Running Up That Hill Times Three

My love for Running Up That Hill is a love without end. It's the song that I would skate to if I ever had to come up with an emergency figure skating routine for the Olympics. It's also the song I would dance to if I was ever auditioning, against all odds, for a place in the American Ballet Company, though both my toe shoes and I came from the wrong side of the tracks. Much like the rest of Kate Bush's oeuvre, it lends itself well to dramatic hand gestures, is what I'm saying. So, it shouldn't be a surprise that I usually have three versions on my iPod.

Original Recipe Kate Bush:


This Placebo Version, Which I Feel Used to End Up on TV Shows A Lot:


And The Chromatics, A Band Also seen on the Drive Soundtrack:


If I have to choose one - Really, I can't just keep two, and throw the Placebo cover overboard? No? - I suppose I'll go with the divine La Bush. I like The Chromatics now, but I know that Ruth Radelat's breathy vocals will fade away. However, I'll always be a drama kid adrift in the city, with Kate Bush's wailing to call me home. So why bother to keep the other versions? I know some people hate covers furiously, but if I liked the original then I'll usually appreciate the cover. Even if it doesn't replace the definitive version, sometimes it shifts things just enough that I'll find something I missed. And it stops me from getting bored with my favourite songs.