Articles 1996-1998

They Don't Know (yet)

She’s been around for such a long time now, she admits she’s a part of the furniture, "part of the rock ‘n’ roll consciousness." She’s not had hundreds of hits, but people remember the ones she has chalked up, and if her name is sometimes elusive, the titles ring louder than Christmas.

Dave Thompson, Goldmine, 1996 [Read the full article]

Gonna Write a Classic?

On day one, Kirsty MacColl was eyeing the exits. In recovery from crippling stage fright, she hadn't written a thing for two years. But that night she took lead vocals ... and it was "pretty damn good" even if she does say so herself.

Stuart Sutcliffe, Q, 1996 [Read the full article]

Pete Waterman

Kirsty wrote this little song which I still think is one of the classic records with her about this guy down the chip shop who thinks he's Elvis. I put the money up for that and we produced it - a lot of great fun. It got Kirsty started, really brought her out.

Pete Waterman, 1997 [Read the full article]

Still Suitable for Miners

When Kirsty MacColl recorded A new England in 1985 and took it into the Top Ten, the paradox of the chorus was rinsed out by a pop arrangement and a sweet voice, but the way Billy plays it, with the lone Duane Eddy guitar and that plaintive quality to the vocal, says it all.

Andrew Collins, 1998 [Read the full article]