Day 0754 - Giant Steps

The Boo Radleys "Giant Steps" (1993)

Named after the excellent John Coltrane album of the same name this was the third album the Radleys released.  It was also on about the third record label they'd been signed to up to that point.

They had been on Rough Trade records, but when it collapsed they were picked up by Creation Records... yet to sign Oasis, but still with Primal Scream, My Bloody Valentine and Teenage Fanclub on the roster.

Giant Steps is the Boo's second album for Creation and it lives up to its name with a huge range of styles covered across its 17 tracks.  There's dubby reggae covered in squalls of feedback, there's Beach Boys-esque chamber pop clashing with loud rock, psychedelic balladry with avant noise overlaid.

It's another case where I probably find the runtime a bit long for my tastes, but it's still a musically interesting and enjoyable album that I'd be happy to spin again.

Day 0506 - The Dreaming

Kate Bush "The Dreaming" (1982)

Kate Bush was a hot property with the success of "Wuthering Heights"...unfortunately this album didn't do quite as well as that release.   It's a shame because this album pushes the boat out; presenting interesting and experimental music that still has a foot well and truly in the pop world.   If I was going to go past and future on this, it sounds like it's drawing on a little of the 70s-era Sparks, but also sounds as though it has gone on to influence artists as varied as Tori Amos, Camille, Florence and the Machine and Marina and the Diamonds... on top of that, it was also cited as an influence by Big Boi from Outkast, and Björk.

The album features a range of instrumentation that includes tribal percussion, Celtic fiddles, backwards vocals, drum machines and even a bazouki.  The music is quirky, interesting and varied, and the album rightfully gained prestige as the years passed.