Hippo Chick's Grooves: Hounds of Love by Kate Bush


Hey there, music lovers! It's your favorite hippo, Chick, back with another dive into the world of tunes. This week, we're tackling an album that's been howling through the ages: Kate Bush's Hounds of Love. So, grab your headphones, and let’s get ready to run up that hill together!

Unleashing the Hounds

First off, let's talk about Kate Bush herself. She’s like the magical unicorn of the music world – elusive, enchanting, and with a vocal range that could probably shatter glass (or at least my hippo-sized wine glasses). Hounds of Love is her fifth studio album, released in 1985. That's right, it’s almost as old as I am, but trust me, it’s aged better than a fine cheese.

Side A: The Hounds

The album is divided into two parts: Side A (Hounds of Love) and Side B (The Ninth Wave). Side A kicks off with "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)," a track so powerful that I once tried to tightrope walk while listening to it. Spoiler: It didn’t go well, but at least I had a great soundtrack for my fall.

Next up, we've got the title track, "Hounds of Love." If there’s one thing I can relate to, it’s the feeling of being chased by something – like my claustrophobia! Kate’s voice here is hauntingly beautiful, making you feel like you're being pursued by both hounds and emotions.

And let’s not forget "The Big Sky." This song makes me want to spread my tiny hippo wings and soar. It's all about looking up and realizing how small we are in the grand scheme of things. Perfect for those introspective moments when you’re floating in your hippo-sized pool, pondering life’s big questions.

Side B: The Ninth Wave

Now, Side B, "The Ninth Wave," is where things get really interesting. This is a conceptual suite that tells the story of a woman drifting alone in the sea at night. It’s like the Inception of albums – layers upon layers of musical brilliance.

"Dawn breaks, the brain squawks" – that’s a lyric from "Waking the Witch," a track that’s as eerie as it sounds. This song could easily be the soundtrack to my nightmares about tightrope walking in a tiny, enclosed space.

Then there’s "Hello Earth." This song feels like a conversation with the universe. When Kate’s ethereal voice sings, you can't help but feel a connection to the cosmos – or at least to the nearest lake, which in my case is a hippo’s paradise.

Hippo Groove Verdict

Overall, Hounds of Love is a masterpiece that stands the test of time. It's got everything: emotion, depth, and a sprinkle of Kate Bush’s magical fairy dust. If you haven’t given it a listen, what are you waiting for? Dive in and let the music take you on a wild ride.

So, until next week, keep those ears open and those hips swinging. This is Hippo Chick signing off, reminding you that music is the tightrope that connects our hearts to our souls. And remember, if a claustrophobic hippo can appreciate the vastness of Hounds of Love, so can you!

Until next time, keep the music playing and never stop dreaming,

Chick

To buy your own copy (and support this blog) on Vinyl click here CD click here

To listen on Spotify click here



Do you love an animal-themed band or album that you think I should review? Email me your suggestion at beastlybanterblog@gmail.com

About the Author



Hailing from Cincinnati with Kenyan roots, Chick is our music maestro. Every Tuesday, Hippo Chick's Grooves delivers reviews of artists and albums with animal names. Chick also has a knack for playing various instruments and harbors a dream of tightrope walking.

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