[Pyewacket]

The reviews have been insanely good. 4 and 5 stars from most critics, with only a few dipping down to three (and one giving it two).

It is nothing if not atmospheric. And some of the tracks, IMHO, are better than the originals. It's a more varied sounding album than any of Stevie's, for sure (Kate never sticks with straightforward rock -- you will find Madagascan, Celtic and African influences here as well as a nod to cinematic soundtracks and electronica). Overall, I like it, though it was never going to be the best-Kate scenario.

I get that it was important for her to do (she's said she did it for herself and that it has been something she's wanted to do for some time). But for me, I'd certainly have preferred a new album...and, not getting that, then an album of remakes of different songs. Some of these never thrilled me to begin with. As for production, well...it's interesting to me that most of these songs were written when Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan were at their heights of success...and now that Kate's redone them, a few sound like Tori and Sarah productions. Ah well -- I'm still recommending it because the weird pull of Kate is still strong with this one...and any album of Kate's is head and shoulders above those of most other artists.

1> Aerial
2> Hounds Of Love
3> The Dreaming
4> Bella Donna
5> Never for Ever
6> The Sensual World
7> The Kick Inside
8> Trouble In Shangri-La
9> Director's Cut
10> In Your Dreams
11> The Red Shoes
12> The Wild Heart
13> Lionheart
14> Rock A Little


25> Street Angel
102> Other Side Of The Mirror