Artist: Kirsty MacColl
Year: 1993
My fandom for Kirsty MacColl goes back to the days when she was part of Stiff's stable of stars. Amelia Fletcher has always reminded me of her because both were always rich not only in talent but in friends as well. It would have been impossible to ever lose track of either one of them because, apart from their great albums, their names always seemed to pop up as contributors on the album sleeves of your favorite artists. MacColl left us far too early, but it seems obvious hers was a full life, both personally and professionally.
Why is it I seem to be attracted to the work of otherwise sunny artists during their darkest times? Much like Jonathan Richman at No. 68, Kirsty MacColl's 'Titanic Days' was an album shrouded in divorce. Her marriage to producer Steve Lillywhite had come to an end. There were other hardships during this period, not the least of which was the uncertainty of knowing whether there was a label out there willing to release this piece of work. In the end, the album was released as a one-off by ZTT, and it was one of her least successful, at least commercially, but I think the title track is one of her best from a slew of great songs.
Maybe the reason is Brian, that artist make their best songs when the world around is black and they are able to make true and emotional songs. I also remember when she first appeared on Stiff and from then on I followed her. Great song.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember ever hearing a poor Kirsty MacColl performance. What a tragic loss she was and what a very good song this is.
ReplyDeleteAs The Swede said -a great artist and a sad loss
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to be reminded of Kirsty!
ReplyDeleteI echo the sentiments of all above. Such a tragic loss but what a body of work to have left behind...
ReplyDeleteWas lucky enough to go to the tribute concert organised by Neil maccoll. Love this song.
ReplyDeleteSuch a gorgeous song, such a gorgeous soul!
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