THE KICK INSIDE

Unfortunately I can't confirm or deny the persistent rumours that our own Finnforest had a torrid affair with Kate Bush back in the eighties. What I can tell you is that Kate Bush was blessed with a ton of talent. She was the first woman to have a number one self-written song in the UK with "Wuthering Heights". She started playing piano at age 11 and wrote her first song at 13. The demo David Gilmour recieved from a friend of her brother had 50 songs on it all written by Bush before the age of 16. Signed to EMI at 16, and released this her first album at 19. Five members of the ALAN PARSONS PROJECT play on this album including Andrew Powell who also produced and arranged it.

"Moving" was written by Kate when she was 13 years old. It opens with 20 seconds of whale song before the piano and vocals come in. Strings come and go. "The Saxaphone Song" is a top three track for me. It opens with more whale song before vocals, piano and acoustic guitar come in. A fuller sound follows quickly. This contrast continues. Love the sax, it will be back later. I like the way the song ends as it seems to drift along for quite some time. "Strange Phenomena" isn't one i'm too fond of really. It's ok though. "Kite" is an infectious song. I like how theatrical she gets on this one. David Gilmour was the executive producer for the next song "The Man With The Child In His Eyes" which is also a top three track for me.This song just kills me. Violin and piano with those innocent vocals are heart breaking to say the least. The orchestration is stunning. The chorus with those words "Ooh, he's here again..." is as emotional as it gets.

"Wuthering Heights" is the other top three (surprise !). Piano and vocals are simply pure joy for me. Words like "Cathy it's me come home i'm so cold..." "James And The Cold Gun" is an uptempo track with some organ that comes and goes. I like the calm 3 minutes to the end. "Feel It" features piano and vocals throughout.This is all about Kate. Fantastic tune ! "Oh To Be In Love" has some male vocals helping out on the chorus. Strummed guitar and piano lead the way. Excellent track. "L'Amour Looks Something Like You" is another beauty. Again this is all about Kate. "Them Heavy People" is a catchy and bouncy track. Strings on the chorus. "Room For The Life" opens with those child- like vocals as piano plays. Drums and a fuller sound come in quickly. Some percussion after a minute and some prominant bass 2 minutes in. "The Kick Inside" is another vocal / piano track with some strings too.

I completely agree with Finnforest that this album has to be felt, describing it doesn't work here. So much emotion and feeling on this special album.