Duffy - 'Mercy'

 

That Duffys’ record label Polydor are jumping firmly onto the northern-soul-revival train, proudly waving a Motown-apex ticket (bought sensibly several months ago) is plain as day.

Her second single ‘Mercy’ has all the proper booming plate reverb vocals, clanking tambourines and a chugging Hammond, but it’s pretty good for it.

Think Dusty Springfield, Sam Brown, or if you’re not old enough for either of those, Amy Winehouse with a little more bubblegum, a little more sunshine and Duffys’ undeniably fantastic voice shoved way up in the mix.

Ah, Duffys’ voice… somehow tiny as a bird and gutsy as a bright red MG. Sexy, soulful and a little boho, all curvy turtle necks and Newcastle Brown… Duffys’ voice is her winning ticket and the reason a slightly shop soiled indie boy like me thinks ‘Mercy’ more than survived the manufacturing process. If you want further proof, check out the ‘candid’ video of Amy (for that is she) and Bernard Butler (for that is he) recording ‘Syrup & Honey’ , helpfully posted by her label (Polydor when did you get so clumsy?) on YouTube. It’s a great song and hearing her plaintive cry “baby, baby, spend some time on me”, both coquettish and lonely, is a real treat.

‘Mercy’ will doubtless storm the charts, and rightly so. It’s a great slice of retro brit cool, full of satisfying ‘yeah yeah’s and pounding drums, which should still be getting radio play when our windows roll down and duffle coats come off. What happens after that will depend on how many other ideas Team Duffy can come up with, or whether Duffy can shake in a few of her own.

One last thing though, her website only plays 30 second bites of all her tracks! Come on guys, we can’t download them… we’ve bothered to come and see… give it over!! (or are you worried we might find you out?)

6/10

Label; Polydor

Release Date; 26 Feb 2008

Buy this single from iTunes

 

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