I started Mental Jukebox nearly three years ago at the beginning of the pandemic. During this time, I’ve discovered new music, rediscovered old favorites and I’ve met passionate music fans around the world. And when things opened up, I kept on blogging. This month, the jukebox goes deeper. The term “deep cut” has multiple meanings. It can refer to lesser known album tracks from well-known artists. It can also refer to tracks from lesser known artists. This month, I’ll be featuring both types. #DeepCutsFeb
If there’s an artist whose worth and influence are truly measured by their deep cuts – not their hits – it’s Kate Bush. I have nothing against “Running Up That Hill”, “Wuthering Heights”, “Cloudbusting” or “This Woman’s Work”. I will always love those songs. And those songs are all high influential. But it’s deeper into her albums when Kate often becomes even more daring, experimental and, best of all, unexpected. “Rocket’s Tail” is a case in point.
Hearing it back today, I’m struck by how ahead of its time this track was. This track alone is a blueprint for Florence + The Machine’s fourth and fifth studio albums. “Rocket’s Tail” is part beauty, part beast. It starts off with those achingly beautiful music harmonies. And then, seemingly out of nowhere at the 1:29 mark, the electric guitar solo launches explosively into the ether like it’s some Pink Floyd affair.
“You said, "Hey, wish that was me up there. It's the biggest rocket I could find
And it's holding the night in its arms.”