Those who know me probably expect at least one Bowie song in my time as guest editor of the week. For those who do not know me, this is a good opportunity to introduce myself. Here it is, a Bowie track.
Ian Fish, U.K. Heir is not the average Bowie song (if there would be any). While the album The Buddha of Suburbia is officially labeled as a soundtrack, it is actually an elaboration on the title track Bowie wrote for the tv series in 1993. Only the title track is actually featured in the series.
Ian Fish, U.K. Heir is a rather difficult song to listen thoroughly. It is a subtle mix of instruments, almost like a white canvas for your thoughts, provoking a rather introverted listening experience. You can still hear the influences Brian Eno left on Bowie at the end of the 70s, which Bowie combines with his ever-lasting search for something new.
A final note: the title is an anagram for Hanif Kureishi, the Pakistani who wrote the novel The Buddha of Suburbia. You could interpret the song (title) as a hymn to the immigrant, being the new “U.K. Heir”, making it more relevant than ever.
