Kirsty MacColl - Tropical Brainstorm

"I know an island where the people are kind / And the rest of the world seems far away / Maybe it's only in the back of my mind / But I know when I go that's where I'll stay." One could not wish a better end result for the late Kirsty MacColl, whose last album opens with this prediction. Tropical Brainstorm serves as a sunny and joyous bookend on a career cut tragically short. Musically, it is a bit of a departure, favoring vibrant Latin-flavored flourishes over the slightly darker jangle of earlier material. There is, however, no mistaking the album's creator from a lyrical perspective. "Treachery" giddily turns the star-fan scenario on its head, imagining MacColl stalking a fan who has abandoned her for the musical flavor of the month. "Here Comes That Man Again" is a decidedly naughty and wise survey of cyberculture's impact on modern romance. In "Us Amazonians," a hearty romp that's easily as good as anything off of Paul Simon's The Rhythm of the Saints, the narrator punches out her true love to show him what's truly important in life. These are not your ordinary pop songs, and that's a fitting way for things to end, if they had to. MacColl always held a singular place in Anglo-pop. She was equal parts Morrissey as a less self-obsessed heterosexual woman and Flannery O'Connor as pop star. In other words, unique, and an incredibly precious resource for music to lose. --Bob Michaels Amazon.com\'s Best of 2001

Quotable Lyrics and Unbeatable Beats

I've bought more copies of this CD than any other in my collection and here I am buying another. My tenth at least. Why? It's simple - whether I give them as gifts or lend them out, this is a CD people don't want to let go of once they've heard it and neither will you.

In These Shoes may get the lion's share of attention by any of the cuts on this CD but Treachery and England 2 Columbia 0 are even better. Every song offers a sharp insight into male/female relationships today. Treachery has the added bonus of being about a singer who stalks a fan who moves on to another singer. Who but Kirsty can have you singing "Treachery made a monster out of me" as you dance around in your own apartment?

This is a fun, smart album by a smart woman who left us too soon. It's as suitable for a party as it is for a long drive. Essential listening.

August 24, 2008

Absolutely awesome!

A must-have for anyone interested in Latin rhythms, salsa beat, contemporary (and spicy) lyrics! Kristy is one great, sexy vocalist and for the life of me I don't know why I haven't stumbled onto her music before now. Track #2 is featured on the great flik "Kinky Boots", also a must-see... August 22, 2008

Wonderful album

This album will grow on you. Perhaps you've heard only "In These Shoes?" from it and are curious. Frankly, I'm generally not big on songs that are funny or meant to be funny, but that song is both really funny and so much more. No two songs on this album are alike, but they are all intelligent, catchy, well-made songs. The lyrics are by turns witty and poignant, sometimes both, always fresh. Kirsty's voice is so warm and charming. She died before I heard of her, so it was sad to know from the beginning that there would be no more music from this unique artist. This album is a great final statement. June 3, 2008

wonderful experience of latin rhythms

I had to drive for 3 hours and all I listened to was this amazing album. I did not notice the time go by with songs like 'Us Amazonian' groovin rhythms, 'Here Comes that Man Again' happy beat and unforgettable 'In these shoes?', delightful song story that I played over and over. This good nature album was a wonderful experience for me and recommend it to anyone who loves Latin rhythms. September 24, 2007

Fun CD!

Kristy's songs are funny, sometimes a bit raunchy, and entertaining. What a tragic loss that there will be no more. May 18, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...