Released on 17th February 1978, 'The Kick Inside' has become one of the most famous and respected debut albums of all time.

Against the wishes of EMI, Kate pushed for 'Wuthering Heights' to be the lead single off the album (EMI had wanted 'James and the Cold Gun').

First released in November 1977 and the re-released in January 1978, the single took the charts by storm, knocking Abba's 'Take A Chance On Me' off the number one spot and finished the year with sales of over half a million copies in the UK, not to mention huge sales around the world. It remains today the most famous and best selling single of her career.

This incredible piece and unique piece comprises a UK 1st pressing of the 'The Kick Inside' LP on the EMI label (EMC 3223) - the front cover of which has been SIGNED on the front by Kate Bush, in black ballpoint pen, with a dedication:

"To Jeff,

Thanks for your card. It's nice to know you care !!.

All the best Kate Bush xx"

What makes this item so unique is that Kate has also handwritten the first verse and chorus of her song 'Wuthering Heights' in the lower part of the front panel, entitling it:

"WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Out on the wiley windy moors,

We'd roll + fall in green,

You had a temper, like my jealousy, too hot, too greedy,

How could you leave me?

When I needed to possess you, I hated you, I loved you too.

Bad dreams in the night,

They told me I was going to lose the fight

Leave behind me my wuthering, wuthering, Wuthering Heights.

CHORUS

Heathcliff, it's me Cathy come home,

I'm so cold, let me in a-your window."

Questions regarding the lyrics to the song were a common request by fans at the time as many found them difficult to decipher from listening alone. In fact, she wrote them out in full in a reply to a letter from a young fan at around the same time. This was sold at auction in 2014. Google has many links to the story with photos.

The rear panel of the cover reveals the signature of Kate's older brother John Carder-Bush in black 'Sharpie' pen who has also added the dedication:

"Jeff. With best wishes John Carder Bush"

Disc details:

Matrices: YAX 5389-3 & YAX 5390-3

Stamper codes: 1/GT & 1/GPG

'REMEMBER YOURSELF!' is etched into the side 1 run-out.

Vinyl weight: 117g

Housed inside its original date-coded '278' (February 1978) EMI inner-sleeve.

CONDITION

The all-important front panel is clean and retains its high-gloss shine with all of the ink of the handwritten text unworn and an clearly readable.

The cover itself is in VERY GOOD condition with moderate handling and storagewear in the from of light edge wrinkles and a couple of 'thumbnail' wrinkles towards the opening edge, on which there is a small 5mm tear.

The rear panel is equally clean & glossy with a bold, unworn signature.

All seams are fully intact and the spine is fully worded.

The disc is in visually VERY GOOD + condition and plays a strong EXCELLENT and without fault.

We guarantee this item to be 100% authentic and offer a full money-back guarantee if proved otherwise.

This, her debut album  - SIGNED with the handwritten lyrics to her best and most famous song both written on the front of the cover must be one of the ultimate Kate Bush collectible ever and would without doubt, be the jewel in any serious Kate Bush collection.