This surely is one of very few 78rpm records to be released this year. Duke special seems to be a nostalgia freak. And that comes from a vinyl obsessive!. His cds are printed to look like old shellac records and his singles come out on the 78rpm format.

Philistine as I am, I don't currently do not have a player capable of playing ancient history. Luckily side B includes the A-side and three B-sides.(if that isn't an oxymoron!)

The A-side is the song, 'Portrait' and is a piano driven ballad. Its uplifting, fun and sung in a lilting Northern Irish tenor voice. Slightly quavering and ever so endearing.

'Feet in the sky',(How does that work? Damn musicians, always confusing me!) just might have him chasing a woman. Perhaps.

Thirs and fourth songs are live tracks. 'Maps' and Low are beautiful tender ballads played to an enraptured audience in Belfast.

Duke's songs are heartfelt and in concert he comes across as a realy shy sweetheart. A bit like you'll come away feeling touched and sure that the world really is a better place. He does hark back to some bygone age. No dodgy programming or electric guitar. Just emotional voice and piano. Its a beautiful record. I can't wait to hear the album.