Taiko-Soran Bushi [Import]

1. Soran Bushi

2. Akita Nikata Bushi

3. Dounan Kudoki

4. Tawara Tsumi Uta

5. Tairyou Utai Komi

6. Neko No Ko

7. Tsugaru Yama Uta

8. Ushibuka Sansagari - Ushibuka Haiya Bushi

9. Tsugaru Jyongara Bushi

Tracks:

Everything Zen
Swim
Bomb
Little Things
Comedown
Body
Machinehead
Testosterone
Monkey
Glycerine
Alien
X-Girlfriend

Amazon.com

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Nirvana should've been quite flattered by Sixteen Stone. The English quartet perfectly mimics the early '90s grunge sound with this '94 release. As for Kurt Cobain comparisons, singer Gavin Rossdale has a captivating voice, but lyrics are not his forte, as the splintered ramblings of "Everything Zen" indicates. (Gotta do better than "There's no sex in your violence.") The players meanwhile produce a perfectly competent approximation of their Northwestern heroes. "Little Things" is a successful rewrite of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" while "Machinehead" crunches like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. In fact, the whole album feels like a throwback to 1992. Sixteen Stone may be derivative, but it's catchy as hell, too. --Rob O'Connor

Album Description

Special limited edition release, in a double slimline jewel case, adds an acoustic version of 'Come Down' to their triple platinum debut album and also includes a four track bonus disc of live recordings from March 1996. 17tracks.

Album Description

Customer Reviews:

Awesome!.......2007-06-05

this is what made Bush what they are..everyone that was old enough to play a stereo knew Bush in the 90's...machinehead, Glycerine, Little Things, Everything Zen, Comedown are all great songs...even if you dont know Bush you will still find some pleasure out of this album.

Good old 90s Grunge.......2007-02-19

For those of us who grew up in the 90s I think that we all remember this album, I remember when I was listening to this in middle school and thought I was the coolest guy ever because no one ever really heard these guys in my new school. Everyone listening to the new wave stuff probably won't really appreciate this but it's worth a look.

one of the best albums of the decade.......2006-11-23

Bush was the top band back in its day. Their other albums are just as good as this one, but this album seems to have had the most popularity. If you don't know much about Bush yet, this album would be the best start.

More Bush Please!.......2006-11-10

I don't know why everyone thinks Bush sounds like Nirvana! Bush just took what Nirvana was doing and made in better. Nirvana didn't last very long either and Gavin is still around killing it! Besides, did you see Kurt on Unplugged! He had yellow teeth-ewwww.
Bush is going to the Rock and Roll hall of fame, No Doubt! Hahahaha! No Doubt , get it. They are going to the Rock and Roll Hall of fame also.
The guitar solos on here is what alternative rock is all about. It all starts right here. Get all the Bush album to truly understand their power.

Another 90s Classic........2006-09-03

Despite what others say this is a really good release from a pretty good band. Sure, Bush may have tried to emulate Nirvana but does that really take anything away from the music. As far as I'm concerned if the songs are well written and sound good it shouldn't matter if they share similarities in sound with another band. Originality should not be the main factor like in some of the reviews I've seen. Bush is a good band with great songs. Anyway, this cd is right up in the top 25 of my 100+ cd collection I own. Pretty much every track is excellent. My favorites are "Everything Zen", "Swim", "Little Things", and "Testosterone". Here's the track ratings for everything...

1. Everything Zen - 10/10
2. Swim - 10/10
3. Bomb - 9/10
4. Little Things - 10/10
5. Comedown - 10/10
6. Body - 10/10
7. Machinehead - 9.5/10
8. Testosterone - 10/10
9. Monkey - 9/10
10. Glycerine - 9.5/10
11. Alien - 6/10
12. X-Girlfriend - 6/10

Overall: 90% A-

This is just a pretty good album all around. It has a number of good tracks that made the radio as well as a bunch of good tracks that didn't. That's what a good album should have. This is surely an excellent 90s classic.

Average customer rating:

good rerelease of an amazing album
Jittery masterpiece
A well-deserved 25th anniversary reissue for the groundbreaking album
Great experimental CD from the 80's
Zonky and Out of The Ordinary, Even Today

My Life in the Bush of Ghosts
Brian Eno , and David Byrne
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Compounds + Elements: An Introduction to All Saints Records
Another Day on Earth
Exposure
Here Come the Warm Jets
The Equatorial Stars

ASIN: B000E5N634
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Tracks:

America Is Waiting
Mea Culpa
Regiment
Help Me Somebody
The Jezebel Spirit
Very, Very Hungry
Moonlight in Glory
The Carrier
A Secret Life
Come with Us
Mountain of Needles
Pitch to Voltage
Two Against Three
Vocal Outtakes
New Feet
Defiant
Number 8 Mix
Solo Guitar with Tin Foil

Amazon.com essential recording

Released in 1981, My Life in the Bush of Ghosts is a collaboration between ambient pioneer Brian Eno and Talking Heads frontman David Byrne. On Ghosts, the two strong-willed musicians manage to come to a meeting of the minds, blending Byrne's herky-jerky funk with Eno's atmospheric sound sculpting. More than anything, this is a large album, intent on pushing itself to the front of the listener's consciousness. Abundant percussion (everything from booming tribal drums to eerie electronics) reverberates in the background while Byrne and Eno toss all manner of found sounds, field recordings, and radio broadcasts into the mix. What results is a groundbreaking album that introduced a generation to the dazzling possibilities offered by electronic recording techniques. Highlights include "The Jezebel Spirit," an electro-funk workout that uses a recording of an exorcism as its focal point, and "Very, Very Hungry," a mysteriously ethereal display of electronic percussion and large-scale sonic architecture. --S. Duda

Album Description

Brian Eno and David Byrne's My Life in the Bush of Ghosts appears downright visionary. With its "found" vocals, cut-and-paste arrangements, funked-up rhythms and embrace of influences from all around the globe, the duo's controversial work anticipated the creative cross-pollination and technological innovation of contemporary dance music, world music, hip hop and alternative rock. You can hear echoes of My Life in the Bush of Ghosts in the anthems Moby built around vintage vocal samples, in the outrageously exotic beats of Missy Elliot and Timbaland, in the Middle Eastern accented chill-out tracks of Thievery Corporation or Bjork's otherworldly soundscapes.

Customer Reviews:

good rerelease of an amazing album.......2007-03-26

I'm not sure how much better the remasters are on this disc than the original recording. They are better, I think, but the change is subtle. (As opposed to, say, the Talking Heads remasters, which are instantly, recognizably, and indisputably superior to the original recordings.) Everything just sounds a little crisper, I guess.

You can compare and ponder the point for some time, but what this rerelease has done is made me go back and listen again to what was a truly remarkable record the first time around and remains so to this day. It has held up amazingly well over the years. Way ahead of its time. Imagine Remain in Light with random samples and looped noise and sampled vocals filling up the spaces that David Byrne voice would normally occupy and you have a sense of it. Incredible.

This version also comes with seven bonus tracks. These range from tracks that truly could have made the album to ones that are just out-and-out bizarre. I adore the final number, guitar with tin foil.

If you already have the original version, I recommend getting this. If you don't have any previous version, you should stop reading this right now and go get it. Now. In fact, I'm not going to type anymore, just so you can go do it.

Jittery masterpiece.......2007-02-12

The one thing that struck me when first listening to the album was how jittery it sounded. The guitars sounded like they were going to explode at any minute....the samples were zooming in from all over the place....it almost sounded like total chaos was in progress. But the more you listen to this, the more you see how much effort went into it. It's also impossibly funky too. In the line between the magnificent Fear of Music and it's more successful follow up Remain in Light....this certainly feels like a jigsaw piece that fits in explaining the slight transition that occured during the making of the album. Having said that, it would be foolish to dismiss this as something that happened inbetween two Talking Heads albums. To do that would be to diminish its status. Really it's a collective, collaborative masterpiece. The amount of consideration that went into it and yet how spontaneous it all sounds is nothing short of amazing. It is the sort of album that everyone should own at least.

A well-deserved 25th anniversary reissue for the groundbreaking album.......2007-01-21

Brian Eno, producer of the Talking Heads' early albums, and David Byrne, singer-songwriter of the Talking Heads, take a left turn and found further common ground in making this groundbreaking album. First released in 1981, the album receives a long deserved reissue for its 25th anniversary.

The 2006 release of "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts" (18 tracks, 60 min.) is more than just a standard reissue. Personally supervised by David Byrne, this is a reworking of the original album, with 7 new tracks and a new tracklisting. The now 18 tracks are now divided up in "3 sides". It bears noting that much of the album was recorded before the Talking Heads' "Remain in Light", but released afterwards (for technical reasons). Listen again to "Remain in Light" and you'll see how much influence "My Life" had on that album. As to this reissue, everthing is done first class: the remastered sound is impeccable, the 28 page booklet is full of interesting information, starting with an excerpt from author Amos Tutuola's 1952 book "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts", from which the album takes its inspiration, to "The Making of" extensive liner notes by Byrne and Eno themselves.

In all, this is surely the definitive version of "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts" (even with the regrettable omission of the "Qu'run" track). The album has proven over the years to be not merely enormously influential, but better yet thoroughly enjoyable and sounds as fresh today as it did when this came out 25 years ago. Essential for any music fan.

Great experimental CD from the 80's.......2007-01-18

its a true shame the track quran was removed: it was one of the better tracks. Not all important musical works of art hold up over time. This is a significant album from that time period, granted. But mixing "found samples" and the technology to do that has progressed so far at this point, that to my ears, this great album sounds a bit dated. The new re-mastered CD sounds good but still a bit too muddy for my taste. Definately worth several listens. The live soudtrack of Stop Making Sense outshines this CD by a mile and Remain in Light is a far far better "experimental" work from the same time period and also from David Byrne. Byrne's The Catherine Wheel is also more memorable than My Life in the Bush of Ghosts.

Zonky and Out of The Ordinary, Even Today.......2006-11-20

The first thing that struck me about this album was the absolutely unorthodox instrumentation. In many ways, it did feel like a document of erratic tribal exploits. Other tracks, like "America is Waiting" and "Mea Culpa," display an utterly weird approach that still defies explanation. Other songs are deeply atmospheric in nature and transport the listener to some unknown locale. The most conventional track, "Regiment," boasts a groove of the darkest and most macabre variety; it's a perversion of the funk, and only a lone Arabic voice can bring light to this danceable nightmare.

There's nothing on this album that says "this should work," and yet, it all coalesces surprisingly well. Given the state of technology in 1980 compared to today, its easy to see why there's a sort of organic vitality in these compositions that's lacking in today's music. Rarely does such a strange work please the pallate so well.

Average customer rating:

You Need This Album
Masterpiece Material
theres a lot, maybe too much, going on here
On my wish list
Not a serious Kate Bush fan but...

Hounds of Love
Kate Bush
Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Aerial
The Sensual World
The Dreaming
The Kick Inside
Never For Ever

ASIN: B00004R7TP
Release Date: 1992-05-18

Tracks:

Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)
Hounds Of Love
The Big Sky
Mother Stands For Comfort
Cloudbusting
And Dream Of Sheep
Under Ice
Waking The Witch
Watching You Without Me
Jig Of Life
Hello Earth
The Morning Fog
The Big Sky (Meteorogical Mix)
"Running Up That Hill (12"" Mix)
Be Kind To My Mistakes
Under The Ivy
Burning Bridge
My Lagan Love

Album Description

Import only digitally-remastered reissue for her landmark 1985 album with six bonus tracks, 'The Big Sky' (Meteorological Mix), 'Running Up That Hill' (12-inch Mix), 'BeKind To My Mistakes', 'Under The Ivy', 'Burning Bridge' and'My Lagan Love' all were previously only available through her box set (which is unavailable in the US.) 18 tracks in total. EMI.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Edition of Ms. Bush's Masterpiece, Originally Released in 1985. The Album was Self-produced and Primarily Recorded on her Fairlight Keyboard. Bush Weaves Intricate Tapestries of Sound and Imagery with Songs that Span the Range of all Emotion, from the Most Intimate to the Most Frightening. This Special Edition Adds Six Bonus Tracks of 12 Inch Mixes and Single B-sides Released in Conjunction with the Album, Including "Big Sky (Meterorogical Mix)", "Running Up that Hill (12" Mix)", "be Kind to My Mistakes", "Under the Ivy", "Burning Bridge" and "my Lagan Love".

Customer Reviews:

You Need This Album.......2007-01-20

This album is the definitive Kate Bush album. If you are new to her and are curious, this is the album for you. She was Tori Amos before anyone had even heard of Tori Amos.

Masterpiece Material.......2006-11-13

I can easily say this is the best Kate disc ever offered to the public. Each song running perfectly in unison, taking the listener a long walk through a forest. At first, it all feels fun and carefree until the trail leads to insomnia and then the waking of the witch. For me, this cd is so powerful because though it is filled with pop hooks, Kate allows for new and inventive way to present them. Each song is a gem. A truly remarkable feat.

theres a lot, maybe too much, going on here.......2006-09-09

I like this cd but I do not love it. I never understood why this is the most beloved by her fanatical fans. The cd is too busy with too many sounds going on. The lack of songs makes it hard to listen to repeatedly. This would be hard to put in your car and listen to over and over again.

As for purely good songs, I count 4. "Running up the Hill" kicks off the album, has a throbbing, tribal drumbeat, and is the strongest track. "Big Sky" utilizes Bushes etheral voice and passionate vocals. "Cloudbursting" is interesting, had a pretty cool video with Donald Sutherland, and creates a weird drama to the song. "Dream of Sheep" is a sensual, quite song.

I have always thought that this cd is more interesting rather than being a collection of great songs. Kate Bush is an acquired taste...she is not for everybody.

This cd is good when you are using headphones and get to hear all the little strange noises, groans and yelps by Bush. This is not music to crank up in a car.

I have always liked her debut "Kick Inside" the best b/c I feel that is her most organic, conventional work.

While Kate Bush is a very talented artist, she is also really eccentric. Many of her fans that rave about her work are also eccentric and therefore over exagerate the quality of her work. They love Kate Bush and all her mysterious romance as opposed to just loving her music.

On my wish list.......2006-08-11

I first heard Kate Bush on MTV late at night when they played the video for "running up that hill". I remember the host saying "it's an aquired taste, but once you aquire it what a taste it is". I then went out and bought the album, and figured out it was her on Peter Gabriel's "games without frontiers". Album is great, have the origonal on CD and tape hoping I will get this new issue soon. The sensual world is also stellar. Great music for those with a romatic spirit and who like music that does not fit into any one category.

Not a serious Kate Bush fan but..........2006-07-10

I must begin with the disclaimer that I am not a real Kate Bush fan but I love and never seem to tire of, what are for me, the mysterious and haunting qualities of "Running Up That Hill". I also find the short and sweet "The Morning Fog", a catchy and beautiful song with wonderful bass line and nice background vocals. Given the musicically picky person that I am, I recommend the CD and am, overall, pleased with my purchase.

Average customer rating:

Not as good as Drop of Jupiter but still a great cd.
No Charlie Colin
disappointed
The Changing Train: A change for the worst
copy protected!???

For Me, It's You
Train
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

My Private Nation
Drops of Jupiter
Let Love In
Alive At Last
Train

ASIN: B000DZ7Y42
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Tracks:

All I Ever Wanted
Get Out
Cab
Give Myself To You
Am I Reaching You Now
If I Can't Change Your Mind
All I Hear
Shelter Me
Explanation
Always Remember
I'm Not Waiting In Line
Skyscraper
For Me, It's You

Amazon.com

With For Me, It's You Train officially takes up residence in the big, wide space 20 and 30-somethings fall into when they no longer dig the Maroon 5's of the world, but have yet to settle in with an all-serious, all-the-time artist like David Gray. Frothy this record is not, yet from the Keane-ish opener, to the Coldplay-inspired anthem "Get Out," to the kicked-up '70s bar jam "Am I Reaching You Now," to the wrenching power ballad "Always Remember," written for a lost loved one, it's catchy as hell. Climb aboard, the bright guitars and pulsing keyboards blithely suggest, and forget for a minute that Train isn't quite the musical flavor of the month. Emo haircuts, skinny ties, and electrobeats never quite fit this band, and the fivesome is not about to make room for them in the overhead storage bin now. If you don't love them for it, on the strength of this mighty effort, you'll at least respect them. -Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Not as good as Drop of Jupiter but still a great cd........2007-07-16

I didn't think this cd was as good as drops of Jupiter but, as one reviewer said give it a few more goes and you will see it really isn't that bad of a cd.

No Charlie Colin.......2007-05-01

Although with their increased success Train's albums have progressively become more produced and poppish, until this album I haven't really complained. They still were churning out great songs with a distinctive style. I think here however they have taken a step backward. Pat Monahan's gritty vocals continue shine as always, and there are good melodies and riffs but... something critical is missing!

After purchasing the album I was extremely disappointed to discover the absence of Charlie Colin and to me it is a glaring deficiency. Not that Johnny Colt is a bad bass player, but I have always thought that Colin's playing was very much a key part of Train's signature sound. His unobtrusive melodic grooves were what hooked me on the band the first time I heard the song "Free" on the radio. "Meet Virginia" was smoking! Even on the more polished "My Private Nation" he continued to lend his signature voice (albeit a little more subtly).

Now instead, we have mostly standard radio fair with typical eighth note rock grooves. Whenever Train deviates from this pattern on "For Me It's You", we have more effective compositions such as on "Am I Reaching You Now". Other inspired numbers include "Shelter Me" and "I'm Not Waiting in Line" (seeing some Black Crowes' influence here).

Don't get me wrong. There are some really decent tunes here and as a fan of Train I'm happy to have the album in my collection. It will be interesting to see what direction they take after this. But I just can't help wishing the original lineup band could have stuck together.

disappointed.......2006-10-29

As a long time fan of Train, and owning all of their CD's, and seeing them perform in B'ham several times, I was very disappointed in this release. Not the Train I knew. Not at all up to what they have achieved in the past.

The Changing Train: A change for the worst.......2006-10-10

I have been a long time Train fan. I first heard them from the radio made song 'Calling All Angels' that originated from the 'My Private Nation' album. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Drops of Jupiter' and their live in concert album. I was anticipating this new album release with positive thoughts however after reading of some of the former original band members leaving and a few new faces I realised their would be changes, and changes to the sound and direction of the west coast soft rock band.

I am not that disappointed by this album as it is still listenable and there are a number of good songs. But the changes are clearly evident and the new band members have had their input. Pat Monahan's voice is still exceptional and has matured and he is the standout vocally in this release. But try as he might, Train has changed. First and foremost, this album sounds much more 'popish', gone are the soft rock melodies and the harmonics. Clearly the direction taken is to turn Train into a more acceptable pop group for listeners from the late 20's to early 40's.

Secondly only 3 songs on this album are above the 4 minute mark in length. Many songs are barely 3 minutes therefore this album plays pretty quickly. The piano is heard in several songs as a over-riding feature. And that entirely isn't a bad thing. Now for the good points to this album:

The good songs on this album that I enjoyed and liked were 'Give Myself To You' a romantic ballad with a pop feel, 'All I Hear' which is the only song that sounds similar to the former Train of prior albums. 'Explanation', a song that has a nice tune. In saying all I have said, this album is still listenable. I can understand Train moving on and changing as most bands do. I just wished that they didn't change too much as they did.

copy protected!???.......2006-08-23

First off I want to say that I think the CD is a great addition to Trains sound, I would recomend this disk to everyone. Its probably the only CD other than Emerson Harts awaited release, that is REAL Music and not nonsensical RAP or Grunge metal Noise.
However;Sony, In its infinite wisdom and greed has copy protected the disk, so you cant make a copy for your Vehicle, or add any of these songs to a best of Train compilation. Dont buy this CD and Boycott All sony products!

Average customer rating:

She's Matured
The Ford Edsel of Kate Bush
Welcome Back Kate.
Amazing work of art by England's Kate Bush
Quintessential Kate

Aerial
Kate Bush
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Sensual World
Hounds of Love
Extraordinary Machine
Confessions on a Dance Floor
King of the Mountain

ASIN: B000BHNLX0
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

King of the Mountain
Pi
Bertie
Mrs. Bartolozzi
How to Be Invisible
Joanni
A Coral Room

Tracks:

Prelude
Prologue
An Architect's Dream
Painter's Link
Sunset
Aerial Tal
Somewhere in Between
Nocturn
Aerial

Amazon.com

It's often said that a musician's debut represents the culmination of a lifetime's worth of experiences, but their sophomore effort is usually derived from just the intervening year. By waiting 12 years between The Red Shoes and her new double CD, Aerial, Kate Bush has tried to regain that lifetime. It's a remarkably coherent recording, reflecting the unique world of sound and spirit Bush has inhabited since her debut. The first disc, subtitled A Sea of Honey, is a suite of personal reveries. It ranges from "King of the Mountain," a contemplation of unbridled celebrity and its isolation that references Elvis and Citizen Kane, to the piano-and-voice study "Mrs. Bartolozzi," an ode to household chores whose chorus is "Sloshy sloshy sloshy sloshy, get that dirty shirty clean." With its Depeche Mode-influenced synth pads, electro pulses, and lyric cadences, "King of the Mountain" is vintage Bush pop. But many of the songs attain more epic proportions, like the dynamic "Joanni," a hymn to Joan of Arc. It's the second disc--a suite called A Sky of Honey--on which Bush really comes into her own. Using metaphors of the turning of the day and the flight of birds, she orchestrates a meditation on the cycles of life. Musically expansive, she weaves her compositions out of birdsong, subtle orchestrations, and jazz trios, showing herself at her experimental best. Embracing her relatively new motherhood, as well as the death of her mother, Aerial is a deeply personal album, and a welcome return from one of pop music's true icons and vocal wonders. --John Diliberto

More Kate Bush

The Kick Inside
Lionheart
Never for Ever

The Dreaming
Hounds of Love
The Sensual World

Customer Reviews:

She's Matured.......2007-06-30

It's been a little over a year now since Kate Bush put out AERIAL. With over 300+ reviews from casual listeners, to us 'die hard' fans, I thought I'd throw in my two cents.

I,too, waited twelve LONG years for another CD from Kate. When it arrived, I anxiously put it on, did a few things around the house, and waited for that voice of her's to explode. It didn't. Oh I wasn't disapointed...but more like..hmmm...this one needs some serious listening to. A few days later I sat down, put on the headphones, and had a second listen. It was worth it. From the opening track on Disc 1, to the closing track on Disc 2, I was once again swept away into Kate's world. And it IS her world folks. Like it or not.

NO..it's not the HOUNDS OF LOVE...NO..it's not THE DREAMING. She's been there, done that. If she had put out a HOUNDS OF LOVE II or THE DREAMING II...you casual listeners would have screamed bloody murder saying she's copying herself, not taking any risks.... and us 'die hards' would have raised and eyebrow and thought..What are you UP to Ms Kate? Right? OF course right!!!

You don't think AERIAL is a risk? Think again. Kate knows what her fans like and expect from her. And in MY opinion, she didn't let us down. She's in her late 40's now, and a mother. Priorites change, views change..and that comes through cystal clear in her music. Those of us that have grown up with Kate can see her come full circle from THE KICK INSIDE to AERIAL.

Art is subjective. Not everyone is going to like everything. Even a few 'die hards' were disapointed with the CD.And that's OK. Myself, it's one of my favorites now. After a hard day at work I can come home, put on the headphones and relax to her soothing voice.

Thats my two cents worth. Like it or not.

The Ford Edsel of Kate Bush.......2007-06-09

I have tried so hard to love this CD. I've listened to it several times, given it every chance each time trying to come at it anew or after a recent audition. Each time I have been utterly disappointed. Worst of all upon returning to her previous work I was left with the overwhelming urge to fling the Ariel CD into the garbage.

What could have gone so badly wrong? Kate Bush has undeniable talent that has previously been faultless. Even The Dreaming, a CD that at first puzzled & alienate some listeners at the time, has become a firm favourite that has shown itself to have been years ahead of its time. Her writing is legendary with an awe inspiring ability to weave images into song. Her musical ability has also been stunning with not only the tunes but also the production, finding unusual & interesting instruments & sounds that reached a pinnacle on Hounds of Love. She danced amazingly, choreographed her videos & had a hand in her costumes (as in the Chris Achileos inspired "Babooshka"). Her voice had the ability to pound its way through something like "Get out of My House" or tip toe through such songs as "Army Dreamers". Best of all she had the intelligence & self confidence to know when to hammer it & when to tread lightly, unlike some I could mention (Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston to name but 2).

But Ariel is like someone who is doing a bad, tired impression of her. The music just doesn't engage, the voice sounds tired, flat & occasionally falters. Gone is the magic that was always there from the first note to the final fade out, this isn't the Kate Bush we all knew & loved so much.

True she does have the legacy of Hounds of Love to overcome, everything she did before & after has been compared to this just as the Beatles were always measured by how their albums compared to Sgt Pepper's & Radiohead to OK Computer (The Beatles managed to escape this legacy, but Radiohead were always dogged by just how good OK Computer was & their continuing inability to better it). However this should not be an impediment & I don't think it colours my view.

In short this collection fails to engage in any way, regardless of previous work. Something is missing & I don't know what, but I just keep hearing the word "Flat" in my head. The production is complex but doesn't seem to add to her voice like so often in the last where expert use of the mixing desk layered the sounds into a rich atmosphere, whereas with Ariel its a mish-mash, uncomfortable & disjointed. For instance on the self indulgent "Bertie" she uses her son's laughter, but its completely unbalanced & out of place when compared to the rest of the sound. The lyrics are boring too, like wax fruit it promises so much but when you take a bite it just dissapoints. I would even say that if this were a new CD from a previoulsy unknown artist, or if I had previously never heard of Kate Bush before, I still wouldn't like it. This CD should have been abandoned & never released.

After the final attempt to find something in this mess I gave up & put on Never for Ever & was immediately transported. At least she can be proud of the remaning 99% of her output, something few can lay claim to. But Ariel is the black sheep & should be thoroughly ignored.

Welcome Back Kate. .......2007-04-17

Imagine you are Kate Bush: 48 years old, nearly thirty years since Wuthering Heights, having to endure all the false rumours in the papers; "recluse", "washed up", "eccentric" and other negative terms when all along you have just making your own kind of very unique music, you fall in love, raise a child and are happily domesticated for many years. Kate Bush is one of the most down to earth, fun, witty and very grounded artists alive today. Just read any of her recent interviews she has given. She is no New Age Mystic or Modern Day Witch or Earth Goddess, so give it a rest! True she has written, arranged and recorded some of the most original music of any artist in the last thirty years. But away from the studio, she is just a Mom!

AERIEL is her first album in twelve years. Like HOUNDS OF LOVE, it is best to listen through in one sitting, especially Disc 2. Critics may gripe that it could have easily fitted on one album and maybe that is true. Maybe tracks 1 and 6 on Disc 2 could have been omitted to keep it under 80 minutes.

The album starts off strong with KING OF THE MOUNTAIN. seems to be about unhappy wealthy recluses. Other strong songs on Disc 1 are HOW TO BE INVISIBLE (just a fun pop song), JOANNIE (about Joan of arc) and A CORAL ROOM (a heartbreaking song about the death of her mother). MRS. BARTOLOZZI is certainly unusual and takes some getting used to; with its storyline of sexual emotions triggered from watching clothes in a washing machine. BERTIE is a light-hearted tune about her son. A little too simple for my tastes. PI is has a warmth to it even if it is a bizartre song about a guy fascinated by the number PI. The chorus consists of recting the numbers of pi but at over six minutes playing time, it is overlong.

Disc 2 is where Kate excels. Titled "A Sky Of Honey" (not sure why), there is a theme about birds, painters, architects and abandoning oneself to guilty pleasures, and I am still trying to figure it all out! From her vocal imitation of birdcalls to the eeriness of her vocal with piano only, this is Kate Bush at her most sparse. Towards the end she does liven things up with the last two tracks. Standouts are SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN and NOCTURN (no "E" at the end). The album closes with the title track, AERIAL in a state of jubilation and cheerfulness. Her laugh is very infectious and there is a great giutar solo from Dan McIntosh to close the song and the album.

As with all her albums, production is brilliant and the musicianship amazes. Just listen to NOCTURN. It is worth the price of the album alone but another standout track is KING OF THE MOUNTAIN with its reggae-like guitar accompanying the second verse or the introduction of the drums into the song just before she sings "Elvis are you out there somewhere", My other favourites are A CORAL ROOM, AERIAL, PROLOGUE, HOW TO BE INVISIBLE, SUNSET and SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN.

Message to Kate Bush: Please do not wait twelve more years before relaeasing the next album. You are too original and exciting to be away from the music scene. I will gladly take songs about Joan of Arc, Elvis Presley, William Hearst, Bertie, Loss of a Loved One, Sex on the Beach, Washing Clothes, Birdcall Imitations, Being "up on the roof" and so on instead of the dross that is on radio stations today!

Track times are not given so here they are:

Disc 1 (A sea of honey)
1. King of the mountain 4.49
2. Pi 6.09
3. Bertie 4.18
4. Mrs. Bartolozzi 5.57
5. How to be invisible 5.34
6. Joanni 4.55
7. A coral room 5.56

Disc 2 (A sky of honey)
1. Prelude 1.26
2. Prologue 5.42
3 An archhitect's dream 4.49
4. The painter's link 1.35
5. Sunset 5.57
6. Aerial tal 1.00
7. Somewhere in between 5.00
8. Nocturn 8.34
9. Aerial 7.49

Amazing work of art by England's Kate Bush.......2007-03-11

My review of Aerial is based around the fact that I really like Kate Bush's musical and artistic style, and have been a fan of hers since I was aged 10 in 1980 and her songs Breathing and Babooshka became famous. So don't expect an unbiased opinion !

It is still hard though to make a cohesive summary of all that is contained in this unique package. Obviously there are 2 CDs, and of these , Disc 1 has 7 more-or-less standalone songs, while Disc 2 has a song-suite of linked ideas complete with ambient birdsong. The soundwave on the cover represents this; it is a graphic representation of the twittering of some type of bird that, presumably, Kate has grown fond of as she lives and works in the English countryside. Inside the CD slipcase we have washing on a line, taken from the rather regretful Mrs. Bertolozzi ( CD1 ). Kate's son Bertie makes his debut as subject to an ode on CD1 and in the booklet as a swimming, smiling cherub, while conversely her desolation at the loss of her mother finds voice in the contemplative A Coral Room. I loved the idea behind Pi, as it conjures up the romance and mystery in the fascination with numbers that I had as a child, and it still sounds dreamy and otherworldly.
Cd2 is a much different affair, and may as well be a completely separate album. I absolutely loved Nocturn, and have played this song more often than any other track on Aerial - it is beguiling and brilliant , and it segues into the album's title and final tune Aerial with its weird combination of propulsive rhythms, urgency and laughter. I also liked Something In Between. I was delighted at the way these linked songs were composed as a set. The nearest equivalent in Kate's extensive canon is 1985's Hounds Of Love, which had a similar thematic separation between Side 1 ( Cloudbusting ) and Side 2 ( Waking The Witch ).

Having bought my copy of Aerial in January 2006, I rated it one of my favourite CD's of the year, and have given it 5 stars, not because I love everything on here but simply for the sheer wealth of invention, poetry and creative ability on display. I don't understand everything in the lyrics, but then again, I doubt anybody else does either. That's not the point though. Appreciating art does not necessarily equate to understanding it or "getting it" first time or even at all , but feeling it and experiencing it. I certainly experienced Aerial , and encourage anyone who reads this review to do the same and give it a try.

Recommended for those who like discovering works of art.

Quintessential Kate.......2007-03-11

Long time Kate Bush devotee. Waited a long time for this. COMPLETELY SATISFIED!! Thank you Kate!!

Average customer rating:

A piece of heaven
Great CD
A bit of a yawn-er
Exquisitely good music!
Great Music!

Heartland: An Appalachian Anthology

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Appalachian Journey
Short Trip Home
Appalachia Waltz / Ma, Meyer, O'Connor
Uncommon Ritual
The Telluride Sessions

ASIN: B00005KIZP
Release Date: 2001-07-03

Tracks:

Short Trip Home
Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier
1B
Appalachia Waltz
Soldier's Joy
Sliding Down
BT
Butterfly's Day Out
College Hornpipe
Fancy Stops and Goes
Old Tyme
Emily's Reel
Slumber My Darling
Death by Triple Fiddle
Amazing Grace
Song of the Liberty Bell (folk version)

Amazon.com

The likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, Joshua Bell, and Mark O'Connor can be heard on Heartland, a compilation featuring the best tracks from Sony's ongoing Appalachian-themed series of CDs. Individually, these folk and classical stars have little in common, but when they meet to play these new bluegrass-meets-chamber-music arrangements, the results are pure magic. It's hard to pinpoint these Americana-tinged tunes--they could fit in either Carnegie Hall or a grange hall--but they're all great; this is as much Aaron Copland's version of roots music as it is Bill Monroe's. Whether on fast-and-furious breakdowns such as "Death by Triple Fiddle" or on mellow, almost New Agey instrumentals such as "Sliding Down" (featuring Bela Fleck on the banjo), these musicians excel. Guest vocals by James Taylor and Alison Krauss break up the instrumentals, though instrumental virtuosity is the real highlight of this disc. If you like what you hear on this sampler, check out the Grammy Award-winning Appalachian Journey next. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

A piece of heaven.......2006-02-01

Heartland is a haven and a piece of heaven. I was transported.

Great CD.......2004-03-16

Great violin, appalachian music, brings out your country roots, beautiful song by Allison Krauss, good mix of slow and up beat songs, excellent cd!

A bit of a yawn-er.......2003-04-22

If you are planning to open up a high-end gift shop specializing in handcrafted wind chimes and micro-bakery scone mixes and the like, then you must have this CD playing for your customers. It might have a certain appeal there that it did not find in my living room. Not to say that the musicianship is not utterly outstanding, which it is most certainly. Aside from Short Trip Home, which is why I purchased this CD in the first place, I found the rest of the pieces somewhat vapid considering the caliber of the artists. Again, it has its appeal in an easy listening realm, but this was not what I was looking for.

Exquisitely good music!.......2002-05-04

Didn't expect an outstanding cd, don't know exactly why i got it,maybe because of yo yo and bela, but every piece is played
beautifully, even the vocal piece by James Taylor. The album is almost too good to be called Heartland, every piece is a class act. Bravo!

Great Music!.......2001-11-09

I drive alot commuting to and from my job. This music has served as the perfect backdrop to an lovely Indiana fall! I'm sure I'll recall those colorful images as I continue to listen to this CD through the colorless days of winter!

Average customer rating:

Violin touches your heart

The Essential Joshua Bell

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Romance of the Violin
Voice of the Violin
Violin Favourites & Virtuoso Showpieces
The Essential Joshua Bell
The Red Violin: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B000NDIAXI
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Customer Reviews:

Violin touches your heart.......2007-06-24

Those who do not prefer violin music should try this. His violin will change your world.
His music touches people's heart.

Average customer rating:

Best thing I've heard in a long time...
Recycled and Overrated...
Good not too clean fun!!
Nisker Du: Women's Lib May Be Your Santa Claus
I Love This Woman, She Is Amazing!!!!!!!

Impeach My Bush
Peaches
Manufacturer: Xl Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Public Warning
Downtown
Sound of Silver
Volta
Show Your Bones

ASIN: B000FMHBAA
Release Date: 2006-07-11

Tracks:

Fuck or Kill
Tent In Your Pants
Hit It Hard
Boys Wanna Be Her
Downtown
Two Guys (For Every Girl)
Rock The Shocker
You Love It
Slippery Dick
Give'er
Get It
Do Ya
Stick It To The Pimp

From Amazon.co.uk

Fret not, fans of filth, who worry Impeach My Bush will see saucy Canadian electro-punk Merrill Nisker shelving the politics of the bedroom and embracing political activism--a quick spin of self-explanatory tracks like "Two Guys (For Every Girl)" should quickly confirm the third Peaches full-length is just as foul-mouthed, depraved, and all-round sluttish as its predecessors. Further good news, however, comes with the realisation this is by some length the best Peaches album to date. The beats, in particular, are noticeably improved without losing that all-important gritty quality, particularly "Tent In Your Pants" and "Downtown" - a pair of tracks written with one Greg Kurstin, perhaps better known for his work with No Doubt pop queen Gwen Stefani. But there"s further collaborations, too. "Give 'er"--roughly speaking, the sound of PJ Harvey brawling with New York synth punks Suicide in a New York alleyway--features choppy riffing courtesy of Queens Of The Stone Age's Josh Homme, while album stand-out "You Love It" boasts backing vocals and guitar from punk queen Joan Jett. Midway through "Slippery Dick" ("Toss freaker/Floss tweaker/Sauce leaker/Moss shrieker") you can't help but wonder how much mileage there is in talking dirty. Taken as a whole, though, Impeach My Bush is proof Peaches is still far from spent. --Louis Pattison

Album Description

Peaches is a phenomenon, a self-made, self-produced, DIY leader of the electro-punk movement and mistress of the original dirty lyrical classics. Unique with her minimal pumping beats and loved by true innovators and fans as diverse as Deborah Harry, Iggy Pop, Bjork, Lil' Kim, Kelis, Too Many DJs, M.I.A., and LCD Soundsystem, you'll be heartened to know she hasn't cleaned up her act on her new release. Guests on this record include Joan Jett and Josh Homme and Feist. "She's dirtier than most gansta rappers. She's a lip sync favorite among drag queens...She writes dance music that rockers will listen to and rock that disco queens will dance to" - Paper.

Customer Reviews:

Best thing I've heard in a long time..........2007-05-12

I'm a relatively new convert to the Church of Peaches, as it were, but I can definitely tell you that after hearing this album, you will be too.

It's very hip-hop oriented, but Peaches puts a serious spin on a usual genre and makes it into a personally sexual, powerful, and oftentimes humourous climax.

Peaches is definitely a force to be reckoned with (and she's a cool musician, too).

Recycled and Overrated..........2007-05-12

Those are the two words to describe this album, in a nutshell.

Impeach My Bush is uninteresting and unoriginal rehash of her previous two albums, which I liked at first and I understand that this is her shtick, but it gets old quickly. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a sexual appetite, but does she know or care about anything else? Shaking d**ks, sucking t*ts and vice versa, girl on girl on guy action - Okay, I get it already! Even trying to make a political statement, she can't leave out the sexual innuendo and doesn't elaborate on the album. Plus every one of her songs sound pretty much the same. If you like one, that's all you need. Don't even bother with the rest, including this album, unless, of course, you're a nymphomaniac.

Good not too clean fun!!.......2007-05-12

I like this album, even if it's not one of my usual genres. That may suggest I'm a little childish or adolescent or whatever but I don't care! The only reason I've only given it 3 stars is because 4 is for things really REALLY good and 5 is for extraordinary, but this is a big 3.

For me Peaches gives a feel like she's the evolution of the ground broken by people such as Madonna, women owning their sexuality and having and taking some control of it, empowerment. Is there're anything wrong with a woman being explicit about what they want? I reckon not.

It may be cheeky and some may find it confrontational or whatever but they're not normally people who are worth investing time or energy in. Those who don't enjoy a woman being a Woman are generally people who are more comfortable with a situation where a woman has her wings clipped, can't release her fire-breathing, lust driven, wild self. The people who would be challenged by this album are probably more comfortable in situations where a woman is controlled, forced to be compliant, where her fantasy self is crippled and she never gets to have her full self. I'd rather be in a world full of `Peaches people' than a world where repression, limitation, rape, domestic violence would be seen as `just an unfortunate reality in life'.

Peaches doesn't give the feel of lots of others who demanded their female selves, those who were beaten and trashed for their choices, often finishing up O.D.ing on the gear, living through the horrors of resisting `the norm' and all else that were the costs of wanting to have their entire selves. Hers is more a celebration of a sense of completeness as a sexual orgasmic free woman than the angst of the cost to want to be that. So, I'll sacrifice my male fantasies of a subservient, monogamous, compliant, female if it means there's more like Peaches, who can embrace their every part without having to sound like Janis (bless her soul!!) or any of the others who went before who could only try to own their full selves by risking sacrificing everything to have it. Maybe Peaches is a sign that we have in fact at least made a little bit of progress somewhere in the last decades. I hope so.

Cheers

Lloyd

Nisker Du: Women's Lib May Be Your Santa Claus.......2007-01-11

Blue records have come a long way baby. You used to hide them under your mattress with the magazines, remember? Now they get prime display space in the record store equivalents of fast food chains. Case in point, Peaches third long player, "Impeach My Bush". Don't let those cute green eyes peeking through a makeshift burka on the cover fool ya. Miss Nisker is as ribald as they come. The title might suggest that Peaches has served up a political polemic this time 'round, but that's equally deceptive. See, this album *is* about politics, but besides the first track, "F or Kill", they trend completely to the gender side rather than the one you learn about in civics.

Check out the ease with which she gleefully pees in the proverbial player's pimp cup on "Stick it to the Pimp". Those bass synths are positively elastic, wrapping around the drums the way a snake does it's next meal. Or take "Two Guys (For Every Girl)", where she flips the beat to death Beach Boys tune into a tasteless techno boogie encouraging guys to get it on with *each other* before they get a crack at her. Talk about role reversal...wonder how many men would be brave to blast this at the drive-through window. I'm not putting my hand up ;) OK, so "Impeach My Bush" is crass, none too deep in practical politics, and male listeners get a feminist tounge lashing to boot. And it has one more thing going for it. It rocks!

That's right, Peaches plays guitar all over this thing, transcending the simple club beats she's best known for and engaging in some prime riot grrrl action. Joan Jett drops by for the assist on "You Love It", bridging the gap between two generations of rebel girls. The Bikini Kill-ish "The Boys Wanna Be Her" boasts of a chick so cool even the fellas are jealous, and "Get It" brings Feist and the lone male guest Josh Homme in on the fun. "Downtown" wins the award for token attempt at radio spins, and I couldn't even explain what "Rock the Shocker" is about and stay within content guidelines. Listen and find out for yourself ;)

Technically, the production is clean in contrast to Peaches mouth. The rockers are pretty tight and sparse, just guitar and drums like the White Stripes. The lyrics are printed in the foldout, but listening to them is more fun than reading em. Call it three stars for "Impeach My Bush", worthy of some regular rotation before filing for those such as myself with large collections of LPs and discs. Just don't let your mom hear you playing "Two Guys (For Every Girl)". She may become a tad worried about your interests.

PS: That should be three stars up there, not five. Sorry.

I Love This Woman, She Is Amazing!!!!!!!.......2006-11-26

I'm gonna keep this short and sweet. Peaches is in my opinion, larger than life. I own all her albums, after my best friend got me into her. Impeach My Bush is just as great.
If you ever get a chance to see her live in concert, Please do so.
Peaches and the Herm's will blow you away. No great big light show, no screens, no special effects. Just her, and her band, rocking your box.
I say it with all honesty, She is for Real!!!!
I know she has alot of haters out there, and thats fine. True Playa's never worry about sucka's like that.
Buy Impeach My Bush if you haven't already. Or buy it for a friend that you care deeply for. Trust me Its definitely well worth it.

Sincerely,
Carlito from the Bronx

Average customer rating:

Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie Kate Bush!
Classic
Again Pink Floyd fans were tricked...
A work of art
"Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts."

The Whole Story
Kate Bush
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Sensual World
Aerial
Hounds of Love
The Dreaming
The Kick Inside

ASIN: B000002UA7
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Wuthering Heights
Cloudbusting
The Man With The Child In His Eyes
Breathing
Wow
Hounds Of Love
Running Up That Hill
Army Dreamers
Sat In Your Lap
Experiment Iv
The Dreaming
Babooshka

Customer Reviews:

Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie Kate Bush!.......2007-03-03

I'm probably the least likely person to review a Kate Bush album, as an R&B/Pop lover of the Black sista persuasion but I have a English chat buddy who I trade music with and she recommended Kate Bush to me. I had heard of Kate before and had caught the "Wuthering Heights" video while flicking channels and landing on VH1 Classic and was awe-struck at this song about the classic novel. But never did I think I was going to be reintroduced to Miss Bush. So my chat buddy gave me this album of Kate Bush's highlights. And at first listen I was like, "Whoa...this is weird"...then slowly a smile started to creep on my face as the album went on and I noticed how Kate really draws you into a song by lyrics and weird rhythms and phrases...it's pure GENIUS! I love how each song tells a story...not the usual "I Love You" songs I'm used to listening to, there's more to the songs than meets the eye, which is like reading a mystery novel and trying to figure out the conclusion.
This album has grown on me as I keep listening to it, and admist my Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, The Killers and Mary J Blige albums, this album is nestled inbetween them like a gooey intellectual morsel.
First off, "Running Up That Hill" has to be my favorite track off of this and me being a fan of 80's music, I guess it digested with me better. Still what a great intro and the lyrics of wanting to swap places with God is truly out of the ordinary. "Babooshka" is my next favorite, it's slinky, yet fun and the story of a woman testing her husband's faithfulness is like reading a children's fable book and laughing at the end of the happy ending. The music is beautiful and funky in one package! Other highlights I enjoyed were, "The Man With The Child In His Eyes" which is just a gorgeously arranged track with such a heart-tugging point of affection for someone. Also "Breathing" took my by suprise at first because I was like, "That song was soo not about that!" but it was...and I even got a bit emotional thinking about the baby in the womb breathing in the poison...deep stuff and heart wrenching. One of the most unique songs I've ever heard. Now I'm not going to escape talking about the two tracks from "The Dreaming", "Sat In Your Lap" and the title track are featured here and in their oddity they are the most complex of the collection. "Sat In Your Lap" is stark and in your face and has a thundering keyboard backing Kate up, while "The Dreaming" is almost a trance chant that it's just a world of imagery and hodge-podge of rhythm...truly the weirdest of the set! Other good songs, "Experiment IV" is soothing and has a cold computer soul about it while "Hounds Of Love"'s music gives the image of actual hounds running in the fields howling. And least not forget "Wuthering Heights" which is her tour-de-force and a very unique song, and her writing that at 19 is quite impressive.
So to conclude, I find Kate Bush quite the artist and a visionary that she is. I know for a fact that she influenced alot of performers of today, and one that comes to mind is another favorite of mines, Tori Amos...who uses that imagery and quirkiness in most of her music. This is a great overview of Kate Bush's work, though this came out like when I was born, it still stands strong and has some themes that still apply to todays world. What an innovated mind that Miss Bush has!

Classic.......2007-01-31

The Kate Bush album, far and away. The remix of Wuthering Heights is amazing.

Again Pink Floyd fans were tricked..........2007-01-02

Kate Bush's music is almost as strange as Pink Floyd's. I fell in love with the song "Wuthering Heights" when I saw the music video. In this collection, they have chosen to put new vocals. This collection is great, there is the hits "Running Up That Hill", "Babooshka", "Hounds of Love", "The Man With the Child in His Eyes" etc. They all are hits! This collection is a great compilation of Kate Bush's best times. The new song "Experiment IV" is the only weak song in this CD. I would have hoped they would have put at least one more from "The Dreaming", because "The Dreaming" and "Sat in Your Lap" are such great songs!
Stars: Wuthering Heights, Sat in Your Lap, Babooshka, Running Up That Hill

A work of art.......2006-11-14

This is an amazing work from a tremendously talented lady. Kate Bush always sings with a level of emotion rarely found in modern music. Her lyrics always have something interesting to say. The new vocals version of Wuthering Heights (track one) is awesome. Really not a bad track on the whole disk. A must have for anyone who appreciates Kate.

"Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts.".......2006-07-09

But every time it rains,
You're here in my head,
Like the sun coming out--
Ooh, I just know that something good is going to happen.
And I don't know when,
But just saying it could even make it happen.

Back in mid-November, I noticed that Kate Bush was releasing a new album. Well, despite my love for "Running Up That Hill" and "Cloudbusting" from my teen years, I'd never really explored her music. So, when I realized I was going on my recent road trip to China, I decided to finally rectify that, and picked up a used copy of her collection, The Whole Story.

I wouldn't have been ready for this experience back in the mid-1980s; back then, I was all about the singles, and that didn't change until Boston's Third Stage album came into my hands. I was ready, now.

For those who aren't familiar with Kate's work, I would characterize it as singer-songwriter, fused with 1970s-era British progressive rock. You can hear tinges of Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Peter Gabriel in spots throughout the 12 tracks on the album. In fact, you may recall that she sang a duet with Peter Gabriel, which appears not on this CD but on his 16 Golden Greats collection.

For the most part, these are solid winners here on the CD, and I really became fond of "Babooshka", "Breathing", and "The Man With The Child In His Eyes" (which is super-short!).

I'm glad I picked this up...it's going to be on rotation on my iPod for a while, I suspect.

Average customer rating:

Laps in Seven, Sam Bush
Glad Someone still makes good music
This leading innovator has clear vision for his music
Acoustic Rock 'n' Roll, Reggae, Bluegrass Band: Sam Bush
Sammy

Laps in Seven
Sam Bush
Manufacturer: Sugarhill [Country]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Not Too Far from the Tree
Quartet
Migrations
How to Grow a Woman from the Ground
Crucial Country

ASIN: B000FFL3AG
Release Date: 2006-06-13

Tracks:

The River's Gonna Run
Bringing In The Georgia Mail
The Dolphin Dance
On The Road
Ridin' That Bluesgrass Train
I Wanna Do Right
Where There's A Road
New Country
Ballad For A Soldier
River Take Me
White Bird
Laps In Seven

Amazon.com

As one of the founding fathers of the bluegrass/jazz hybrid dominating the new acoustic scene, Sam Bush has always kept a close eye on songcraft and tradition, even as he looks toward expanding the expressive and commercial potential of traditional styles. If his previous album, King of the World, was maddeningly eclectic, this, his seventh solo album, sounds more focused and in touch with what made his pioneering work with New Grass Revival so exciting. With the exception of the nimble, dainty instrumental "The Dolphin Dance" and the frenetic, somewhat overwrought electrified jam of the title track, the material preserves the tight punch of a great bluegrass single--even when spilling over the seven-minute mark on Darrell Scott's "River Take Me" or layering organ and female backing vocals for an R&B groove on "I Wanna Do Right" (an homage to Hurricane Katrina victims, cowritten with Jeff Black). His band (featuring Byron House on bass, Keith Sewell on guitar, and Scott Vestal on banjo) blazes straight through the tricky 5/4 time of John Hartford's "On the Road" and finds a melodic sweetness to It's a Beautiful Day's classic-rock standard "White Bird." On Julie Miller's "The River's Gonna Run" he gets his first chance to duet with his old friend Emmylou Harris, and also gets a hard Americana drive courtesy of Buddy Miller's chunky guitars. Certainly Bush has made more experimental records, but this one is among his most tuneful and slyly rocking. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

Laps in Seven, Sam Bush.......2007-05-31

Great CD. Lots of energy. He performed most of these songs at Merlefest this year and it was the best.

Glad Someone still makes good music.......2007-02-26

In a world full of studio [...] and what I deem "TRASHVILLE, TN" , it's wonderful to know that there is still something worth listening to out there. THe original scores are great. When I read the write up for THe Dolphin Song, I was worried, but it too proved worthy. The cover of Georgia Mail is a foot stomping sing along dream for me. I brought this cd in the car alongwith me for a ride to my boyfriend's father's 80th birthday dinner. He played some bluegrass in his days, the family is steeped in it. He too enjoyed it. Glad to see what I condsider a revival in true AMerican music.

This leading innovator has clear vision for his music.......2006-12-15

Playing Time - 55:26 -- When it comes to mandolin, Sammy "The Man" Bush has been a leading innovator for decades. He uses acoustic, electric and slide techniques. But, "Laps in Seven" also illustrates the master musician's proficiency on fiddle, guitar and as a lead and harmony vocalist. By the time he had graduated high school in Kentucky in 1970, Sam had won three Junior National Fiddle Championships and had produced the ground-breaking "Poor Richard's Almanac" album. Over the years, he's seemed to develop even greater affinity for and skill on mandolin, continually building his reputation as the "greatest all-purpose mandolinist" (as per David Grisman). Sam Bush is wired as a mandolin player; he once said he learned fiddle tunes by first learning them on the mandolin in order to visualize the song, where the notes sit and how they interact. As you listen to an album like this, try to get into his head and understand where he's coming from musically.

There are the rocking rhythms and syncopations that Sam is well-known for. There is his excellent sense of timing, largely a function of his right-hand technique along with his ability to play all over the mandolin's fingerboard with creative melodic licks that are of his own device. He co-wrote (with John Pennell) the song "Ridin' That Bluegrass Train," that shows his loud, clear, sharp attack to music. He also knows how to get the best players and singers involved. Wizards like Scott Vestal (banjo), Keith Sewell (guitar), and Byron House (bass) can only make you sound better. Using Chris Brown on drums is a clear statement of Sam's intent to continue trying to find that balance in his newgrass music that also allows for mass market appeal and more widespread radio airplay than just on the mom-and-pop one-hour-a-week bluegrass shows. Those shows will air his driving rendition of "Bringing in the Georgia Mail."

Sam may have mellowed a tad in recent times as his music evolves for this century. "Laps In Seven" also features four guest vocalists (Emmylou Harris, Tim O'Brien, Shaun Murphy, Andrea Zonn), and there's another wild ride ("New Country") that has Jean Luc Ponty's electric violin in the mix for his original composition. Sam may not rock out as hard as he used to, but "White Bird" revisits that classic song from the sixties (originally done by It's A Beautiful Day). There are also songs with messages, such as Leon Russell's "Ballad for a Soldier." Establishing a funky groove, "I Wanna Do Right" incorporates Vestal's banjo synthesizer and the Do-Right Singers (Shaun, Sam, Byron) in a tribute to Hurricane Katrina victims. "The Dolphin Dance" is a far-out instrumental that has the musical notes leaping and diving with playful, buoyant abandonment.

Darrell Scott's "River Take Me" was learned at a recording session years ago, as was Robbie Fulks' "Where There's A Road." John Hartford's "On The Road" with its 5/4 time signature is a statement about being all messed up while on the road. The title cut (and closer) for "Laps in Seven" was inspired by his dog, Ozzie, lapping his water in a syncopated 7/4 time signature. You actually hear him drinking from his waterbowl at the end of the generous nearly hour-long set.

Sam Bush has a clear vision for his music with mandolin, fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass and drums. Still presenting string-band music, he's also picking his clarion notes so they blend and progress seamlessly and creatively into the future. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Acoustic Rock 'n' Roll, Reggae, Bluegrass Band: Sam Bush.......2006-09-09

"If Bill Monroe is the father of the bluegrass mandolin, then Sam Bush is his wickedly demented stepson, eager to take the instrument to places it has never been before. For the past three decades, the perpetually youthful-looking Bush has played fiddle and mandolin in blues bands, country bands, jazz bands, and bands that play a mixture of all kinds of styles."
Sam Eason "Mountain Times'

Sam Bush is the quintessential bluegrass, mandolin player, except he also adds acoustic rock n' roll and reggae to his mix-an exciting mixture that enhances each and every song. His music opens the doors and he never shuts them. His idols are Bill Monroe and Jethro and Tull. He explains that even though Jethro and Tull were a comedy act they were serious bluegrass musicians. On the inner cover photo Sam Bush is playing the late mandolin legend Jethro Burn's Gibson A-5 custom, which resides in Sam Bush's instrument collection. Sam Bush was co-founder of the New Grass Revival in the early 1970s, Sam Bush has played with Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Edgar Meyer, Mark O'Connor, and David Grisman. He has his own band now, and most of the players on his early albums have gone on to be stars in their own right. On this CD his core band includes Byron House on bass, Chris Brown on drums, Scott Vestal on banjo, and Keith Sewell on guitar.

With this CD, Sam Bush is on his way to making his mark. This is toe tappin', finger snappin' and hand clappin' music. Some of the best I have heard. He opens the CD with a sure fire winner singing with Emmy Lou Harris.

"The Rivers Gonna Run"-this duet with Emmy Lou grabs you right away- written by Julie Miller and it is a song about making your mark on an existential world.

"Bringing In the Georgia Mail"-real bluegrass, knee slappin'song and is a favorite among bluegrass aficionados.

"The Dolphin Dance"- a new bluesy, bluegrass version that lifts the spirits.

"On the Road"-John Hartford's original tune, and Scott Vestal's banjo keeps a solid heart-stopping beat.

"Ridin'That Bluegrass Train"- co-written by Sam Bush and John Pennell. Bluegrass is still running in their veins.

"I Wanna Do Right"- a tribute to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and was written by Bush and Jeff Black. "Little Feat" singer, Saun Murphy sings background. "I wanna do right, I don' wanna do wrong".

"Where's There A Road"- a song about moving on "To the wild unknown-where ever they roam, to the last free man".

"New Country"-fiddle playin' at its best- the band plays with Jean Luc Ponty on this tune. I've been a big fan of his for years and that song has been on our set list for a while", says Sam.

"Ballad For A Soldier"- Leon Russell's tune written during the Vietnam war- a mesmerizing rendition. "I kill all of the enemies, I sing this anthem sadly- just another ballad for the soldier".

"River Take Me"- written by Darrell Scott, this is a song of water's power to kill or cleanse an injured soul.

"White Bird"- a beautiful rendition of David Alamo's song and another 1960s song that became a hit.

"Laps In Seven"- Sam tells us "the album gets its name from when I was listening to my dog lapping water out of his dish. Suddenly I realized he was lapping the water in 7/4 time. I kept listening, and he kept lapping the water in 7/4 time intervals."

This is one of the best CD's in a long time. Your feet are tappin, you find you are smilin' and it has become a better day because of it. Sam Bush and his mix of acoustic rock n' roll, bluegrass, blues and reggae have a little something for everyone. Sam Bush is the "Heart of Bluegrass" and this is a CD to be cherished.
So highly recommended,. prisrob 09-09-06

Sammy.......2006-08-25

Worth waiting for. Mr Bush is at the top of his game. Great guests.

International Music:

International Music

International Music

The Kick Inside	Lionheart	Never for Ever
The Dreaming	Hounds of Love	The Sensual World