, so I hope it starts to leave tenderhooks in my ears upon repeated listenings.

How are you doing with it now, days later? I have to admit I was shocked at how slow the first three songs unfolded. It was sort of like watching a theatre curtain go up...part way...then stop...and then rise some more.

But I love it. Most of it (still not crazy about the Elton John Duet).

[HejiraNYC]

How are you doing with it now, days later? I have to admit I was shocked at how slow the first three songs unfolded. It was sort of like watching a theatre curtain go up...part way...then stop...and then rise some more.

But I love it. Most of it (still not crazy about the Elton John Duet).

I'm still really struggling, to be quite honest. There is no question that this is a beautiful piece of music in the same way that a choir singing a hymn is a beautiful sound. But despite its beauty, it's not the sort of thing that begs repeated listening or closer inspection. This album is just soooo expansive, meandering and empty; I keep wishing there was a way I could boil it and condense it into something more urgent and musically compelling. The heart of the problem resides within the song "Lake Tahoe," which is sooo long and sooo aimless... and even grating at times. And it seems that Kate features her guest vocalists more prominently than her own voice; arguably her son does more singing on "Snowflake" than Kate herself. Even more succinct songs like "Among Angels" suffer from having no distinctive melody, let alone some semblance of a time signature. The song "Misty" reminds me of something from Jane Siberry's 1995 album Maria, which, suprise-surprise, was largely improvised. But unfortunately for Kate, Jane did the meandering jazzy siren thing much better.

I understand from hearing recent interviews with Kate that this is the type of direction she was thinking about going for a while. And I applaud her nerve and chutzpah to do something like this. After all, perhaps with age, she may have grown weary of the 3-minute pop song structure. But then after listening to The Director's Cut again, I was reminded that Kate still has that amazing voice and the ability to do amazingly extraordinary things with it, e.g., "Lily." And nothing on 50WFS can compare to the haunting beauty of "Never Be Mine."

Am I the only one scratching my head over the avalanche (pun intended) of glowing reviews for this album?

[Pyewacket]

Am I the only one scratching my head over the avalanche (pun intended) of glowing reviews for this album?

The reviews have been insane for this album, a few already calling it album of the year, and the huge preponderance of reviewers giving it four or five stars. Some US reviewers have ranked it 3.5 stars...but other than that, it really has sewn up the critics.

I am very pleased to see this, though I have to say this: I think if Tori Amos had come up with the exact same songs and production and had even managed to sing like Kate, the reviews would have savaged her. There's something to be said for Kate's halo having never tarnished...every album receives huge accolades. And usually deservedly so.

I do love this album...it is very brave and very different. Ten years ago, an ad for Sarah McLachlan's new album said that she was the only artist who took her time to unravel a song. Well...no pop songstress has ever done it to this length or time signature to my recollection. And yet, I don't have a problem with it. "Lake Tahoe" is actually my favorite on 50WFS. It's as if she wants a sustained mood more than a pop song, and she does achieve that. The melody and lyric (though there is poetry in it) have become secondary to the overall sound and emotion.

That said, I am shocked that there aren't at least a few reviewers who wanna rip her a new one. Maybe it's a case of the emperor's new clothes -- no one wants to be the idiot who called Queen Kate's new album just a little too naked.

[HejiraNYC]

The reviews have been insane for this album, a few already calling it album of the year, and the huge preponderance of reviewers giving it four or five stars. Some US reviewers have ranked it 3.5 stars...but other than that, it really has sewn up the critics.

I am very pleased to see this, though I have to say this: I think if Tori Amos had come up with the exact same songs and production and had even managed to sing like Kate, the reviews would have savaged her. There's something to be said for Kate's halo having never tarnished...every album receives huge accolades. And usually deservedly so.

I do love this album...it is very brave and very different. Ten years ago, an ad for Sarah McLachlan's new album said that she was the only artist who took her time to unravel a song. Well...no pop songstress has ever done it to this length or time signature to my recollection. And yet, I don't have a problem with it. "Lake Tahoe" is actually my favorite on 50WFS. It's as if she wants a sustained mood more than a pop song, and she does achieve that. The melody and lyric (though there is poetry in it) have become secondary to the overall sound and emotion.

That said, I am shocked that there aren't at least a few reviewers who wanna rip her a new one. Maybe it's a case of the emperor's new clothes -- no one wants to be the idiot who called Queen Kate's new album just a little too naked.

I think I read a blog posting somewhere that went something to the effect of, after hearing Kate's new album, Tori Amos must be somewhere slitting her wrists because there is no way she could copy it. :lol: It's so true! I have despised Tori Amos, I mean, despised that worthless hack since the second I first heard her desperately blatant mimicry of Kate Bush. And then she had the utter gall to say that she really wasn't very familiar with Kate's music. B**ch, please. :rolleyes: The only thing original she ever did was playing a piano with her legs spread wide and flashing her v****a to the audience.

I really am picking up on the Kate Bush halo effect amongst the critics. Even Entertainment Weekly gave it an A-. On the UK side, I get the sense that Kate embodies a homegrown hero of sorts- someone who has always remained unapologetically British when just about every other UK act sang with American accents and aspired to mimic American sounds. She achieved extraordinary success on her own terms and never became the archetypal sexualized tarted-up girl singer despite the fact that she was an extraordinary physical specimen back in the day. Today it seems that she has geeky fan-boy appeal, especially given her penchant for storytelling in her songs. There is clearly a whole generation of middle aged British men (and women) who grew up idolizing Kate and are now writing for magazines, newspapers and blogs.

[Meowi]

Every critic must be in love with Ms Bush and 50 Words for Snow, and that is a fair point too!
Apparently, Kate is gearing up her third album since her release of Director's Cut. This was mentioned in a tweet by a BBC interviewer.

"JohnWilson14 John Wilson Kate Bush trending? Then listen to her speaking to me @BBCFrontRow tomorrow night. She reveals there's ANOTHER album already on the way 3 minutes ago"

[Pyewacket]

Every critic must be in love with Ms Bush and 50 Words for Snow, and that is a fair point too!
Apparently, Kate is gearing up her third album since her release of Director's Cut. This was mentioned in a tweet by a BBC interviewer.

"JohnWilson14 John Wilson Kate Bush trending? Then listen to her speaking to me @BBCFrontRow tomorrow night. She reveals there's ANOTHER album already on the way 3 minutes ago"

It would be her second album since "Director's Cut" -- there's only been "50 Words For Snow" since then.

However, I've heard the John Wilson interview, and it's really jumping the gun to say there's another album in the pipeline. As she's said in other interviews, she has some ideas in mind for an upcoming release. But before she fleshes them out, she wants to take a break. As you know, a Kate Bush break could mean just about any amount of time (on up to 12 years, in fact).

I suspect she won't be able to stay away from the new idea for long (because she's said 50 is the proudest she's been of an album since her very first, and it came quite quickly and with some ease). I think we're talking at least a year, but probably two or three.

[wheart]

The reviews have been insane for this album, a few already calling it album of the year, and the huge preponderance of reviewers giving it four or five stars. Some US reviewers have ranked it 3.5 stars...but other than that, it really has sewn up the critics.

I am very pleased to see this, though I have to say this: I think if Tori Amos had come up with the exact same songs and production and had even managed to sing like Kate, the reviews would have savaged her. There's something to be said for Kate's halo having never tarnished...every album receives huge accolades. And usually deservedly so.

I do love this album...it is very brave and very different. Ten years ago, an ad for Sarah McLachlan's new album said that she was the only artist who took her time to unravel a song. Well...no pop songstress has ever done it to this length or time signature to my recollection. And yet, I don't have a problem with it. "Lake Tahoe" is actually my favorite on 50WFS. It's as if she wants a sustained mood more than a pop song, and she does achieve that. The melody and lyric (though there is poetry in it) have become secondary to the overall sound and emotion.

That said, I am shocked that there aren't at least a few reviewers who wanna rip her a new one. Maybe it's a case of the emperor's new clothes -- no one wants to be the idiot who called Queen Kate's new album just a little too naked.

check out katebushnews.com. Though most of the reviews are beyond glowing, there are a handful of negative ones. I think one actually graded the album an "F". No everybody is loving this new work from Kate

[Pyewacket]

I'm a regular poster there... I've heard a few radio review panels that weren't enthusiastic...and I've seen one print review that was mild. But these are just a few bad flakes in a landslide of good press. So far on Metacritic.com (which compiles available reviews into an average) this album is getting an unprecedented 91%.