Customer Reviews

Kite

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been a fan of Kirsty since I first heard "He's on the beach" decades ago. I like everything she's ever done, so you may be tempted look upon my five star rating with incredulity. But, don't.

I think Kirsty is (sadly, was) a fantastic song writer with a haunting voice. In this country in the early 80's, I was forced to buy her stuff one 45 at a time. And I love it all. But Kite is special in a couple of ways.

First, it's a collection that represents several years' work. While this particular collection does not have my absolute favorites on it, it does represent a range of styles/periods/moods of Kirsty. And that's a good reason to buy it. You haven't really heard all of Kirsty until you've heard all she has to say. She's changed a bit over the decades, and this collection represents a fair bit of her journey. That, as a Kirsty MacColl fan, is reason enough to buy the album. I treasure my 45s, but there is something special about getting a lot of great music in a single package. If you've only heard her later stuff, this is an indispensable foray into her early work.

The second reason I like this collection is that it contains some great songs. "Don't come the Cowboy with me Sonny Jim" is an example of great song writing and represents well her famous edge. "Free World," is completely different, and is more politically minded, representing an energy and vitality that I really enjoy in Kirsty's work. "What do pretty girls do" displays, in addition to some social commentary, the really beautiful voice Kirsty's famous for.

I am biased, I love everything she's done. But I do think that anyone who likes Kirsty should have this album, too. It rounds out a collection, and it contains some wonderful music.

I recently got this CD as a gift from a friend in England. I tend not to be a huge fan of female singers, nor pop music in general (I'm more of a serious rock-n-roll girl), so I didn't really think I'd like it. Boy, was I wrong! The album is very addictive, and I quickly found myself singing along.

A major part of this success is Kristy's voice. It's light and poppy in some places, but also carries a certain weight when required. Through it all, she has a charming lilt with the pronounced accent in her voice, which simply makes it all work for me. Also to be complimented is her ability in songwriting - the lyrics are frequently quite clever, even satirical at times. Definitely an album that takes repeat listening.

Best tracks: "Innocence", "Don't Come the Cowboy...", "What Do Pretty Girls Do?", and a cover of the Smiths' "You Just Haven't Earned it Yet Baby". If you can find a copy of this album, give it a try and if you can, look beyond the zippy music to the lyrics. It's an unusually winning combination of light and dark.

One of the most amazing albums ever made. Beautiful, clever (but not clever-clever) and stirring. Includes classic songs, perfect songwriting and THAT fabulous voice. She is sorely missed, one of the true originals.

I first came across this talented British songwriter many MANY years ago; anyone who remembers her 'fairytale of new york' (the pogues) may also remember her collaboration with billy bragg and others. This particular album stems from 1989 and is a pretty hard one to get a hold of. It features:

1. Innocence 2. Free World 3. Mother's Ruin 4. Days 5. No Victims 6. Fifteen Minutes 7. Don't Come The Cowboy With Me Sonny Jim 8. Tread Lightly 9. What Do Pretty Girls Do? 10. Dancing In Limbo 11. End Of A Perfect Day, The 12. You And Me Baby 13. You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby 14. La Foret De Mimosas 15. Complainte Pour Ste Catherine

some of which are available on 'greatest hits' type compilations. This really is a good album, with the sogngwriter demonstrating her ability to handle songs with different themes & styles. You may be able to hear backing tracks by such luminaries as Johnny Marr (guitar) from 'the smiths' and David Gilmour, Robbie McIntosh etc.

A very satisfying album representing an excellent cross-section of Kirsty MacColl's talents. Her early demise is a sad loss; she will be missed.