Amazing use of technology...

Review Score: (10/10)
When Kate Bush's "Hounds of Love" was released in the US in 1985, there really had never been anything like it before. Altho techno-pop (Thompson Twins, Depeche Mode, Thomas Dolby et al) was popular, these bands all were using synthesizers with only a few oscillators so that the sound was rather thin. On "Hounds of Love" Bush was one of the first pop artists to tackle the Fairlight synthesizer which was one of the first "sampling" synths, not to mention the first truly polyphonic. It was was also a humongous monster, each was custom made, & they cost an arm & a leg!

Here we are 15 years later, sampling & digital technology has rendered the Fairlight a dinosaur, so how does "Hounds of Love" hold up? WONDERFULLY! The songs are excellent, the use of rhythms on "Big Sky" incredible & Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd) contributes some burning guitar. This is an album that repays repeat listening; there is always something new to hear in the multi-textural instrumentations. Personally, I have never been without a copy of this album since it first came out, & I recommend you follow my example!

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