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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

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.

‘Young, Gifted And Black’: Aretha Franklin’s Move Into Adult-Oriented Soul

In Depth

‘Young, Gifted And Black’: Aretha Franklin’s Move Into Adult-Oriented Soul

Aretha Franklin’s ‘Young, Gifted And Black’ album delivered on all fronts: she really was everything its title claimed – and more.

‘This Girl’s In Love With You’: Aretha Franklin’s Beloved Covers Album

In Depth

‘This Girl’s In Love With You’: Aretha Franklin’s Beloved Covers Album

Tackling The Beatles, The Band and others, ‘This Girl’s In Love With You’ found Aretha Franklin claiming much-loved songs for her own.

Best Donny Hathaway Songs: 10 Classics Of 70s Soul Music

List & Guides

Best Donny Hathaway Songs: 10 Classics Of 70s Soul Music

Shaping soul music in the early 70s, the best Donny Hathaway songs reveal a versatile singer who had so much more to give.

Rob Tyner: How MC5’s Frontman Led A Rock’n’Roll Revolution

In Depth

Rob Tyner: How MC5’s Frontman Led A Rock’n’Roll Revolution

Punk before punk was invented, MC5’s singer, Rob Tyner, laid down the anti-establishment blueprint for all future rock’n’roll rebels to follow.

Try A Little Tenderness: How Otis Redding’s Midas Touch Found Soul Gold

In Depth

Try A Little Tenderness: How Otis Redding’s Midas Touch Found Soul Gold

A sentimental ballad Otis Redding didn’t think suited him, Try A Little Tenderness became a passion-filled powerhouse in the singer’s hands.

Dancing With Strangers: How Chris Rea Whirled His Way To The Top

In Depth

Dancing With Strangers: How Chris Rea Whirled His Way To The Top

Proving that Chris Rea was the major-selling artist he had the potential to be, ‘Dancing With Strangers’ delivered on all his early promise.

Best Ray Charles Songs: 20 Timeless Classics From The Genius Of Soul

List & Guides

Best Ray Charles Songs: 20 Timeless Classics From The Genius Of Soul

Sitting at the crossroads between jazz, R&B, gospel and country music, the best Ray Charles songs invented soul music as we know it.

Best Otis Redding Songs: 20 Classics From The Giant Of Soul Music

List & Guides

Best Otis Redding Songs: 20 Classics From The Giant Of Soul Music

From storming dance anthems to tear-stained declarations of love, the best Otis Redding songs prove why the singer remains a soul music icon.