LENNYBEERBLOG: DUFFY, THE FIRST GREAT RECORD OF 2008

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 U.K. breakthrough track should soon find its way to the top of the U.S. charts. It's not quite as emotionally deep as "Rehab," but it's a better single and will be even bigger. The rest of the album is more torch-like, with my early favorites being "Warwick Avenue" (skedded to be the next U.K. single), "Rockferry" and the closer, "Distant Dreamer."

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 U.K. played the demo for David Massey, head of the resurrected Mercury label, who promptly fell in love with the artist. He wasn’t the only one—by early 2007, A&R reps from a bunch of U.K. labels were swarming around Duffy. But in the end, Simon Gavin at A&M U.K., Lucian Grainge and Massey emerged victorious, signing Duffy last spring.

“Rockferry” was released in the U.K. as a limited-edition CD single in late November, coordinated with Duffy's first U.K. appearance on the TV show Later. “Mercy” was serviced to U.K. radio in January, entering the chart at #1 based on downloads only. The single hasn’t budged from the top spot in four weeks. That’s a helluva setup for the album, which on Monday will make its debut in the U.K. at #1, with 183k sold.

In the U.S., Mercury started the record at Hot AC and select Alternative and Triple A stations, and continues picking up key adds. A video will be serviced at the end of March, with the album streeting May 13; it’ll be Mercury’s first new-artist release.

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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I caught Duffy’s set at SXSW, after getting the album from Amazon UK (I wasn’t gonna wait until the U.S. release), and really, it was a kick from start to finish. People are throwing the Dusty comparison around, but as a couple of my friends have pointed out (and I concur), her throaty brand of UK soul is more like a modern-day Lulu. That’s a good thing. My favorite album released thus far in ’08 by any artist, old or new.

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