Kate Bush

I first heard the name Kate Bush when I read that Placebo was covering her song 'Running up that hill' back in 2002/2003. I loved the cover and wanted to know more about who wrote it and listen to the original version, which unfortunately, I found too 'outdated/80's' for my preferences at the time. So I discarded Kate Bush from my musical library for a while. Everyone makes mistakes from time to time, right?

Some months ago a friend 'borrowed' me some of Kate Bush albums praising how wonderful she was.  And he was 100% right.
Although I have to say that her very early records are too 'poppy' for my taste, she first got my full attention with 'The Dreaming'. There is a 'before' and 'after' that record for me. When I listened to it an realized that it was written and produced in 1981/1982 I was astounded. The compositions were so innovative, with great strong rhythms ('Sat In Your Lap') or vocal exploits ('There Goes a Tenner', 'Pull Out The Pin', 'Get Out My House'). Her lyrics are profound, and not just a repeated cheesy 'I love you'. She writes about characters in her songs, and describes them as if she was living it all. The album is made to be played loud and you should definitely do it.

Then comes the 'Hounds of Love' record in 1985, from which the opener 'Running up that hill' brings me back to the beginning of this post. It's a true experimental pop record, the first half filled with singles and powerful songs and the second half more calm/experimental-like. It's full of great stories of love and imagination (as the 'Hounds of love' song, "Take my shoes off and throw them in the lake/And I'll be 2 steps on the water"- only slightly suggesting what is going to happen). The sounds are definitely more 80's-like than in 'The Dreaming', with a larger use of synthesized drums and keyboards.

I would suggest to listen to all of her records, specially 'The Dreaming', 'Hounds of Love' and 'Aerial' (2005).  She just released a revision of some of her old songs in 'Director's Cut' (2011), which has already received mostly positive reviews. If you haven't heard her still you can look some of her videos posted here below. Enjoy!

From 'The Dreaming':

From 'Hounds of Love':

From 'Director's Cut':

Official Website: Kate Bush

Bright Light Bright Light

Nearly two months ago a friend made me discover the work of Bright Light Bright Light, a dj/musician/producer/singer who lives in London. His electronic pop style might not be innovative, but his skills as songwriter/producer are remarkable. The music is honest, catchy and makes you want to dance immediately!

Check his myspace and his new video for the new 'Disco Moment' below: