Redefining Cliff Richard – His 20 Most Underrated Songs

This month the biggest British solo act in the history of the UK singles charts turned 80. I have zero shame in admitting my appreciation for the man who’s had more UK top 20 hits – upwards of 130 – than anybody else and no less than 68 top 10 hits – second only to…

In Defence Of Cliff Richard – His 20 Best Deep Cuts

The LP that began the renaissance of Cliff Richard’s career, I’m Nearly Famous from 1976. I didn’t realise disturbing rumours have been swirling online for some time about British pop star Cliff Richard. I also didn’t realise until a couple of days ago that police made no attempt to contact him until at least a…

RIP Phil Everly – A Forgotten 80s Top 10 Hit With Cliff Richard

Single sleeve, 1983. Phil Everly – one half of pioneering rock ‘n’ roll duo The Everly Brothers – has died aged 74. My appreciation of The Everly Brothers initially came through the incredible artists they directly influenced – everyone from the Beatles to the Beach Boys to Simon and Garfunkel to Bob Dylan to the…

Why Cliff Richard Is Much Cooler Than You Think

Last night I saw my very first childhood music hero in concert, the third time I’ve now seen this most unfashionable of pop stars in a live setting. When I was five years old, Cliff Richard was it. Sure, Bruce Springsteen and Paul Simon were up there too, but top of the pile as a…