MIKE CLIFFORD - Reviews

Compiled by
Jill Oaker and Larry Houlieff

 

 

SHOULD I * * *

Billboard review August 10, 1959

Mild rocker is sung with appeal by the lad. Again Patience and Prudence offer memorable support.

 

 

WHISPER, WHISPER * * *

Billboard review August 10, 1959

Folkish tune is crooned pleasantly by Clifford with fine assistance from Patience and Prudence. Tune has a slight Latin twist.

 

 

I DON'T KNOW WHY * * *

Billboard review November 30, 1959

A slow rocking version of the standard, pleasantly chanted by Clifford to a chorus background which also features a repetitive sax figure. Spinable wax.

 

 

I'M AFRAID TO SAY I LOVE YOU * * *

Billboard review November 30, 1959

A good rocker with a nice strummed guitar rhythm effect. Clifford sings the up beater with style. Also programmable.

 

 

POOR LITTLE GIRL * * *

Billboard review December 31, 1960

Wistful vocalizing by Clifford on a pretty, teen appeal ballad.

 

 

STRANGER * * *

Billboard review December 31, 1960

Expressive chanting on a attractive ballad by Clifford, a new discovery of Johnny Mathis manager, Helen Noga.

 

 

LOOK IN ANY WINDOW * * *

Billboard review March 6, 1961

This chanter performs this sad P.A. tune with warmth and feeling over simple support. Song is from the picture of the same name. Also a good side.

 

 

UH HUH * * *

Billboard review March 6, 1961

Mike Clifford handles this Paul Anka tune with a lot of verve and bounce over sock support by Orchestra and chorus. Side could grab play.

 

 

PRETTY LITTLE GIRL IN THE YELLOW DRESS * * * *

Billboard review May 29, 1961

Simple backing is very effective on this lovely folkish ballad by the boy. Tune is from the "Last Sunset." A strong side by Clifford.

 

 

AT LAST * * *

Billboard review May 29, 1961

The lovely song which has a varied movie career, currently in "The Last Time I Saw Archie" gets a strong reading by the boy. Tune is done with a Latin beat.

 

 

BOMBAY * * * *

Billboard review November 13, 1961

A smart, swinging arrangement backs Clifford's pipes here. It's a tune that builds neatly and has a chance for play. Worth watching.

 

 

WHEN WE MARRY * * *

Billboard review November 13, 1961

 

 

JOANNA * * *

Billboard review February 17, 1962

Moderate sales potential

 

 

Mary Mary * * *

Billboard review February 17,1962

 

 

SHE'S JUST ANOTHER GIRL * * * *

Billboard review August 4, 1962

The lad makes his debut on the label with a lovely ballad here. Clifford is lushly backed by strings in a date written and produced by Leiber - Stroller.

 

 

CLOSE TO CATHY * * *

Billboard review August 4, 1962

 

 

WHAT TO DO WITH LAURIE

Billboard review December 8, 1962

This is Clifford's follow up to "Close To Cathy" and it's a winner. This side, like the hit, is a soft ballad which spotlights a warm vocal by the lad against lush strings.

 

 

THAT'S WHAT THEY SAID (Flip is:)

Billboard review December 8, 1962

 

 

ONE BOY TOO LATE * * * *

Billboard review March 23, 1963

 

 

DANNY'S DREAM * * * *

Billboard review March 23, 1963

 

 

GEE, I DON'T REMEMBER * * * *

Billboard review July 6, 1963

 

 

COTTON DRESSES * * * *

Billboard review July 6, 1963

 

 

ALL THE COLORS OF THE RAINBOW /

IT HAD BETTER BE TONIGHT

Billboard review May 2, 1964

(Single reviews - programming specials)

 

 

ONE BY ONE THE ROSES DIED

Billboard review September 12, 1964

Mike is fine talent possessing a warm and tender voice. This is a romantic and sentimental ballad sincerely delivered. Moderate sales potential.

 

 

SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER (Flip:)

Billboard review September 12, 1964

 

 

DON'T MAKE HER CRY

Billboard review December 5, 1964

(Chart Specials - Bottom 50 Chart Potential and Bubbling Under)

 

 

HOW TO MURDER YOUR WIFE

Billboard review February 6, 1965

Fine new adult swinging style from Clifford. Jack Lemmon's title film tune composed by Neal Hefti is given a top arrangement by Herb Bernstein.

 

 

HERE'S TO MY LOVER ( Flip:)

Billboard review February 6, 1965

 

 

BEFORE I LOVED HER

Billboard review September 18, 1965

Intriguing Mann-Weil teen ballad serves as a dramatic Cameo debut for the smooth soft sell vocalist. Power house production work.

 

 

SHIRL GIRL (Flip:)

Billboard review September 18, 1965

 

 

SEND HER FLOWERS

Billboard review June 3, 1967

(Spotlight Singles - Predicted to reach the Hot 100)

 

 

MARY JANE

Billboard review March 9, 1968

The "Close To Cathy" man switches affections and comes up with a rhythm winner for all types of programming. Clifford is in top vocal form on this film theme.

 

 

BROKEN-HEARTED MAN

Billboard review March 14, 1970

That "Close To Cathy" guy returns to the disk scene with a strong commercial rock item that has all the ingredients and performance to bring him back to the charts once again.

 

 

YOU BETTER START SINGING SOON

Billboard review August 15, 1970

Infectious rock item with a clever lyric line. Could easily bring that "Close To Cathy" guy back to the Hot 100 with ease. Strong vocal workout!

 

 

YOU SAY LOVE

Billboard review September 25, 1971

From the flick "Dagmar's Hot Pants, Inc." comes a commercial top 40 rhythm item that could break Clifford through for a heavy chart item.

 

 

 

 

ALBUMS

 

 

FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE

Billboard review February 13, 1965

In this his initial album, Mike's versatility and appeal in both the teen hits "Close To Cathy" and "What To Do With Laurie" are included. He swings beautifully with Henry Mancini's "It Had Better Be Tonight" and with much sensitivity delivers a first rate of Mancini's "Song About Love" done in dual voice tracking.

 

 

MONDO HOLLYWOOD

Billboard review November 4, 1967

Four Star Album * *  * *

 

 

THE GOLDEN BREED

Billboard review February 17, 1968

Four Star Album * * * *

 

 

MARY JANE

Billboard review February 24, 1968

Soundtrack Spotlight

 

 

 


 

 

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MIKE CLIFFORD - DISCOGRAPHY