Herald Xmas (Late!)

[AnaMarg]

[sorry if you've already seen this - I accidentally entered it in the wrong category]

Last 4 still to solve out of over 100 clues...
***44D E?H?R Number with article about Queen? On the contrary. [possibly e(the)r, but can't see the number or contrary connections].
***53A S?P?R?I?N Singers up in circle tittle. [think it must be supersign, but that word doesn't seem to exist].
***96A C?I?P? Cheerful letter; pressure's between the lines. [could it be chirpy or crimps?]
***75D B?S?L ... left for new herb leaves. [the answer to the previous clue is Hollow][I presume it must be basil, but can't see why]

[swarbrules]

4D ETHER (it's something that numbs)

[mac44]

96a. Could be chirpy, letter = chi then p in ry (railway).

[mike11111]

A hollow is a basin. Replace the N (new) with L (left) gives you Basil
96 Chirpy. Chi (letter) with P (person) between RY (railway lines)
44 Ether (anaesthetic - number) THE (article) ER (queen)

[AnaMarg]

Many thanks everyone; and a chirpy new year to you!