Kirsty MacColl (10 October 1959 – 18 December 2000)
A voice like sunshine and sadly missed.
I remember a single played regularly on Capital Radio in London in 1979 called "They Don't Know" by Kirsty MacColl - it formed part of the soundtrack for a road trip to Yorkshire with some old school mates (also included were "Up The Junction" by Squeeze and "Cars" by Gary Numan).
Even then, I thought her voice was great. I have learned since that Kirsty MacColl suffered massive stage fright, so as far as I can see there are no videos or filmed performances, but here is a sound only link on YouTube. Although it had a fair amount of airplay, there were problems with distribution so few singles reached the shops so the record never hit the chart, apparently sunk without a trace.
A change of record label followed a couple of years later and "There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis" was released. A change of style but still very enjoyable and up-beat.
I remember a single played regularly on Capital Radio in London in 1979 called "They Don't Know" by Kirsty MacColl - it formed part of the soundtrack for a road trip to Yorkshire with some old school mates (also included were "Up The Junction" by Squeeze and "Cars" by Gary Numan).
Even then, I thought her voice was great. I have learned since that Kirsty MacColl suffered massive stage fright, so as far as I can see there are no videos or filmed performances, but here is a sound only link on YouTube. Although it had a fair amount of airplay, there were problems with distribution so few singles reached the shops so the record never hit the chart, apparently sunk without a trace.
A change of record label followed a couple of years later and "There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis" was released. A change of style but still very enjoyable and up-beat.
Another change of label (dropped by Polydor), Kirsty returned to STIFF with little success until 1985 when a cover of Billy Bragg's "New England" was released. Billy Bragg wrote a couple of new verses for this version. Again, a great vocal shines through.
Ironically in '83, Tracey Ullman recorded a version of "They Don't Know" (with Kirsty on backing vocals - particularly the instantly recognisable "Ba-by"). This reached #2 in the UK and was also a hit in the USA.
In 1987, perhaps her greatest chart success was with the Pogues classic "A Fairytale of New York"
I very much regret that I personally heard little of Kirsty MacColl except liking the brilliant name of the "Electric Landlady" album, and finding and enjoying a singles collection (the excellent "Galore") from 1995.
"Galore" had the previously mentioned singles plus other absolute gems "Miss Otis Regrets", "Walking Down Madison", a cover of the Kinks' "Days", "My Affair" and the brilliant "Don't Come The Cowboy With Me, Sonny Jim!"
"Tropical Brainstorm" was released in March 2000 containing the tracks "In These Shoes?" and "England 2 Columbia 0".
Then came the tragic news of her death in December 2000 while on holiday with her family in Mexico.
A very sad day.
A fabulous singer and songwriter.
A voice like sunshine.
Ironically in '83, Tracey Ullman recorded a version of "They Don't Know" (with Kirsty on backing vocals - particularly the instantly recognisable "Ba-by"). This reached #2 in the UK and was also a hit in the USA.
In 1987, perhaps her greatest chart success was with the Pogues classic "A Fairytale of New York"
I very much regret that I personally heard little of Kirsty MacColl except liking the brilliant name of the "Electric Landlady" album, and finding and enjoying a singles collection (the excellent "Galore") from 1995.
"Galore" had the previously mentioned singles plus other absolute gems "Miss Otis Regrets", "Walking Down Madison", a cover of the Kinks' "Days", "My Affair" and the brilliant "Don't Come The Cowboy With Me, Sonny Jim!"
"Tropical Brainstorm" was released in March 2000 containing the tracks "In These Shoes?" and "England 2 Columbia 0".
Then came the tragic news of her death in December 2000 while on holiday with her family in Mexico.
A very sad day.
A fabulous singer and songwriter.
A voice like sunshine.
General note regarding the pictures:
I have no idea from where some of the photos on this page have come from, and I am not claiming any ownership (unless I have taken them at events or gigs that I have attended).
If you would like a credit mentioned, please contact me.
(26 Feb 2015)
I have no idea from where some of the photos on this page have come from, and I am not claiming any ownership (unless I have taken them at events or gigs that I have attended).
If you would like a credit mentioned, please contact me.
(26 Feb 2015)