In a move anticipated by her devoted fanbase, legendary artist Kate Bush is set to release a new compilation titled ‘Best Of The Other Sides’ on September 26th, with physical vinyl and CD versions following on October 31st. This collection promises to unlock a treasure trove of rare B-sides and bonus material that have, until now, eluded official album placement, making it a significant event for music aficionados. The announcement arrives at a moment of renewed global interest in Bush’s expansive catalog, notably fueled by the viral resurgence of her 1980 track, ‘Army Dreamers’.
The ‘Other Sides’ Revealed: A Response to Fan Demand
The ‘Best Of The Other Sides’ compilation is born out of substantial fan demand for material that was previously difficult to access. This collection draws from ‘The Other Sides,’ a curated selection of B-sides, 12″ mixes, and bonus tracks that were originally included as part of Kate Bush’s 2018 remastered box sets. While the initial box set and subsequent standalone release of ‘The Other Sides’ are now out of print, this new compilation offers a fresh opportunity for listeners to experience these often-overlooked gems. The release is handled by Bush’s independent label, Fish People.
‘Army Dreamers’ Resurgence Ignites Interest
Adding significant momentum to this release is the unexpected and widespread popularity of Kate Bush’s poignant 1980 song, ‘Army Dreamers’. The track, from her album Never for Ever, has seen a dramatic surge in streams, reportedly becoming her second most-streamed song online, trailing only the immensely popular ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)’. This resurgence is largely attributed to its adoption on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where its haunting anti-war lyrics and distinctive waltz-time tempo have resonated with a new generation of listeners. The song’s exploration of loss and the futility of war has found particular relevance amidst contemporary global conflicts, mirroring themes Kate Bush has recently revisited in her award-winning animated short film, ‘Little Shrew’. This renewed attention on her work naturally amplifies anticipation for any new or reissued material.
Content: Rare Gems and Remastered Treasures
While a definitive tracklist for ‘Best Of The Other Sides’ has not been fully detailed, it is understood to be a selection from the extensive ‘The Other Sides’ release, which originally comprised 29 tracks across four discs. This new compilation is expected to feature 11 of those sought-after tracks. Notably, three tracks within the ‘Best Of The Other Sides’ have undergone special remastering for this release. According to reports, these include remastered versions of ‘Experiment IV’ and ‘You Want Alchemy?’, along with a re-EQ’d rendition of ‘Walk Straight Down the Middle’. The original ‘The Other Sides’ featured a wide array of material, from extended mixes of well-known singles like ‘Running Up That Hill’ and ‘Cloudbusting’ to covers such as ‘Rocket Man’ and ‘Sexual Healing’, as well as original B-sides like ‘Under The Ivy’ and ‘Warm and Soothing’. This compilation promises to offer fans a curated journey through some of her most obscure yet cherished works.
Kate Bush’s Enduring Musical Legacy
Kate Bush has long been celebrated for her unique artistic vision, blending experimental pop with theatrical storytelling and profound emotional depth. Her career, marked by iconic albums and groundbreaking musical innovations, continues to influence contemporary music. The release of ‘Best Of The Other Sides’ underscores her enduring appeal and the deep connection she maintains with her audience, who consistently seek out deeper cuts from her distinctive catalog. The compilation serves as a testament to the richness of her oeuvre, highlighting that even tracks relegated to B-sides or bonus material possess the quality and artistry synonymous with her name. This timely offering ensures that more of her fascinating musical output is accessible to both long-time fans and new listeners discovering her music through current trending sounds.
Anticipation Builds for a Significant Music Release
As September 26th approaches, the music world is abuzz with the news of ‘Best Of The Other Sides’. The compilation represents not just a release of rare music, but a curated glimpse into the often-unseen corners of a truly singular artist’s creative output. Coupled with the remarkable, viral momentum of ‘Army Dreamers,’ this collection is poised to be a top fixture for Kate Bush fans and a significant event in the music news calendar.
