Kite - Kirsty MacColl

In the music business the death of another star is often greeted with a knowing nod or disapproving tut as their demise is often at their own hands; dignity and death very rarely going hand in hand. The list is a long one and does not make for comfotable reading. This could not be said for the untimely way in which Kirsty MacColl left this world. If anything her death, being murdered by a speed boat pilot in Mexico, highlighted corruption at a high level and an attempt at a cover up that would've made some western politicians jealous. Unjust and unfair.

But before that, she made some wonderfully English pop music that casually straddled the mainstream and alternative music divide; both writing her own and adopting those by others. In fact she was so effective at taking songs by others and making them her own that you would be hard pushed to remember the original. she also provided glorious harmonies to many a pop single including The Wonder Stuff and The Smiths.

Indeed if The Smiths had been fronted by a woman then they would probably sound a lot like Kirsty MacColl. In fact, her songwriting sounds very much like Morrissey / Marr compositions, especially on 'The End Of A Perfect Day' which could easily be mistaken for a lost Smiths outtake.... no surprise then to learn that it was co-written by Johnny Marr and features him on guitar.

So 'Kite' is a perfect English pop album with some great original tracks and the occasional cover version. Bitingly political in places and sunshine pop in others it could've in less skilled hands, sounded disjointed. But her ability as a singer and songwriter ensures that the album remains coherent.

For many she will be mainly remembered for that superlative Christmas hit. It is one of the best, but it would be a crime if that were to happen. So grab a copy of any of her solo albums, give them a spin and celebrate one of Britain's truly great talents.