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Ian McCann

A music journalist, columnist and editor, Ian McCann has written for NME, Financial Times, Record Collector and Potato Digest, and was a reporter for a Radio 1 programme for several years, which happened by accident. He has written jokes for comedy shows, spent several years on the news desk at the Independent, and won a national award for Headline Of The Month. He enjoys music you can dance or swoon to, anything with soul, and the less pretentious regions of rock’n’roll. His record player is registered at the UN as a weapon of mass destruction.

Articles by Ian McCann

Best Cliff Richard Songs: 20 Classics From A British Rock Icon

List & Guides

Best Cliff Richard Songs: 20 Classics From A British Rock Icon

Wider-ranging than you may imagine, the best Cliff Richard songs aren’t just part of Sir Cliff’s history, they chart the development of pop.

Atlantic Records: The Story Of How One Record Label Changed The World

In Depth

Atlantic Records: The Story Of How One Record Label Changed The World

For 75 years, Atlantic Records has been home to an array of artists and landmark albums. It is one of the most influential labels in history.

Best Soul Singers: 20 Must-Hear Voices From Soul Music’s Golden Era

List & Guides

Best Soul Singers: 20 Must-Hear Voices From Soul Music’s Golden Era

From powerhouse personalities to gentle falsettos, the best soul singers can make you dance or weep, can touch your hearts or move your hips.

‘Don’t Play That Song!’ How Ben E King Broke Through With Soul

In Depth

‘Don’t Play That Song!’ How Ben E King Broke Through With Soul

Containing classics such as Stand By Me and the title track, ‘Don’t Play That Song!’ made Ben E King one of the finest singers of his era.

‘Super Fly’: How Curtis Mayfield Fashioned A Blaxploitation Classic

In Depth

‘Super Fly’: How Curtis Mayfield Fashioned A Blaxploitation Classic

The ultimate Blaxploitation soundtrack, Curtis Mayfield’s ‘Super Fly’ album transcends the movie it was written for.

‘Funky Divas’: How En Vogue Defined 90s R&B In One Perfect Album

In Depth

‘Funky Divas’: How En Vogue Defined 90s R&B In One Perfect Album

A landmark album in the development of modern R&B, ‘Funky Divas’ found En Vogue setting the bar for all acts to follow.

Best Female Soul Singers: 10 Soul Sirens That Deserve Love And Respect

List & Guides

Best Female Soul Singers: 10 Soul Sirens That Deserve Love And Respect

Singing from their hearts and finding a place in ours, the best female soul singers include music royalty and inspirational survivors.

The Monkees: Why Pop’s “Manufactured” Primates Deserve Respect

The Monkees: Why Pop’s “Manufactured” Primates Deserve Respect

Seeing through fame’s facade and demanding to be themselves, The Monkees created perfect 60s pop that was more subversive than you think…

Best Randy Crawford Songs: 10 Classics From Soul’s Best Kept Secret

List & Guides

Best Randy Crawford Songs: 10 Classics From Soul’s Best Kept Secret

Finding greater success overseas than at home, the best Randy Crawford songs reveal a unique voice that deserved to command the globe.

Best Soul Albums Of All Time: 20 Immortal Classics You Need To Hear

List & Guides

Best Soul Albums Of All Time: 20 Immortal Classics You Need To Hear

From creative detours to political outrage and straight-up floor-fillers, the best soul albums answer the eternal question: What is soul?