The Sensual World - reappraisal

A proper account of this LP is on its way, as I think it merits it - but, in brief, I listened to the album in some detail last night and am now far more convinced by it. The way Bush manages to integrate such diverse performers as Davy Spillane, Dave Gilmour, the Trio Bulgarka and Nigel Kennedy into her own sound-world is quite an achievement in fact. But that blasted Fairlight still dominates nearly everything, damn it! I know the Fairlight was an amazing piece of kit for its day, but even in 1989 it needed pensioning off. I assume she's still using it.

I think if I could only hear one vocal-only ensemble again, it would be the Trio Bulgarka. I've never tracked down any of their own recordings though - I must remember to do so. There's something electrifying about the coarseness of that open-throated Eastern European singing style that we reserved Brits simply can't do, although Kate manages a fair approximation of it on occasion.

Predictably I've been completely side-tracked by the final Delgados LP, Universal Audio, which I didn't really give due attention when I bought it. Everybody Come Down is perfect pop of the sort that makes me really wish they hadn't called it a day.