But let's get one thing straight—the simple point is that Duffy's debut album, Rockferry, has the power, the depth, the songs, the vocals and the music to anoint it instantly as GREAT. And since everyone enjoys comparisons, to me it is in the vein of the classic Dusty Springfield opus, Dusty in Memphis, with its soulful vocals and throwback Stax-inspired production. (And while, comparing a new album to one that stood the test of time is always an iffy proposition, I am willing to go there and I'm thinking that you will as well.)
The baby-doll vocals do remind one of Amy Winehouse, yet this album seems even bigger, broader and actually better. The Welsh artist’s first single, 'Mercy," which is riding high on the U.K. charts, is instantly infectious, with a pumping, organ-accented groove that recalls the Spencer Davis Group’s "Gimme Some Lovin" (showcasing the soulful vocals of teenager Stevie Winwood). “Mercy” is a one-listen comfort song, immediately familiar and more irresistible with each successive listening. It's Hot AC, it's Top 40, it's R&B, it's Triple A, it should be Alternative—heck, it should be everywhere. This is the best single since Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy," and it has an infinitely better body of work to go with it.
Duffy’s
And believe me, I am not alone in my adoration. VH1's Rick Krim was the first gatekeeper to get in my ear about it, and he and MTV's Amy Doyle have decided to break format and "team up" to support and help break Duffy. And radio programmers are starting to line up behind it in the early stages.
These things don’t just happen, of course. There’s a capable team of specialists behind Duffy, and each member deserves to be acknowledged. The youngster was patiently developed by Jeannette Lee at Rough Trade Management for two years before entering the studio. Once there, her primary collaborator was ex-Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, who co-wrote the song “Rockferry” with the artist and produced the album, exhibiting as much old-school skill as Mark Ronson applied to his six cuts on Winehouse’s Back to Black.
Guy Moot at EMI Publishing
“Rockferry” was released in the
In the
Duffy’s making her stateside debut tonight at Mercury’s SXSW showcase. Her St. Paddy’s Day show in N.Y. is sold out.
The stars are aligned behind Duffy, the music is deserving and powerful and this newcomer is destined to go straight to the top. Bet on it. (Aside to Mr. Ken Ehrlich—save a slot for the next Grammy show right now, because Duffy is gonna be the chosen one!!)
So what do you think of Duffy and “Mercy”? There’s no excuse not to have heard the track, considering it’s the iTunes Free Single of the Week. So download it and give it a listen. Or maybe you have a discovery of your own; if so, tell us about it. Chime in at [email protected].
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It’s amazing you or anyone else could make such a big deal out of such an old sound. It’s great when an artist “flips” a sound and makes it their own. Duffy productions are retreads of the past, not fresh. Yes, it’s Dusty and we’ve heard it all before. Even her voice, while great, isn’t really a signature sound.
You could argue that today’s teens haven’t heard it before, but that’s not an argument. It’s not fresh and neither is Amythis is just a symptom of how desperate the music business is and how far standards have fallen.
Whenever the next big thing comes along, it will surely be more interesting, newer, and fresher than the above.
Best,
A. Archer
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Enough! Why must we praise these so-called "unique" girl singers as if they're the second coming? Corrine Bailey Rae, Feist, Winehouse, Lily Allen, Colbie... just a few from the last two years. This goes back to Macy Gray! Remember how unique and cool Macy was from her first album according to the hype? It's too much too soon. And too much to live up to. Look at Alanis. Was she ever better than Jagged Little Pill? Nope.
So, over-hyping Duffy 11 months before Grammy time will likely get her nothing but a hit single as big as "Put Your Records On." And that's it. Feist was supposed the best thing to happen to this industry, then she performed in an oh-so-lackluster way on the Grammys, then POOF, gone with her and gone with her support. (She was clearly missing an IT factor and was devoid of personality anyway.) So, I say, slow down. Don't jump on the Duffy wagon so soon.
Jerry J. Sharell
SHARELLManagement
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I caught Duffy’s set at SXSW, after getting the album from Amazon
Mitchell Cohen
VP, A&R
Verve Records Group
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Love, love, love "Mercy" by Duffy. Can't wait for the album! I hope they give her a shot in the current hip-hop-driven radio of today, she's awesome.
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There's a bit more Toyah (Ed. note: Do you mean Robert Fripp's wife Willcox?) in there than you might imagine....
Hey Lenny,
Although Duffy and Adele are very different, they are in fact book-ends to a renaissance of great blue-eyed soul that is a kind of left handed tribute to the old Northern Soul days in the UK. Trust the Brits to spearhead this refreshing move. Love the Duffy LP (and the Adele as well—great string arrangements!) Your review and Bud’s insights are on the $$$... always great to read your columns…
Peace/Out
Jovan V. Mrvos
Barst & Mukamal LLP
New York, NY
![]() Record-breaking heat wave in the forecast. (9/6a)
![]() This oughta be interesting. (9/6a)
![]() We're putting our asses in seats. (9/4a)
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