Hounds Of Love

Completely changed the way I listen to music

by j. brotherlove

To say I love Kate Bush’s music is an extreme understatement.

I still remember buying the Hounds Of Love album almost 20 years ago. It was a limited edition LP, pressed in pink and gray pearlescent wax (probably worth a little something, today). It enveloped me and competely changed the way I listened to music. Within the year, I’d bought all of Kate Bush’s recordings; and have continued to do so.

I rarely get the chance to chat with anyone who adores her as much as I do. Most people I know have only heard her voice on “Don’t Give Up” with Peter Gabriel or her brilliant songwriting on Maxwell’s overplayed cover of “This Woman’s Work”.

I know it’s much more fashionable to worship that other, quirky redhead. But Kate the pioneer of that off-the-beaten-path, piano-driven, chick-rock storytelling genre.

And thusly, she personifies today’s lovesong.

When I was a child
Running in the night
Afraid of what might be
Hiding in the dark
Hiding in the street
And of what was following me

Now hounds of love are hunting
I’ve always been a coward
And I don’t know what’s good for me

Here I go

— “Hounds Of Love”
Kate Bush

Ok, J. I’m downloading the song, and I’m going to give Kate another try. I loved Maxwell’s version of “This Woman’s Work,” and then I found out that it was a cover of Kate Bush. So, I went out and bought the Kate Bush CD with that song on it. I wasn’t feeling it at all.

Then again, I was 19. Let’s see if my p.o.v. is different now. Maybe I will like Kate, in addition to liking that “other, quirky redhead.” :)

Anitra, when learning to appreciate veteran artists I’ve found success with starting in the middle of their career and working outward. I did that with Miles and Joni, actually.

Perhaps you would like The Dreaming or The Sensual World. Admittedly, at the start of her career, Kate was interested in pushing her voice and she can sound very shrill at times. Good luck!

J…you’re right. I thought her voice was shrill on the album that I heard several years ago. But “Hounds of Love” is pretty good. Listening to that, I can see similarities to that other quirky redhead. Thanks for the recommendations.

“Running Up That Hill” is an all-time favorite. I think lots of folks sleep on artists like this. You forgot about the other red head - Ms. Lennox.