The best. The best. And we’re headed for that time of year when everyone will slur their way through the Shane McGowan bit and belt out the Kirsty MacColl lines because she’s amazing, clear-throated and wonderful.

Fairytale of New York

From my neck of the woods, gorgeous without being fake, remarkably talented and gone too soon, Kirsty MacColl is a total heroine of mine. She made proper, storytelling songs. I love that.
One of the finest albums – ever – really, ever – is Tropical Brainstorm, from 2000.
In These Shoes. Watch out for the Kirsty cameo at 3.15. She’s the one in the black silk shirt, very straight red hair, congratulating the bride. I mean, that’s got to be a mark of greatness, hasn’t it? Making a cameo in your own music video – superb.
Probably my favourite song ever… England 2 – Colombia 0
A definite South American influence ripples through the rhythms, the choice of instruments, snatches of language, and yet the voice is unmistakably Kirsty MacColl.

Head
The world most definitely grew a little darker when she died. At least we can hear the music.