Audio Fidelity set to repress out-of-print Kate Bush LP reissues

Audio Fidelity will repress the two Kate Bush albums they previously reissued on vinyl over three years ago.

The AF vinyl pressings of Hounds of Love (1985) and The Sensual World (1989) were originally released in 2010 and have been out of print for a couple of years. It looked as if the opportunity had passed to pick up either audiophile reissue at sensible prices.

Hounds Of Love was pressed on numbered purple marbled vinyl (echoing the original North American release) while for The Sensual World AF opted for standard black 180g virgin vinyl. Both albums were remastered by renowned audio engineer Steve Hoffman using the original analogue masters from Abbey Road.

It is worth pointing out that this is probably the last opportunity to buy a remastered issue of Hounds Of Love with the original version of The Big Sky in place. In a Morrissey-like bout of messing-around-with-something-that-should-be-left alone, Kate’s Fish People CD reissue of her best-loved work (issued in 2011 a year after the original AF vinyl release) swapped the album version of The Big Sky for the ‘special single mix’ – so she clearly prefers the 45 remix (which among other things dispenses with Youth’s bass guitar). It is therefore reasonable to assume that any future CD deluxe editions (we can dream!) will follow suit.

Unlike the original vinyl the AF Hounds Of Love is a gatefold with the left and right inside panels replicating the original design from both sides of the UK edition inner sleeve.

Kate recently announced that she would be playing some live dates in August and September 2014. The 22 nights in Hammersmith, London are reported to have sold out in 15 minutes. The renewed interest in all things Kate Bush has undoubtedly influenced the decision to reprint these titles.

The vinyl reissues of Hounds Of Love and The Sensual World are expected in May 2014.

The Sensual World Audio Fidelity vinyl remaster

• • UK Pre-order: The Sensual World [VINYL]

Hounds Of Love Audio Fidelity vinyl remaster

• • UK Pre-order: Hounds Of Love [VINYL]