The Queen is Back
'Aerial' marks the long awaited return of Kate Bush, one of Britain's most influential, respected and unique writers and performers. This is Kate's first album in twelve long years, in which time she has accumulated plenty of material. This is the perfect opportunity to reintroduce Kate to her global fan base and introduce her work to a whole new audience. The album is being released as a double CD in special gatefold card packaging with a 24-page booklet.
The thing is with Kate Bush, she just doesn't stick to her tried and tested ways she is always experimenting, willing to try new musical directions or explore the uses of technology in the production and performance of her music. This willingness not to stick to the rulebook is a major theme through out the album. And we should thank god that she doesn't, other wise this would be one very boring album. There are more twists and turns on this album than you would find on an Alpine journey between Italy and Switzerland.
The album is split into a double cd, with the first CD, called 'A Sea of Honey' and the second, 'A Sky of Honey'. The music on the first CD is beautiful enough and would do most artists, but with Kate Bush it is like a statement of intent.
The album opens with the single 'The King Of The Mountain', which seems to mark out the triumphant of Kate Bush. But as you would expect, there is a song about Pi following the opening, yes Pi as in that Maths symbol that I still have nightmares about all these years later! 'How To Be Invisible' is really an explanation of how to have and enjoy the quiet life that Bush is renowned for. With a passing respect for Joan of Arc in 'Joanni', to my favourite track on the album 'A Coral Room', which is a beautiful, poetic meditation on love and loss.
Then we come to the second disk, which is oh so different. The second CD is only forty minutes long, and is about a painting trip to Italy, in the company of Rolf Harris. And yes we even get the guest vocals of Rolf. 'A Sky Of Honey' is literally what they see in one day on this trip. Admittedly I am not sure about Rolf's guest vocals especially on 'The Painters Link'. But close your eyes and you are there with them, at the easel.
This is a terrific return by Kate Bush, with a wonderful journey of music that cannot leave you bored. It is easy to see why Kate Bush has been so influential over the years; this is one artist who it is always a pleasure to revisit as she is never boring.