Monday 6 October 2008

Kate Bush


And now for something completely different. I just felt for putting up a post about an amazing artist and a great song.

She made her debut in 1978 and in many ways she belongs to another era. She is a fabulous singer and her music is beautiful and quirky to say the least. But I wouldn't be me if I just wrote about her music. No I am fascinated by her appearance, the impression she makes.

It is something about Kate Bush that is both old fashioned and very modern. In an age of arse-kicking heroines and singers who seem to hate you she is something else. She is sweet – sweet and timeless. She seems to represent a side that is thoughtful, shy and delightful rather than in your face, a kind of femininity that is not very popular these days.

But she is also quirky and has a lot of confidence. She is a modern woman, she was the first female artist to top the UK charts with a self written song (Wuthering Heights). She performs her strange dances and moves that it is so easy to mock but she doesn't give a damn. She is herself and that makes her stand out.

She isn't ashamed of being sentimental and sweet, sad or happy. She seems very vulnerable at times but I don't think she is. She is just herself and she has the confidence to be herself.

And she has written one of the greatest songs of all time. I am talking about Wuthering Heights, of course, inspired by the book by Ellis Bell.

It is a fantastic song and it almost always brings tears to my eyes. When I think of it, I don't know if I have heard anything like it. It is quite unique. There is this wonderful love story behind it but the song works on its own. I sense passion beyond the ordinary and perhaps this contributes to the impression of Kate Bush as timeless.

So, enough of this rambling now. I will return soon with something to read. In the meanwhile, go and listen to Kate Bush!


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gadzooks, Janice, a blast from the past.

Wuthering Heights has been covered by everyone from Pat Benatar to Haley Westernra (of the angelic voice). KB felt the need, inexplicably, to do a remix for her greatest hits album. None of these, in my view, matches the original.

She never really caught on in the States with anyone but the critics. (Perhaps that was the problem). However, she is a major influence on singers ranging from Tori Amos to Regina Spektor and even the UK's own Kate Nash.

I have been a fan of Kate's since Lionheart (many, many years ago). You may even recall that I wrote a post dedicated to her music in my own blog. (Copycat!)

Regards,

Wystan E.

Paul said...

Janice, thanks for this, it's been a while since I've thought of Kate Bush.
An individualistic singer that never quite received her due, I remember her with pleasure.
Warm hugs,
Paul.

Anonymous said...

Kate is gorgeous and her hauntingly beautiful voice is a joy. I agree Wuthering Heights is an extraordinary song though I regret to say I have not yet read the story by Ellis Bell (you cheeky thing you though of course you are entirely correct).

I love Björk for similar reasons, that she has the confidence to be herself and make music that means something to her.

Thanks for a lovely post and I am sure to have "it's me, I'm Cathy" ringing in my ears for days.

Hugs
Mina

Janice said...

Dear Wystan, 'Imitation is the best kind of flattery' as they say. You are an inspiration for me.

Dear Paul, isn't she good?

Dear Mina, 'hauntingly beautiful voice' is very well put.

Hugs

Janice

saratoga said...

Wonderful post! I love Kate Bush, and have followed her for years.

She's also noted for wearing boots- a lot- in public.

-saratoga