According to reports from Dutch news agencies, picked up by the New York Times, Mariska Veres, lead singer for the Dutch rock group Shocking Blue, died of cancer last Saturday. Shocking Blue were best known for their international hit “Venus,” which went to #1 in America in 1970. But Seattle music buffs will also remember that Nirvana were fans of the band. Their first single - and the first offering from the Sub Pop Singles Club, way back in 1988 - was a cover of the SB song “Love Buzz.” More recently, Ladytron included the SB cut “Send Me A Postcard” on their Softcore Jukebox mix CD, while one of the Cherrystones anthologies, Hidden Charms, made room for “Hot Sand.” Swell cuts, all, and worth seeking out; there are numerous best-of comps out there to choose from.