Lesbiatopia

It seems like, over the past couple of years, the U.K. has been not-so-gently reminding the U.S. that we used to create great music but that we have lapsed. As the U.S. fell into the increasingly repetitive and unimaginative abyss of the looped drum machines and hoarse screaming of Southern crunk rap, the U.K. has imported gems like Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, The Streets, Lady Sovereign, M.I.A., and Mika. Enter Duffy, the newest import from the U.K., who, even before she released her album yesterday in the U.S., has already been nominated for a LOGO NewNowNext Award.



Duffy has been touted as the second coming of Winehouse, except without the crack addiction. Last year, Amy Winehouse sang the memorable words "No, No, No!" in her breakout single "Rehab." But this year, Duffy's first words in her inaugural release "Mercy," which has been in constant rotation on VH1, were "Yeah, yeah, yeah!" Perhaps she is the anti-Winehouse.

Duffy released her album "Rockferry" in the U.S. on Tuesday, and it has already reached #3 on iTunes. She also sold out her show at NYC's Apollo Theater. Most of the tracks on the album are a bit more soulful and loungey than the danceable "Mercy," so this is definitely an album to unwind to after a long day. The vocals are powerful, and the production is retro-fabulous. I predict a Grammy nomination.