The Third Degree : 'Mercy'
Released: 8th June 2009 (To Download)
Label: Tri-Sound Records
It is very rare that a quick look on google reveals very little if almost nothing about a group, however with The Third Degree this seems the case. Further investigation reveals an almost encyclopaedic range of reasons why this is the case. These range from the theory that it’s a very well established band who wish to remain unknown for this record (an idea that sounds not very likely), to the idea that that it was thought up by a group of industry ‘big wigs’ and recorded by a group of session musicians (sounds more like it). Whatever the case is and while The Third Degree retain their mystique this is an brilliant cover of the song ‘Mercy’ originally recorded by the Welsh Pepsi loving pixie, Duffy. Furthermore it is very rare for a cover to eclipse that of the original, however that is most definitely the case.
It would be fair to say that while Duffy made an attempt at sounding retro, yet somewhat fell short of the mark, this recording by The Third Degree sounds like it could only be from decades past. The production is edgy and raw giving it an authentic sound. The song itself: A mix of brassy horn sections, old-skool rhythmic drum patterns and a brilliantly inventive bass line. Add in a handful of percussion instruments and you have the makings of ‘Mercy’ the way it should have been done. The vocals (which come from an un-named male vocalist) sound like they come straight out of Detroit, strong yet versatile and with an impressive range, with a sound reminiscent of an early Smokey Robinson or Little Stevie Wonder. He even manages to tackle even the most high of notes, perhaps even better then Duffy.
The song may not be the most ground-breaking of records and mainly resorts to a tried and test formula. However, it is summer and on a hot sunny day this song suits that occasion 100%.
Words: Kevin Angel
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Reply #1 on : Thu July 14, 2011, 18:35:41