THE WHOLE STORY

I well remember, back in '78, hearing on the radio in late afternoon one thursday, a very strange and haunting voice for the first time. It was the classic 'Wuthering Heights', with Kate Bush's helium scarred vocals in full flow. I thought, 'this is interesting'. The DJ said at the end of the song - "If that is a hit, I will eat my hat." The rest, of course, is history. It shot to number one and established Miss Bush as a major new talent. I bought her debut album, 'The Kick Inside' when it came out, and loved it. When 'The Kick Inside' was released, I bought that too, but was a tad disappointed with it. I didn't buy any other albums by her but, over the years, a friend of mine, a big Bush fan, got them all, and let me listen to them. I thought that, in the main, they were decent and interesting, but never heard one that was close to the debut for me. Anyway, today I purchased 'The Whole Story' for the princely sum of £2.50! Second hand of course. I had it taped previously, but couldn't resist the chance to get it at such a good price. I have always enjoyed this Greatest Hits compilation. Each track is well executed, with nice twists, some subtle humour, and instantly recognisable Bush piano playing. The version of 'Wuthering Heights' is a little different from the original and, to me, slightly better, as her voice improvises nicely at the end, and through the fade out. Other highlights are 'Running Up That Hill', 'Wow', Experiment IV', Hounds Of Love' and 'Cloudbusting'. Only one weak track for me, and that is 'Sat In Your Lap', which is unusually noisy for Miss Bush, but still recognisable as her. The other tracks are all more than decent. A good introduction to her work for those who don't have her albums, but, for those new to her, and judging her only on the new album, Aerial, be prepared for a more commercial, outgoing, yet very melodic sound. Excellent and recommended.