Is Universal Being Fluffy on Duffy?
Ok, maybe not the best title. Anyway, I was hanging out with Will & James this past weekend and they introduced me to Duffy. Well not personally, but to her music on YouTube. She’s a talented British singer-songwriter with a retro country/soul edge to her.
Her second single from her debut album went to #1 in the UK. And Universal Music Group just released her album here in the USA last week. If you haven’t heard of her before (like me), I’m sure you will soon.
But there seems to be what Will calls a “dumbing down” in creativity for us Americans. Here’s the proof. Take a look at the first video for “Mercy” released in the UK. It has a sophisticated retro, smokey vibe to it, with creative use of slow motion and fire.
Compare that to the American version, which is slicker and more polished, but lacks that special something… the original soul, you could say.
Compare for yourself and let me know if you agree or disagree:
Here is the UK video of “Mercy” (Polydor Records)… make sure you watch the last half:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMx1jt1KPG0&hl=en&fs=1]
and here is the US version (Unversal Music Group)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QSm5f1eiIk&hl=en&fs=1]
