ELTON JOHN

The nation has appeared strangely muted in a year that should have been full of celebration to mark Sir Elton’s magnificent 50-year musical marriage with Bernie Taupin and his 70th birthday.

The compilation Diamonds is the official marker of Elton’s chart-topping successes, and it’s hard to knock any record with compositions of the calibre of Your Song, Honky Cat and The Bitch Is Back. For the uninitiated looking for a primer on one of the great pop careers of modern times, Diamonds could just be your best friend.