Paul Young talks No Parlez Paul Young ushered in the sound that dominated the second half of the 80s with the eclectic No Parlez, which spanned soul, New Wave, Bowiesque art-pop and even boasted a controversial Joy Division cover. Now celebrated with a new expanded edition, we hear how the album was created from Paul, producer Laurie Latham, bassist Pino Palladino and backing vocalists The Fabulous Wealthy Tarts. “When people think of ‘The 80s’, it’s usually categorised as New Romantic, because of bands like Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet becoming so iconic. No Parlez was a more soul-based de ..read more

Watch rare Elton John concert footage as the singer celebrates 50 years of Caribou Elton John is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his eighth studio album Caribou by sharing some rare concert footage of his first live performance of the hit The Bitch Is Back. The video shows Elton on 5 May 1974 in front of 40,000 fans at Vicarage Road at his legendary Watford FC Benefit Concert, playing the song two months before its release on Caribou. The track would be the album’s second single and would reach No.4 in the US and No.15 in the UK charts. Elton had recently been appointed as director of Wa ..read more

Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr wins prestigious radio award for BBC documentary The New York Festivals International Radio Awards has presented Jim Kerr On Jim Morrison the Gold Medal for Best Documentary. The programme, written and presented by the Simple Minds frontman, explores the enduring legacy of Jim Morrison. Inspired since his childhood, this is the singer’s first outing as a documentary maker and was produced by Lonesome Pine Productions. Compelling Story Kerr said: “We’re really touched by the recognition. I have to say, every great story, every great documentary relies on a ..read more

Seal’s second album, remastered and expanded with unreleased tracks, released in June The singer’s second eponymous studio album from 1994 has been remastered and expanded to celebrate its 30th anniversary. This edition follows 2023’s expanded reissue of Seal’s 1991 debut which featured Crazy and Future Love Paradise. Included in the 2CD/Blu-ray is an unreleased version of the worldwide smash Kiss From A Rose. Listen below: Building on the breakout success of his debut, Seal soared to even greater heights in 1994 with his second eponymous album. In honour of the album’s 30th anniversary ..read more

Classic Pop presents its essential guide to Prince in the 90s… The dawn of the 90s found Prince in a state of uncertainty. Batman had been a big success, yet it was unclear if that had been on the basis of it being a great album or because it was tied to a hugely successful comic-book franchise. He had just seen one of his old songs, Nothing Compares 2 U, become a global smash for Sinead O’Connor, but seemed unsure of his own next musical direction… However, 1991’s Diamonds And Pearls, credited to Prince & the New Power Generation, proved to be the sound of a re-energised Prince – a direc ..read more

Shaznay shares Good Mourning, the latest single from her new album, Pages Featuring the BRIT and two-time MOBO winner Shola Ama (You Might Need Somebody, You’re Still The One I Love) and the pioneering UK ragga/jungle icon General Levy, Good Mourning follows lead single Miracle and Kiss Of Life. Tackling love loss, the single reveals how a break-up can be an opportunity to rediscover your own self-confidence. Finding Happiness Shaznay says: “The chorus is, ‘I don’t want to be lonely,’ it is laying out the rules of what you don’t want. We all want to be loved, but sometimes we sacrifice love a ..read more

Image © Peter Ashworth Classic Pop Erasure Exclusive Andy Bell and Vince Clarke have given Classic Pop an exclusive listen to an acoustic version of In My Arms, lifted from the new 2CD Deluxe Hardback Book edition of 1997’s classic album, Cowboy. Released through Mute/BMG on 31 May, this expanded release features rarities and new remixes by Blancmange, Telex and Stealing Sheep. This deluxe edition of their eighth studio album, features a rare acoustic version of In My Arms, giving the sublime synth-pop ballad a more intimate feel. Listen below: The anthemic Don’t Say Your Love Is Killing ..read more

Image © Paul W Dixon PhotographyJames return with uplifting new album Having celebrated their 40th anniversary  last year, James are back with new album Yummy. The LP maintains a prolific output since the band reformed, vowing to stop their internal chaos. Tim Booth, Saul Davies and Jim Glennie tell Classic Pop  of the nine-piece’s eccentric creative  process, why they’re so bloody-minded –  and of their macabre sweepstake… Coinciding with their  40th anniversary,  James were recently honoured with the Icon award by The Ivors.  It’s the biggest prize  in ..read more

In the new issue of Classic Pop – as a definitive Blitz club compilation is finally released – we round up a star-studded cast including Boy George, Rusty Egan, Gary Kemp and Midge Ure to tell the story of the home of the New Romantic revolution. Elsewhere, Sananda Maitreya, who is back with another hugely ambitious studio album and the final part of his Pegasus Project, tells us why he’s returning to these shores to play his first UK shows in more than 20 years. We also meet Neil Finn and Nick Seymour as Crowded House release a late-career classic in new album Gravity Stairs. Shaznay Lewis ..read more

Musician and activist Moby will release his new album, Always Centered At Night, on 14 June. The album is a collaborative project, wherein Moby collaborates with some of his favourite vocalists and he recently shared the track, Dark Days, featuring acclaimed soul-jazz singer-songwriter Lady Blackbird. A defiant and rhythmic work, Dark Days is propelled by Lady Blackbird’s alluring, deep vocals and earnest soul. Watch below: The album coincides with the announcement that the artist will be celebrating 25 years of Play by performing his greatest hits in Europe in September – his first live ..read more