Mean Streak (song)

"Mean Streak" is a song by Cliff Richard and the Drifters (who would later become the Shadows), released in May 1959 as their fourth single. It peaked at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart.^[2]

"Mean Streak"
Single by Cliff Richard and the Drifters
B-side	"Never Mind"
Released	1 May 1959 (1959-05-01)
Recorded	14 November 1958^[1]
Studio	EMI Studios, London
Genre	Rock and roll
Length	2:00
Label	Columbia
Songwriter(s)	Ian Samwell Norrie Paramor
Producer(s)	Norrie Paramor
Cliff Richard and the Drifters singles chronology
"Livin' Lovin' Doll" (1959) "Mean Streak" (1959) "Living Doll" (1959)

Background and release

"Mean Streak" was written by former Drifters member Ian Samwell and producer Norrie Paramor under the pseudonym Joseph Seener.^[3] However, the latter is not originally credited on the release of the single.^[4]

Despite reaching a respectable number 10 position on the singles chart, "Mean Streak" would have fared better were it not having to compete in the charts with its flip side "Never Mind", which peaked at number 21.^[5]

Track listing

1. "Mean Streak" – 2:00
2. "Never Mind" – 2:01

Personnel

• Cliff Richard – vocals
• Hank Marvin – lead guitar
• Bruce Welch – rhythm guitar
• Jet Harris – bass guitar
• Terry Smart – drums

Charts

"Mean Streak"

Chart (1959)	Peak position
UK Singles (OCC)^[2]	10

"Never Mind"

Chart (1959)	Peak position
Norway (VG-lista)^[6]	5
UK Singles (OCC)^[2]	21

References

1. "Cliff Richard Song Database - Song Details". www.cliffrichardsongs.com. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
2. "Cliff Richard: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
3. Office, Library of Congress Copyright (1960). Catalog of Copyright Entries: Third series. p. 331.
4. "Cliff Richard & The Drifters – Mean Streak (1959, Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
5. Turner, Steve (2008). Cliff Richard: the Biography: 50th Anniversary Edition. Lion Books. p. 134. ISBN 978-0-7459-5279-6.
6. "Cliff Richard & the Drifters – Never Mind". VG-lista.