Excellent Online is saddened beyond words at the news that singer KIRSTY MACCOLL has died as the result of a boating accident off the coast of Mexico. Details are sketchy at this point, but NME is reporting that the singer was swimming off of a Mexican beach when she was hit by a passing speedboat. Other than an amazing solo career (best known in the States for her cover of the Smiths' "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby" from the soundtrack to "She's Having A Baby,") Maccoll is also known for her skills as a backing vocalist -- she's appeared behind Billy Bragg ("Sexuality" and more,) The Smiths ("Ask," "Golden Lights,") The Happy Mondays ("Hallelujah,") Morrissey ("Interesting Drug,") The Wonder Stuff ("Welcome to the Cheap Seats,") and countless others. Ironically, however, the piece of music that Maccoll will be forever be known for is the holiday duet, "Fairytale of New York," providing the female lead against the Pogues' Shane MacGowan. Christmas will never be the same.