Did she say wishing machine?
Sorry, this is a very disjointed post.
I’m currently listening to Aerial. I know this shouldn’t be possible, it being in the very early hours of the day it’s actually released, but it’s a(nother) wonder of the modern age. Have no fear, EMI in particular, for I will be handing cash over for a copy, as the one I’ve acquired is a wee bit jumpy. And I was always going to buy one anyway; so there!
I’d seen a review of the said album on Newsnight a couple of weeks ago. The issue over some of the lyrics was discussed; a critic or two moaned about the washing machine song, as it seems to have become dubbed. It’s actually called Mrs. Bartolozzi, and officially or unofficially, I like it. It seems to me to be a song about a certain of sort domesticity; the rather dull aspects of household chores that don’t need consciousness to be part off, so one might daydream or imagine something or situation far more interesting to while away the time. And that’s something that we have to time do that once wasn’t possibly, if you’re so inclined to think about, which I tend to be. I remember my mother spending hours doing the washing in a twin tub whenever the automatic failed. And watching a recent episode of Tales From The Green Valley has put a newer perspective on things: having to lug your clothes down to the hopefully nearby river or steam, and proceed to literally beat the dirt out, before squeezing as much liquid out as you possibly can followed by draping it over a field. No lines to peg it to, and not only having to keep an eye on the weather but also on any thieves prepared for a dash to nick your not-so-smalls. OK, so some things haven’t changed that much.
This isn’t meant to be a review, nor some sort of insightful comment, as I can do neither. It’s just a small collection of thoughts that came together as I was lying in the dark, listening to something I hadn’t heard before, an activity I relish.
Update 12.40am: Just to clarify I like the entire album. Very ethereal, very good to listen to in the dark when trying to calm down for things like sleep. I think it's going to be the only music I listen to for the next few days, til I get sick of it. Which is unlikely, going on past record.
She came in through the bathroom window said,
11 November, 2005 at 9:17 am
Never in my life have I been so totally dissapointed with an album. 2 cds, 16 songs and only 1 that I can actually stand listening to. Maybe its a “grower” maybe it improves with listening to it again and again - Unfortunately I can’t bring myself to sit through it again.
Having liked ALL of her past works, I put my faith in this CD and bought it outright as opposed to downloading it - After 12 years away I felt the artist deserved to see that her “fans” were supporting her.
You live and learn though.
In my opinion, which probably counts for nothing outside of my own mindset, it is the most dissapointing thing I have heard in ages.
Sorry.
whale said,
11 November, 2005 at 12:45 pm
Oh dear.
I quite liked it, but then I haven't been desperately waiting for some new material from her for the last 12 years. I only "discovered" Ms Bush last year. I wasn't expecting it to blow me away, for me The Kick Inside did that, although everyone else says her best work was Hounds Of Love.
Artists don't really care about the fans; yeah it's nice to have strangers buy everything the record company pumps out, and to have your name dropped regularly in the press or on fansites because otherwise your career is shafted, but these artists will do stuff that pleases them and no one else. I am of course talking about real musicians, not record company puppets.
I've never thought my own opinion counted for anything outside my own mindset, which is why I don't do reviews. Plus my lack of wordiness shows me up.
It would be interesting to know which track you did like. But I'm curious like that.–>