however, the song was written and performed by the late Kirsty MacColl in 1979. then, in 1983, she collaborated with Tracy Ullman to create the version that became a hit single in North America, as well as all of Europe.

when you listen to Tracy’s version next time, listen for all of the background vocals. you’ll hear a voice that i can only describe as organic — even woody — in texture. that’s Kirsty. once you know her voice and how she sings, it’s literally impossible not to notice her when her background vocals made cameo appearances for Simple Minds, The Pogues and Billy Bragg, amongst others.

there really isn’t another voice like hers. if i recall correctly, she was able to record six albums (one, “Galore”, being a best-of compilation) before she was killed suddenly in late December 2000 while on holiday in Mexico with her two sons. an avid scuba diver, a speedboat driver ignored the “swimming-only” warnings for the area that she and her sons were swimming when he struck her, killing her instantly.

when i heard about it a day later, i came unglued. we met briefly in 1993 when she played a live show in my town, and knowing that i’d never get to see her again was really difficult.

anyhow. TMI. sorry about that.