Yeah, I don't mind listening to the album in it's entirety but when a track comes on random then I'm not keen on the production as it just kinda sounds out of place. I think the songs could be really very special indeed if she remade them though - in a similar way to how she has done with some of her older material.

 

I'm fond of her newer version of A Case Of You (although I love the original too):

 

I need to get more Joni. I just have Blue.

I love Joni..... as much as a painter as a singer, actually - her work is beautiful - I like how her voice has aged too, it's a lot huskier and smokier now, adds something else to it. It's the same with this new KB album - her voice is far deeper and huskier than previously.

 

I listened once to the streaming of the album... and 50 Words For Snow is a masterpiece. After the career lowpoint of Director's Cut, to come back with something so startlingly original and beautiful as this..... mindblowing. In parts it reminds me of her previous best work - All the Love from The Dreaming, Under The Ivy, A Coral Room...... it's an album to immerse yourself in, very uncommercial and spacious. It's phenomenal.

One listen can tell you that? I've listened once and have'nt absorbed much of it.

 

 

I like this. Only listened a few times so I'm sure they'll change, but my favourites at the moment are "Wild Man" and everything after it.

 

Disappointed with the "Wild Man" clip, however - not enough Kate!

 

Wish she'd perform, too (though her latest work isn't stuff you really perform, is it?). A small slot on the Jools Holland show wouldn't be anything too strenuous, surely? =/

 

One listen can tell you that? I've listened once and have'nt absorbed much of it.

 

with Kate, one listen is enough..... it's easy to spot greatness. And this is one of the greatest pieces of work I've heard in years.

Listening to interviews with her where she talks about it has made me appreciate this a lot more. The title track is my favourite so far.

I have lots of free time on my hands tomorrow, so I'm going to listen then - I'm not sure what expect as from what I've read it's very different to the Kate I know and love but I won't bash until I've tried it. She's not disappointed so far (I've heard The Kick Inside, The Dreaming, Hounds Of Love and Aerial) so fingers crossed this is the same!

Listened to the stream this morning and have cancelled my pre-order as a result! It's quite arty which is good but it all seems very overly long and a little bit aimless for me, it's particularly self indulgent and I think she's desperately in need of someone to help keep her ideas balanced against the need for decent melodies.

 

(Having this opinion saddens me somewhat)

Sounds like the same accusation aimed at Tori's last abum too.

 

I find it inpenetrable but it seems more of a grower tha Ariel, which i found very dull.

Listened to the stream this morning and have cancelled my pre-order as a result! It's quite arty which is good but it all seems very overly long and a little bit aimless for me, it's particularly self indulgent and I think she's desperately in need of someone to help keep her ideas balanced against the need for decent melodies.

 

(Having this opinion saddens me somewhat)

Exactly what I have been fearing.

 

Still may this just being out will convince the Brits to finally give her outstanding contribution this year. I suspect they'll give it to someone far less deserving. Like Stereophonics or something equally silly

Oh gosh yes, she is surely an obvious contender for a lifetime achievement sometime soon. I'd say give the new album a listen, it DOES have it's moments but unfortunately most of them are about 5 minutes in to an 11 minute track which means I know I'll never actually bother to play them.

 

I'm going to be sensible for once (unless it's £3.99 on Amazon) and wait until it's cheap in Fopp before buying.

The Brits have offered Kate the Lifetime Achievement Award twice..... both times she's turned it down.

 

As for the album being aimless and overlong.... it's an album you need to bed-in with. To live with for a while. If anyone liked Kate's The Dreaming era, then 50 Words For Snow is for you.

Listened to the stream this morning and have cancelled my pre-order as a result! It's quite arty which is good but it all seems very overly long and a little bit aimless for me, it's particularly self indulgent and I think she's desperately in need of someone to help keep her ideas balanced against the need for decent melodies.

 

(Having this opinion saddens me somewhat)

 

Agree with you totally. Listened and was bored stiff. The first half's just her singing over piano. Won't be buying it.

Slowly getting into this. Love the tone of her voice throughout. Beautiful :wub:

It is beautiful in parts but I just can't see myself revisiting it too often. Joanna Newsom has all my needs sewn up when it comes to wondrous 11 minute tracks.

Me three. I had it on stream this morning for a while. After a while I looked at the timer thing and it had been on for half an hour to my amazement and I couldn't remember anything that I heard. I will give it a few weeks of listening but I can't say it's doing anything for me.

It sounds like most KB records to be frank,as much as I do adore KB's music,I do think you have to be in that particular mood for her music,but if you are in that mood,it's an astonishing listen,whatever the KB record it is! Same goes for Bowie I feel too!

Having now listened to this I think I agree with the majority of comments on here. It's good but needs time to get into I'm sure and I will no doubt at some point but I'm not rushing out to buy it for now. However as a fan of The Dreaming since sometime in the mid 80s (it was my favourite album until The Holy Bible came out) I have to say I can't see the similarity to that particular album from the list of hers.

I really cant hear it either.