Its Getting Boring By The Sea — The top 40 is a strange British institution. On the one hand, it's widely derided by people who claim that all the songs in it are rubbish and that it no longer means anything because you don't have to sell hundreds of thousands of units to reach the... more info

Guardian Music — Kirsty MacColl was a true English original, a singer-songwriter and interpreter of other people's songs who could slip easily between musical styles. She had a glorious voice and gift for wry observation and humour, matched with a no-nonsense approac... more info

Time Out, London — Now fairly regular (but no less joyous for it) reunion of the beery, teary Shane MacGowan with the London-Irish folk-punk legends. Reckon they'll save 'Fairytale of New York' for the encore, then? more info

Guardian Music — As pointed out in a recent blog by Mark Beaumont, Christmas songs are best when they're not trying to be cool. What's the point in trying to be a hipster when you're sat having roast parsnips with your aunt Mildred? Do you really think your gran want... more info

Jam! Showbiz Music, Canada — Irish folk-rocker Shane MacGowan is embarking on a bizarre new career change - he's hosting his own TV gardening show. more info

NME — 'Victoria and Shane Grow Their Own' is a homage to 'The Good Life' more info

Guardian Music — The 'pickled poet' is set to emulate the premise of The Good Life by growing his own vegetables in a reality TV showIt's come to our attention that Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan is to star in a reality TV show about gardening. According to Spinner, ... more info

Guardian Music — Our pop critic's guide to the most festive albums and gigsA Not So Silent Night An all-star lineup troops across the stage for the Wainwright/McGarrigle family's Christmas show. Rufus and Martha Wainwright and their mum Kate McGarrigle have roped in ... more info

Guardian Music — Robbie Williams's latest album bulges with fantastic melodies and undemanding pop references – but it's also consumed with angst and self-doubtIn 1967, the Beatles were planning a new film. In search of a suitable script, they approached Joe O... more info

Guardian Music — The Hollywood A-lister is reportedly in talks to play guitar with one of his favourite British bands at London's Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen in NovemberJohnny Depp is in negotiations to play a one-off gig at a small London venue in November. The ac... more info