There's nothing more hateful in the music industry than a cheap gimmick tagged on to a mediocre artist by some money-grabbing suit behind a record company desk. You know the kind of thing I mean, trendy haircuts, polka dot dresses, matching suits, a 'the' name, or some hideously quirky packaging for the latest musical offering.


[Scott Edgar] submitted the following comments [You would therefore think I would hold Duke Special's April 2006 release 'Songs From The Deep Forest' in high disdain. However there is much more inside that sturdy little wooden box than merely six heavy duty 7" records bedecked in individually illustrated sleeves. The unique packaging is merely a reflection of the art burning within songwriter Peter Wilson and his desire to put out an album which is a completely personal outpouring in every way rather than just a collection of songs.

No one can deny that this is a well thought out as well as evocative piece of packaging but it's only children on Christmas morning who prefer to play with the wrapping rather than what's actually inside. The beauty of this album is it's lack of tracklist. You can start it contemplatively or lift your sunken spirits with three or four minutes of pop perfection. Those little discs are yours to use as you wish.

Featuring some reworkings of Duke Special's most sublime songs such as 'Wake Up Scarlett', 'Freewheel' and upcoming single 'Last Night I Nearly Died' along side equally magnificent new recordings like the Paul Wilkinson penned 'Slip Of A Girl' this collection of musical gems will have you transfixed from the moment your speakers give that initial needle on vinyl boom until you're ready to start all over again.

Few albums this year will feature such attention to detail as will warrant percussion played on household implements, clarinet solos or good old fashioned music hall piano. Fewer still will be so meticulously and beautifully packaged so as to be as easy on the eye as on the ear and if you find an album which crackles to life better on an old 1920's gramophone then you are a better man than I.]