Since we feature a lot of AOR and power pop on this blog, we cover a lot of releases that are brimming with positivity, inspiration, and feel good music. Duff Ferguson can certainly join the ranks of such artists, but could also be a contender to be their leader.
Duff Ferguson's full-length debut, "Good Things" is aptly named; most of the tracks are instant pick me ups in lyric and spirit, with excellent musicianship and well-crafted harmonies - good things indeed. An impressive list of guests who are no strangers to fans of power pop grace this release, including Todd Herfindal (Meadows), guitarist Tony Gilkyson (Bob Dylan), bassist Taras Prodanuik (Lucinda Williams).
The record will snap you out of the blues right at the get-go, with soaring tracks like "We Will Escape" and "Good Things", jangling with power pop goodness. "One Day at A Time" is an infectious romp through James territory. Duff is also an engaging vocalist on the rare moments when he slows it down for tender moments like the breezy "Never Enough". There is a new state anthem to be had in the driving "Forever California", and a new wedding song in the sincerely sweet song, "Marry Me". And for you Aimee Mann fans, there are a couple of tracks where Duff is cloudy, such as "Never Enough" and the woeful "Valentine's Day". But these are tunes all of us relate to at one point; Duff's decision to end the CD on positive notes underscores how hope is the way to triumph and happiness.
Duff Ferguson plays some of the most positive pop rock I've heard since The Galaxies. Fans of The Meadows and Scot Sax: take note of Duff's stuff.
iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9
Duff Ferguson on MySpace. Official site.
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