In 1988, Clifford was approached by START Records, the mainstream record label known for releasing solo albums by the Genesis lead guitarist Steve Hackett and classical/jazz pianist Jacques Loussier.

START requested that Clifford create for them an entirely original album of new tracks with a fresh and invigorating sound. Released in 1989 to a flurry of media attention, The Lifespring is widely regarded as one of Clifford’s best albums, with a bright and shimmering sound, and several tracks from the album went on to become classics in the Balearic scene, with a follow up 12” vinyl reissue of his track Lifespring released only a short while ago in 2019.

A selection of clips from the album

Featured in Billboard magazine and reviewed by a number of other tabloids and music journals, The Lifespring also featured a cover version of the euro-hit Voyage Voyage by Desireless. Clifford also found himself listed next to The Who in The Best of Rock, the essential CD music guide published by Orion.

The album was released on CD and Cassette, as well as on Vinyl - Clifford's first appearance on the format, copies of which have since become collectors items fetching up to £100 per LP.

Read more about The Lifespring.