GRAEME THOMSON – Under the Ivy: The Life and Music of Kate Bush (Omnibus Remastered)

Omnibus Press recently launched the perfectly titled Remastered series, which sees some of the older and most popular entries in their catalog having been updated and expanded upon. One of those is the beautifully written and evocative Under the Ivy, which offers an incredibly sympathetic and heartwarming portrait of the inimitable Kate Bush.

Loaded with fact and detail yet superbly paced and never one to lose oneself in superfluous anecdotes or irrelevant trivia, Thomson’s account of Bush’s life and creative endeavors provides us with much more than an excellent overview of her recorded outputs, the countless days and months spent in the studio, life outside the public eye, or the cultural impact and influence of her work; the book grants us a better and deeper understanding of the depth and haunting quality of her lyrics and the themes that they embody and encapsulate. There is a totality to her words and compositions that resonates deeply with fans, critics, and even the more casual listeners out there, and that speaks volumes about just how emotionally charged, relentlessly passionate, and utterly absorbing her works of art truly are. The authenticity and genuine spirit of her song material is richly illuminated by this cohesive, layered, and reflective exploration of a great and unique artist who has maintained an intriguing aura since day one. Although expertly researched and nothing short of a fulfilling read, it luckily leaves some of the mystery and alluring atmosphere surrounding Bush intact, so regardless of whether you have passed this way before and read the original version of Under the Ivy or this is your first time delving into the subject of Kate’s artistic legacy, this fascinating literary glimpse of the renowned songwriter comes highly recommended. The chapters chronicling her early years are worth the price of admission alone, and I love the way in which the author underlines and emphasizes the integrity and resilience of the music without losing critical perspective or turning into a cliched love letter.