Hurrah…….EZArchive have finally got me back on track. There’s a huge backlog of things that I want to put up in the coming days, and I’m starting with a double-header of great 12″ cover versions that I’ve recently played again for the first time in ages.
Last night’s Johnny Marr posting made reference to the late Kirsty McColl. Here’s the record that convinced everyone she was not a one-hit wonder in a novelty record sort of way. It was also the record that helped bring Billy Bragg to a deserved wider audience. I just can’t believe it was released as long go as 1984. It still sounds fantastic and fresh.
Kirsty McColl seems to have been one of life’s really nice people. Rather than hearing my opinions, I would direct you to a wonderful entry about her in Wikidepia that has clearly been written by fans. There’s also information on the ‘Justice for Kirsty’ campaign demanding action against those responsible for her needless and tragic death in December 2000. Click here
I’d also recommend the book ‘The One And Only’ by Karen O’Brien if you want to read more about the life and times of this very talented and underated singer/songwriter.
A New England (12″) – Kirsty McColl
Part (b) of today’s posting will be on my return from work. Someone’s got to pay for the costs of running TVV!!
I was prompted to post this for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, the guys over at ‘Pretending Life Is Like A Song’ posted a few great 12″ versions of Soft Cell records a couple of weeks back, and that got me thinking that it would be a good idea to post some of Marc‘s solo stuff.
Secondly, last night saw Rachel (or Mrs Vinyl Villain as she is sometimes referred to) & myself watch the final edition of ‘Will & Grace’ on DVD. Rachel’s favourite character in the show is Jack McFarland – and when he appears on screen I can’t help but think of this song.
Again, I was surprised at how long ago this was released – 1991. The lyrics were penned by Jaques Brel and he recorded and released it, in French, in 1965.
Three years later, Scott Walker recorded an English-language version that went Top 20. The spelling of this version was ‘Jackie’.
I reckon this recording is one of Marc Almond’s finest moments, thanks in the main to an incredible production by uber-producer Trevor Horn who included all sorts of sampling as well as a 70-piece orchestra. Completely over the top and wonderful.
Strangely enough, Marc’s autobiography – ‘Tainted Life’ – reveals that he wasn’t all that enamoured with his performance on the record as he thought it was too similar to that of Scott Walker. He does go on to say however, that it was a song he loved performing live.
Incidentally – ‘Tainted Life’ is up there with Julian Cope‘s autobiographies as among the best you’ll ever read.
Jacky (12″) – Marc Almond
Please can I add that ‘A New England’ by Kirsty McColl features amazing uncredited bass work by Derek Forbes then almost ex-Simple Minds who had recorded a Simple Minds album with Steve Lillywhite (McColl’s then husband) & worked on the session. Strangely I love the Brel, Walker and Marc versions of Jacky – I wish Marc would do a full Brel album & perform it.