FEATURE:
Kate Bush’s The Whole Story at Thirty-Five
All We Ever Look For: Which Tracks Would a Modern-Day ‘Best of’ Collection Contain?
___________
THERE are a couple of Kate Bush…
IN THIS PHOTO: Kate Bush in a still from the video for Experiment IV. A single written especially for the release of The Whole Story, Bush directed the video herself
anniversaries happening in November. By that, I mean big anniversaries. Her latest studio album, 50 Words for Snow, turns ten (on 21st). On 10th November, The Whole Story is thirty-five. This was the first real greatest hits collection. Released a year after Hounds of Love, the massive success of that album meant that EMI had good cause to release an album of Bush’s best tracks to that date – and she was getting a lot more press and attention in America. I have already written features about the album (including one where I imagine a new greatest hits collection, rather than a broader best of); I will write some more before the anniversary. I am amazed that there weren’t any comprehensive greatest hits albums prior to 1986. I guess Bush did not want to be seen as cashing-in. Maybe a greatest hits collection signals an artist who is ready to end their career. In fact, Bush has released five studio albums since The Whole Story came out. In the years since, there have been a few collections and greatest hits packages. Although I have asked whether we will get another greatest hits album at some point, I have not really taken it upon myself to decide what would be on that album. I guess her Remastered albums of 2018 included some rare tracks and hits. There was not really a single ‘best of’ album there. One has to go back to 1990 to find the last example of a genuine best of: This Woman's Work: Anthology 1978–1990. I will end by deciding upon, if such a thing were to be proposed, a modern-day best of album – it would be this rather than greatest hits, as it would allow for non-singles and chart successes; songs that still have this incredible quality and brilliance.
It is small wonder The Whole Story hit the top of the album charts upon its release in the U.K. It did well in Europe, though it only got to seventy-six in the U.S. Perhaps people there were familiar with Hounds of Love but were not too aware of albums prior to that. I think, with thirty-five years of discovery and room since The Whole Story, a best of album could be released. Prior to a new album – if there is going to be one -, it would be a great introduction to new fans, in addition to a great compilation for diehards. Maybe Bush, who now released her music under her label, Fish People, would not be too keen. EMI would be able to…though I think Bush owns the masters and rights to her albums from The Dreaming (1982) on. Unless there was complete cooperation and harmony, it might be a hassle! I do think, thirty-five years from The Whole Story and a decade from 50 Words for Snow, there is this opportunity. Before coming to my suggested double album (as we would need that sort of room to accommodate her very best work), The Kate Bush Encyclopaedia have this article about The Whole Story:
“Formats
The album was released on LP, CD, tape and - in 1998 - on Minidisc. The LP came in a gatefold sleeve.
A 180 gram vinyl edition was released by Simply Vinyl on 30 October 2000.
In 2005, a so-called 'mini LP replica' version was released on CD in Japan.
There was also a video version of 'The Whole Story', released on VHS video and Laserdisc, containing the videos for all the tracks, plus one bonus video: The Big Sky. A Video CD version was released a few years later, entitled The Whole Story '94.
Critical reception
Roger Holland in Sounds (UK): "Over the last nine years and five albums, Kate Bush (...) has matured into quite the most sensual, expressive, and creative artist this country can now boast". Colin Irwin, Melody Maker (UK): "This glorious retrospective collection... she's playing a high-risk game, and more often than not her irrepressible flair, her instinct for a hook, and her gift for unusual and gripping arrangements carry her through." John McReady, NME (UK): "More useful and more enjoyable than the constipated jangling of a hundred and one little lads with big mouths and even bigger clothes allowances. Such people are not worth a carrot. Meat or no meat, Kate Bush is streets ahead." Andy Strickland, Record Mirror (UK): "A monumental tribute to this craziest, coziest girl-next-door. (...) One of the most refreshing compilation LPs it would be possible to put together."
Kate about 'The Whole Story'
Yes, I was [against the release of a compilation album] at first. I was concerned that it would be like a "K-tel" record, a cheapo-compo with little thought behind it. It was the record company's decision, and I didn't mind as long as it was well put together. We put a lot of work into the packaging, trying to make it look tasteful, and carefully thought out the running order. And the response has been phenomenal - I'm amazed! (Kate Bush Club newsletter, Issue 22, December 1987)
It wasn't chronological because we wanted to have a running time that was equal on both sides, otherwise you get a bad pressing. In America, where I'm not very well known, they didn't realise it was a compilation! ('Love, Trust and Hitler'. Tracks (UK), November 1989)”.
Rather than explain the rationale behind each of the tracks I have selected for the new best of, I wanted to put it into a playlist. I have done two, in fact: side one and two of the album. It would be, if this thing were to exist, available on vinyl (I guess, eight L.P.s? Maybe it would be expensive, though it could be sold for under £50), and it would be available to stream (the vinyl collection would have great linear notes, photos and extras. Whilst some songs would be repeated, there would be many others that have not been included. Being a best of, one cannot really put together many B-sides and rarities! That said, there are some deeper cuts that are too good to ignore! I have also included tracks that are non-singles which I feel are worthy. It total, there are thirty songs. Like The Whole Story, this compilation is not arranged chronologically. We mix albums together and get a blend of her earliest stuff with albums that followed. In terms of titles. I could go with something obvious. I thought that calling it Full House (the title of a track from 1978’s Lionheart). Instead, ironically naming it after a deep cut, I would name it All We Ever Look For. This is a beautiful track from 1980’s Never for Ever (not included in the compilation, I felt the title/track was perfect in this instance). November will be interesting. As we look ahead, not only to the anniversary of her most-current studio album, but her greatest hits collection, The Whole Story, many will wonder why such a gap has been left without revision and a new, expanded best of selection. Many fans, through the years, would have put together their own version of Kate Bush’s greatest hits. Here, in all its double album form, is my opinion as to which songs…
WOULD make the cut.