It does if it means the track will get airplay (which is why we used to hype the charts originally).
It does if retailers order loads of stock.

But in this internet, download world - isn't it just a way to massage the old ego?

Yes, it should provoke press, which in turn might increase sales - but will it?

The new model ain't in place yet.

When was the last time Cliff had a number one on the quality of the record alone?

"Mistletoe And Wine" - Christmas record/30th anniversary in showbiz

"Saviour's Day" - Christmas record/50th birthday

"Millennium Prayer" - the Millennium (obviously)

So we're talking "We Don't Talk Anymore" - way back in 1979. A long time to be coasting on Great British Institution status and goodwill alone.

Well, I bought each of those records because I liked them, not for any other reason. I don't buy all of his records, so I'm not one of those over-devoted fans. I've not actually heard this new song yet. I didn't even know he had one out. I must investigate.

I'd love to see Cliff get number ones in six decades. Maybe he should have saved this one for Christmas, but it's possibly to his credit that he didn't. Now people can't say it's only a hit cos people bought it for granny at Christmas.

With all the crap thats in the repetative charts these days, I say well done Cliff.

Also well done Kings Of Leon. I love them.

As a side comment - Cliff is also one of the nicest people in the business, I've always found.

Also I would point out that reaching No3 with only 52 downloads is a hell of an achievement (excuse the word, Cliff).

Objectively I think he'll be lucky to get past "Sex On Fire" which is a great, great track - and I speak as one previously indifferent to the Kings of Leon's work.

For those that have not met Cliff, he really is a very dedicated musician and top bloke.

Heard that he may be going on Jo Whiley's Live Lounge. Anyone for mixed doubles? Ooop!

He is also one of the untouchables as far as the media are concerned.

The song is a bit cheesy, but quite likeable. I think it needed more 'umph' in the chorus, maybe a mass choir to create impact.

I like Cliff. I hope he gets to No.1. I'm just not sure that this song is strong enough to impress the widest audience.

I have now heard the song and agree that the chorus is performed very weakly. It's a bit like a demo version and it needs much more body. I do like the song though and I might buy the CD version to check out the B side.

Much better than the A side.

JK2006 wrote:
Also I would point out that reaching No3 with only 52 downloads is a hell of an achievement (excuse the word, Cliff).

Really??

The charts mean near nothing in this day and age. Certainly not what they did years ago, as Billboard and Music Week become even more irrelevant. Billboard has been on a downward spin since Tim White died, almost completely devoid of editorial integrity from my point of view, run by people that knew less and were less connected than many on this board.

A music #1 is as irrelevant as a movie #1, next week they'll both be different. Remember when the Godfather was #1 for like a year, or any great album that topped the charts for 3 or 4 months or more.

No more JK. The more hype the shorter the life. Little great music getting through. We need filters to get rid of the white noise, or how is a real tree falling in the woods going to make any noise.

As an industry we are not there yet

I gather - yet to be confirmed - that Cliff did an exclusive deal with Woolies who haven't sold CD singles for ages and they sold 100% of the physicals. Details within days...

The week in which Woolies stopped selling any cd singles that was not in the top 30 was a very significant and dark day for music as a whole and is very under rated in this respect.
An incredible catch 22 was created of, how does one get into Woolies without being in a chart?

I can't remember the last time I bought a newly released CD from Woolworths. Normally I get mine from Play.com because of the low prices and free postage. I do miss the old independent record shops.

I get my physicals from PLAY.COM as well - easily the best and quickest way to shop.

I get my downloads from 7 Digital . com because they are a UK company. I will never buy anything from I TUNES.