KIRSTY MACCOLL - All I Ever Wanted (The Anthology)

I received this promo cd weeks ago but it’s so full of content (43 tracks) and the booklet that accompanies it is so fascinating that it’s taken me ‘til the eve of the album’s release to finally put pen to paper.

I was always a fan of Kirsty MacColl; not so much of the music but a huge fan of her as a music industry survivor and an experimental and brave artist. During her rollercoaster of a career in pop she was dropped by labels, was embroiled in contractual disputes, endured a failed marriage to a musical collaborator, yet through it all she continued to write and record spirited and infectious songs. As I say, I wasn’t a HUGE fan of the music but also wouldn’t have changed channel if ‘A New England’ etc had come on the radio.

Early MacColl meant guitar based pop songs, often with witty lyrics and catchy hooks. Examples of that are found here in abundance; ‘They Don’t Know’ (made more famous by Tracey Ullman), ‘Don’t Come The Cowboy With Me Sonny Jim!’, ‘There’s A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He’s Elvis.’

The mid point of her career was also probably its critical high point. The album ‘Kite’ contained hits ‘Days’ and ‘Free World’ whilst she enjoyed huge seasonal success with the Pogues and ‘Fairytale Of New York.’

Towards the end of her tragically short life she recorded a world music-inspired album entitled ‘Tropical Brainstorm’. The highlight of the record was arguably the Cuban influenced ‘In These Shoes’ and that track, along with many from all parts of her diverse back catalogue are contained on this near complete collection. I say ‘near complete’ because sadly MacColl’s rendition of ‘Miss Otis Regrets’ from her Jools Holland Hootenany appearance (with the Pipes and Drums of the Irish Guards) is not here but it’s the only omission I can detect.

As well as a broad and well chosen selection of songs you receive with this double cd a fantastic and lavishly produced booklet exploring MacColl’s interesting career and life with contributions from collaborators such as Jools Holland and Johnny Marr.

The whole package is a fitting tribute to a sadly missed and perhaps underrated singer songwriter.

Words: Rachel Jean