Article: The Best Version Of… Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love

[Daccord]

I've only ever heard the vinyl, which I bought in 1985. My first impression was wow, the producer really messed this up, especially the way whispered lines are just as loud as shouted vocals. Then I checked the credits. I don't think she did herself any favours.

[Daccord]

2 minutes ago, JoshM said:

 

The album is very dynamic. Are you just referring to compression on the vocals? They seem pretty dynamic to me, too, but insofar as they’re compressed, it must’ve been what Bush wanted, since she produced it herself. 

 

I'm not complaining about compression. I think someone had a heavy hand on the "output level" control while mixing. That may be what she wanted, but a more experienced producer may have been able to talk her out of an unfortunate choice. Even great authors need editors.

[Daccord]

6 hours ago, PeterG said:

You might consider Talking Heads's Remain in Light for a future column.  Like Hounds it is a complex and multilayered classic.  But a recent listen to Angelique Kidjo's magnificent reinterpretation shows (at least my copy of) the original to be muddled.

 

Off topic, but I hadn't heard of Angelique Kidjo's album. Streamed it, then bought it. Thanks!