SICK AND THE VID CLIP DAMAGE DONE



"Easy does not enter into an adult's life" ---- true words from the horribly depressing film, THE WEATHER MAN.

I am not going to post much about this, but those of you who know me know that I have a very important and humilating thing I have to go through today. It has been months in the making and it all comes to a close this afternoon. I am quite literally sick ---- I haven't really discussed it with anyone, but I've been to the doctor several times now as I can't afford to be sick like this. Looks like I most likely do have some sort of bacterial infection (not a big deal) and am waiting for the test reults to come back, but me thinks I will be feeling better after this day is over. Stress can really make a person ill. And, trust me --- I am sick. I guess I was able to get 3 hours sleep last night between "fun" visits to toilet. I know you will appreciate these details! Not.

But, it will all be better soon and things should get back on track. I had to call in sick to the office today and have been trying to get a bit of sleep before I have to leave, but my stomache is too busy rolling about for me to rest. Oy! Anxiety --- she is not my friend! ...nor are bacterial infections, but they can be easily treated with anti-biotics. I just feel like such a wimp and loser.

And, it is so not cool to get sick this early in employment! Ugh! But, so it goes. There are some things which we just can't control. Now, I just have to figure out how to pull it together for the appointment this afternoon. However, as I lay about waiting till I have to get myself out the door and headed to my appointment my mind turns to the ever-pressing concerns of pop culture...

I was thinking of my frustration regarding the new Kate Bush vid clip for the first single from her new CD. Now, I like the video. It is funny, quirky and cool but it totally does not mesh with what I had in my head after listening to the song several times. The song, "King of the Mountain" features a really cute child's picture of a stick figure man on top of a mountain. See above. So, looking at the art (I think done by Ms. Bush's child) one expects an upbeat/happy song. However, this is Kate Bush. The song is quite drum heavy so there is a cool rhythm to it all, but the "feel" of the song is quite dark, creepy and even a bit sinister. If you've heard it, you probably know what I mean. The repetition of the words, "...the wind is whistling through the house" backed by the strange backing voals and guitar wailing ---- the song is cryptic but not at all what one would expect seeing the marketing art. I thought that maybe the song was about the state of the world and the US/UK's current place in this nightmare of a war being waged.



However, the vid clip presents a very different meaning ---- if you've not seen it, you can watch it at www.katebush.com and a few other sites. Apparently, the song is about Elvis. ...or, maybe the fear of becoming "an" Elvis. The video takes us into a very dark simulation of Graceland and we watch the infamous Vegas Elvis jumpsuit come to life attempting to dance about but consistently failing or running out of steam --- at one point after, dancing with K. Bush, --- "he" is then cradleled by Ms Bush as if the outfit is a dying person -- but then Elvis' tacky Vegas suit takes flight to somewhere quite cold with lots of snow where it appears to be reunited with the real Elvis (now a very old man) who is riding a sled somewhere in the mountains. ...the sled is called "Rosebud"

...cringe. twitch.

I guess if I had seen the video first I might not be so bummed, but the vid-clip is a real bummer when compared to the much richer "work" of the song. At least, this is my opinion. Am really quite eager to hear the rest of the songs. I wonder if they are all going to be about Elvis. Is this what Kate has been singing about for years?!?!?! ...Eat the music, indeed. LOL!



I know the debate among fans of Kate Bush and Tori Amos is how much or how little Kate Bush has influenced the career of T. Amos. I am a fan of both -- but when you hear Tori Amos it is almost impossible not to think of Kate Bush. And, vid-clip aside, when you listen to Kate Bush's work it is really in a whole different sphere.

I have deep respect for the artistry of both Tori Amos and Bjork --- and am consistently impressed that they are able to do what they do while working for such major labels. I also think that they are two of the few truly original artistes working within the context of the mainstream music biz, but I also always wonder if they both aren't just a little bit crazy. Seriously. I officially gave up on trying to get thru the Tori Amos autobiography a couple weeks ago. And, Bjork. Come on. she is a bit off the deep end. I love her work, but I think she is a nutter.

There is nothing crazy about Kate Bush --- she is just in her own head dreaming up soundscapes. Sadly, I think she only shares a few of them with her audience. Now, if she will just stop with the videos!

Well, I think I am going to shoot for chicken soup so I don't collapse on my way to the appointment! ...King of the mountain. Well, maybe next week!