Fans of Swindon’s own legendary pop star Andy Partridge, the former lead singer and songwriter of 80s hitmakers XTC should start saving up.

The writer of classics such as Sgt Rock and Senses Working Overtime, has been working overtime itself, it seems in his Swindon home studio, and has plenty of new music to put out.

Mr Partridge announced on his Twitter account @xtcfans: “Over the next couple of years I’m planning at least ten vinyl releases on APE with my music on, and that doesn’t include any XTC releases.

“Put some coal in your Dansette.”

And fans have already had plenty of time to savour waiting for new releases.

Andy's last solo studio album was Powers released under the name AJ Partridge, and since them he released a collaboration with Peter Blegvad in 2012 and earlier this year an EP of covers of Pink Floyd's Apples and Oranges and the Bonzo Dog Band's Humanoid Boogie came out.

As Christmas approaches, the Swindon native is also getting a lot of praise for his work writing for 60s boyband legends the Monkees.

The US answer to the Beatles have released a new video of their Christmas single Unwrap You at Christmas.

Sung by drummer (and producer and director of hugely popular 80s kids' TV show Metal Mickey) Mickey Dolenz, the song is a new composition by Andy Partridge, who has long been a fan of the group.

It features on the Monkees' album Christmas Party with new songs by REM's Peter Buck, and Weezer's Rivers Cuomo, as well as covers of Christmas classic by Paul McCartney and Alex Chilton.

See ape.uk.net for details of all releases.