OK so as I have previously posted, next month Kate Bush will be releasing “Directors Cut”, an exciting new album which sees Kate revisit a selection of tracks from her albums “The Sensual World” and “The Red Shoes”. Also previously mentioned was that tomorrow Kate will be releasing an updated version of "Deeper Understanding" as the albums lead single. Today however, BBC Radio 2 aired the exclusive world premier of this single and it was later posted in full on Kate's YouTube channel. Not that you really care but I was walking to school with my old mp3 player that i had to dig out because my ipod doesn't play the radio and i was waving it about trying to get a good signal! But don't worry i got the signal and heard it! So can you if you scroll down to the bottom of this post where I have put a link to the YouTube video.
Anyway to mark this unique single, Ive decided to rate and review the song whilst comparing it to its original version from 1989. So let's begin with the new version...
Deeper Understanding (2011)
Firstly lets go over whats actually different with it from the original. So to begin with it's a fair bit longer running to 6 minutes and 32 seconds compared to its previous length of 4 minutes and 46 seconds. However the biggest difference you will notice is the major change of vocal style during the chorus! It has drastically changed from that very melodic tender chorus to an automated voice which makes it sound as if a robot is singing the lines. The melody has slightly changed also but it must be added that this doesn't necessarily worsen the song. If anything it doesn't mean it improves the song but adds something to it, giving it a colder feel, yet retaining all the tenderness and warmth from the original if that makes any sense at all. Another difference is that all Kate's vocals are new takes, and personally i prefer this new take and some of the instrumentation if new too. One negative is that we lose some of that marvelous backing harmonies and vocals from the original that made it so good although some of these are kept. Although it is clear to see that they wouldn't really work with this new version. All in this is a fine reworking of a already fine song. Its not better than the original and doesn't try to be but instead helps to update it and bring it straight into 2011. Lets hope the rest of the album goes this way!
Any who I thought I would leave you with some more information about "Director's Cut" that was announced today. I have to say I'm most excited about the completely brand new version of "This Woman's Work" one of my personal favourite Kate Bush songs! But yeah here's the facts:
"A new short film to accompany the track [Deeper Understanding] will be premiered in a few weeks. Its directed by Kate and stars Robbie Coltrane, Frances Barber and Noel Fielding and Kate's son Albert plays the role of the computer programme. He is also featured in the song, singing as the computer programme.
Kate's new album Directors Cut is released on May 16, the first album to be released on her own label, Fish People, which will be distributed by EMI. The track-listing for the album, which sees her revisit and, in some cases, re-record tracks from two of her classic albums is:
FLOWER OF THE MOUNTAIN (a new version of the song originally titled The Sensual World)
SONG OF SOLOMON
DEEPER UNDERSTANDING
LILY
RED SHOES
THIS WOMAN'S WORK
MOMENTS OF PLEASURE
NEVER BE MINE
TOP OF THE CITY
AND SO IS LOVE
RUBBERBAND GIRL
Kate says: Originally when I wrote the song The Sensual World I had used text from the end of Ulysses by James Joyce, put to a piece of music I had written. When I asked for permission to use the text I was refused, which was disappointing. I then wrote my own lyrics for the song although I felt that the original idea had been more interesting. Well, I'm not James Joyce am I? When I came to work on this project I thought I would ask for permission again and this time they said yes. It is now re-titled Flower Of the Mountain and I am delighted that I have had the chance to fulfill the original concept.
All the lead vocals and drums on Directors Cut are new performances, some of the tracks featuring guests including Steve Gadd, Danny Thompson and, on backing vocals, Mica Paris. Three songs have been completely re-recorded, one of which is This Woman's Work.
Kate adds: For some time I have felt that I wanted to revisit tracks from these two albums and that they could benefit from having new life breathed into them. Lots of work had gone into the two original albums and now these songs have another layer of work woven into their fabric. I think of this as a new album.
Kate Bush is currently working on her new album of brand new material.
Plus a radio interview on Radio 2 to come next month!"
Kate's new album Directors Cut is released on May 16, the first album to be released on her own label, Fish People, which will be distributed by EMI. The track-listing for the album, which sees her revisit and, in some cases, re-record tracks from two of her classic albums is:
FLOWER OF THE MOUNTAIN (a new version of the song originally titled The Sensual World)
SONG OF SOLOMON
DEEPER UNDERSTANDING
LILY
RED SHOES
THIS WOMAN'S WORK
MOMENTS OF PLEASURE
NEVER BE MINE
TOP OF THE CITY
AND SO IS LOVE
RUBBERBAND GIRL
Kate says: Originally when I wrote the song The Sensual World I had used text from the end of Ulysses by James Joyce, put to a piece of music I had written. When I asked for permission to use the text I was refused, which was disappointing. I then wrote my own lyrics for the song although I felt that the original idea had been more interesting. Well, I'm not James Joyce am I? When I came to work on this project I thought I would ask for permission again and this time they said yes. It is now re-titled Flower Of the Mountain and I am delighted that I have had the chance to fulfill the original concept.
All the lead vocals and drums on Directors Cut are new performances, some of the tracks featuring guests including Steve Gadd, Danny Thompson and, on backing vocals, Mica Paris. Three songs have been completely re-recorded, one of which is This Woman's Work.
Kate adds: For some time I have felt that I wanted to revisit tracks from these two albums and that they could benefit from having new life breathed into them. Lots of work had gone into the two original albums and now these songs have another layer of work woven into their fabric. I think of this as a new album.
Kate Bush is currently working on her new album of brand new material.
Plus a radio interview on Radio 2 to come next month!"
