13

Greatest Xmas Song Ever

The Pogues re-release their classic Christmas hit 'Fairytale Of New York', in what has been a reunion year for the band, and have headlined some big arenas around the country this winter. The song, featuring the late Kirsty McColl was voted the best Christmas song ever in a poll on VH1 last year, beating Band Aid, Wham and Slade to the top spot.

The song has some great memories for me every time I hear it at this time of year. It is a song that brings those good memories flooding back when I hear the piano and the dulcet sounds of Shane McGowan, accompanied wonderfully with Kirsty McColl. One thing this is one song that will always feel good and never dated, even with the flutes in the background.

The Pogues will be donating proceeds from the record to the homeless charity Crisis At Christmas and the Justice For Kirsty Campaign. Set up by the late singer's mother Jean, the fund has enabled the family to fight the long legal battle for justice following the tragic death of their daughter, killed by a power boat while on holiday with her children.

The single will be released on 19th December, only five years and one day since the tragic killing. Nobody has been brought to justice as yet.