Of Note: ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home’ by Duncan

Of Note: ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home’ by Duncan

Hmmm.  Typically, I’m able to come up with some information on an artist.  You know, a bit of background, some interesting facts… something.  The song itself came out, according to Amazon, back in June of 2013 (January of 2013 - according to YouTube).

I did find a twitter feed on Scoopnest, but that appears to be seven months old. 

He appeared on Daddy Yankee's last release, which was produced by The Cataracs.  He appeard on the soundtrack for a rom com called 'New Year's Eve', and he released a song called 'On the Run' in 2015.

But, other than that, where an artist named Duncan is concerned, I keep coming up empty.

‘Don’t Wanna Go Home’ is a sweet slice of modern pop.  Tasty.  Nothing new, but perfectly tailored and impeccably styled.

So… who is this?  Where is he from? 

And why is the EP this song came from free on Amazon? 

Yes!  Free!

You should check it out, because ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home’ (not to be confused with the Jason Derulo song) is not the only selection on that EP worth a listen.  I am also rather partial to ‘Last Night’ (feat. Katy Tiz & Ryland Blackinton).

Yeah, I know… it’s two years old, but… still tasty!

Favorite Singles / Songs 2013

I probably missed some (I always do), but this is a list of the songs that kept my ears tuned in throughout the year.  As years go, this was not a bad one (save for that horrible hillbilly dance music trend and the return of Jay Z). 

The Stars (Are Out Tonight)  / Where Are We Now? – David Bowie

Cryptic musings from a reinvigorated space alien.  ‘Stars’ coasts by with a speed and lushness that only Bowie can bring to the table.  ‘Where’ aches with age, experience, and a well-trod heart.

Clarity – Zedd feat. Foxes

2013’s ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’.  In other words, a well-written song with a fresh point of view performed flawlessly.  Ear candy for the emotional part of our brains.

Suit & Tie – Justin Timberlake / Jay Z

Best single of the year.  Even Jay Z’s grinding everything to a halt can’t diminish the impact of Timberlake’s dead-on retro soul hooks.

Say Something – A Great Big World

I prefer the version sans Xtina; she is so unnecessary (why is she there?).  Sparse, crisp, yearning… brilliant.  This song saved my life.

Wrecking Ball – Miley Cyrus

Miley grows up.  This is her first near-decent song.  And that rasp in her voice is growing on me.  Her tendency to careen up to a note?  Not so much.

Perfume – Britney Spears

Britney moves onto adult contemporary fare with this one.  The story is tad confusing, but then most three-way relationships are.  Vocal-wise?  The girl sounds almost real.

Counting Stars – OneRepublic

This one took forever to climb up the charts, but now it is snuggly ensconced in the top ten.  Filled with irresistible hooks and a buoyant sound, it’s hard not to smile when you hear it.

Come To Me – Goo Goo Dolls

Love this song; a tale of romantic love and redemption.  Its story really hit home with yours truly. 

Best Day of My Life – American Authors       

Technically was around in the latter part of 2013, so I have included it on this list.  Again, a very uplifting song; go on, try to not smile as you listen to it while driving in your car.

Royals – Lorde

Weird, gloomy and spooky, Lorde strikes me as that teen age nightmare that lives in the room at the end of the hall.  She sure is opinionated.  And talented.  Undeniably talented.  But she would make for a horrible roommate.   

Hold On, We're Going Home - Drake Featuring Majid Jordan

My favorite song of the year.  Love it.  It skates on the most wonderful, subtle groove.  Drake?  All is forgiven.

Kisses Down Low – Kelly Rowland

Others preferred ‘Dirty Laundry’, but Ms. Rowland had me with this one.  A perfect boudoir jam for getting your sexy on - no matter where you or on what you are planting your lips on!

My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark – Fall Out Boy

Furious, serious surging pop.  Throwing in everything they could grab, including a sweet KISS tribute (I’m on fire!), FOB managed to manipulate their way back onto the charts and into the ears of America.  Sure, it feels a tad desperate, but I will take this kind of pop smarts over the savvy marketing fare of Maroon 5 any day.

2013 - Primal Scream

Scathing and propulsive.  Makes me feel like my ears have been acid washed.  Something about this group’s music gets inside my brain and tickles my dark side.

Trying To Be Cool / Entertainment – Phoenix

Trying?  These dudes definitely succeeded.  These songs should have been much bigger than they were.  Stupid radio.

Sweater Weather – Neighbourhood

Not surprising that this hit in the year of (our) Lorde.  It strikes the same chord, but with less pretension.  Proof that moody and dark can be fun and intriguing.

Without You / Free Life – Natalie Maines

Love both of these.  Both should have been hits, but, alas, radio had no idea where she fit.  There used to be a format for music this good.  Stupid radio.

Love Illumination – Franz Ferdinand

This ‘Cars meets The Kinks’ ode is a slice of pure power pop.  I adore every snarly, sparkly, retro-seventies moment.  Makes me bop like I was seventeen again.

Get Lucky – Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams

Daft Punk takes 1970’s disco and turns it on its polyester head.  As inventive as it is retro, this had everybody’s ears perking up.

Same Love – Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert

Social activism has never been more smart or sweet.  A landmark single from unexpected quarters.  I originally wrote these guys off as a one-hit-novelty artist.  I was so wrong.

Scream & Shout – Will.I.Am feat. Britney Spears

This one was a howl from beat one.  Britney’s faux British / German(?) accent delivering dead pan VIP observations immediately brought to mind Madonna during her Marlene Dietrich phase, but if it works (and it does)?  Who cares?

I Love It – Icona Pop feat Charli X

Snarly, sassy, and infectious.  A great slice of pop drama. Would love to see this play out in real life.

Applause – Lady Gaga

Can’t help myself.  Makes me want to clap along.  Yeah, I know, it’s utter nonsense, but then doesn’t that describe all the best pop?

Lady Gaga – “Do What You Want” featuring R. Kelly 

Sounding like Christina Aguilera, Lady G (with the help of R. Kelly) brings home a nice hot grind.  A sonic lap dance and proof that the dame’s got  great pipes.  Musically, I suspect this woman has only scratched the surface.

Mirrors – Justin Timberlake

Chunky pop fun.  Chugs along on a deep groove, supporting one of the sweetest melodies of the year.  Mr. Timberlake could do no wrong in 2013.

Reflektor – Arcade Fire

Saw them perform this on SNL.  Now, I’m hooked on the video.  Oddest collection of musical ideas, but somehow it all works.  All that falsetto is chilling. That chick is freaky weird, too.

Radioactive – Imagine Dragons

The rest of their stuff feels a tad too ‘Corporate/Arena Rock’ for my taste, but this song sounds and feels deeper.  Not sure where they plan on placing themselves in the hemisphere; they remain a tad too faceless to have any staying power.  However, their talent and power is something to be reckoned with.

Next To Me – Emeli Sande

Filling in the retro soul slot for the year (in Adele’s absence), Emeli provided one of the sweetest pop gems of 2013.  Whether she is anything more than a one hit wonder remains to be seen, but something tells me this song will be getting a lot of reoccurring plays over the next few years. It’s tasty.

Burn – Ellie Goulding

From the reissue of her 2012 ‘Halcyon’ CD (‘Halcyon Days’), this one lives up to its title.  Her voice remains as waifish as ever, while her sense of craft remains unerring.  Very stirring.

Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin

Every generation needs an ode to the yearning for patriarchal approval.  This one supplies the balm and meets that criterion with style to spare.  As swan songs go, this was a great way for SHM to go out.

Special Note: The Little Single that Could

Sail - AWOLNATION

On the charts for over a year, it took forever for this one to break into the top 40 (and when it did, it only went as high as #17).  It continues to get plenty of airplay and has taken up residence in the lower half of the top 40 (where it still remains) for the past 20 weeks.  I guess good things come to those who wait.

As songs go, it is an odd number – super heavy, pitched somewhere between prog rock and Muse/Imagine Dragons territory.  It’s the stealth dinosaur that invaded the top 100 in 2013.

Up Next: Worst Music of 2013

Favorite Albums of 2013

Trying something different this year.  Each album of note gets three statements/sentences. Haven't heard of some of these?  Then get your listening ears on and Google them.  Many of these artists have websites where you can listen to some of their stuff for free!

                                   

Jetlag - Milosh: A-

Electronic ear valium.  Seductive and chill with just enough pop smarts to keep one attached.  Like floating off into an ethereal abyss.     

Antiphon - Midlake: A

Think Pink Floyd ‘Dark Side of the Moon’.  Listen from start to finish – it makes for a really deep ride.  Brilliant guitar work.

Closer To The Truth: Cher: A-

A guilty pleasure that’s cheesy, but catchy as hell and a lot of fun with not a bad track in the bunch.  I have come to the conclusion that Cher is the female Elvis (who I never cared for); flashy, same vocal style, and an incredible charisma that creates super loyal fans.  Here, the singer is fully engaged and sounding great.

Innocents: Moby: A-

Yes, a bit mopey and predictable (and Moby owes Massive Attack some royalties and a songwriting credit). It breaks no new ground, but it’s a very pleasant listen.  You get exactly what you think you’re paying for.

Kiss Land - The Weeknd: A-

Best rap album of the year and one of the best rap albums ever.  Such a tight fit between the grooves, beats, and words.  Gives one hope for the genre.

The Silver Gymnasium - Okkervil River: A-

Okay, so not the revelation their previous effort, 2011’s ‘I Am Very Far’ was, but they remain one of my favorites.  Lacks the cohesiveness of their previous effort.  Light on riffs and hooks, too.

Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action - Franz Ferdinand: A-

FF finally get it right.  Tight, poppy, and shiny.  Features one of the best singles of the year.

I Hate Music - Superchunk: A-

These vets come screaming out of the past with one of their most solid sets ever.  Music that matches their non de plurme perfectly.  Super chunky, indeed.

Push Any Button - Sam Phillips: A+

She has never resonated with me the way she does on this cd.  Great songs, chops and sound.  Shimmers, simmers and haunts.

Where Does This Door Go - Mayer Hawthorne: A-

Sophisticated pop smarts to spare.  The lyrics get a bit trite from time to time, but when the hooks are this much fun, who cares.  If Bobby Caldwell and Earth, Wind, and Fire had a baby, Mayer Hawthorne would be the result.

Ceremony - Anna Von Hausswolff: A-

Kate Bush with a giant organ – as in Wurlizter or Hammond.  Everything has an epic build.  A mountain worthy of a climb.

Soft Will - Smith Westerns: A-

This trio has a tendency to come of a bit fey at times, but their sound is sweet.  The jangly guitars (which bring to mind ‘The Archies’ and ‘The Monkees’) buoy up a rather melancholy demeanor.  Still, you can’t argue with the charm of their pop chops.  

More Light - Primal Scream: A-

‘2013’ alone should get your ears to stand up, featuring some very Bowie like sax work.  If not, try the meat and potatoes that is ‘It’s Alright, It’s Okay’.  It’s fitting that the former begins the album and with the latter closing it; everything in between is absolutely everything in between.

Clarity - Zedd: A-

A bit homogenized, but still full of interesting bits, original perspectives, and enchanting hooks.  The title track is this year’s ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’. In other words, one of the best singles of the year.

Mother - Natalie Maines: A

Wow.  Stellar vocals, great interpretations.  This one glows with a wisdom that has been hard won.

Bankrupt - Phoenix: A

No gripes here.  They deliver.  If ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’ (2009) was lift-off, these dudes are still in mid-flight with plenty of propulsion.

Ready to Die - Iggy & The Stooges: A-

Detractors wanted more.  I was satisfied with what was offered.  Not a bad coda to a brilliant snarl.

Monomania - Deerhunter: A-

Their ‘Halcyon Digest’ was one of my favorites of 2010.  This self-described “nocturnal garage” music sounds like it was recorded underwater.  Plenty of interest here; dig deep.

Ghost On Ghost - Iron And Wine: A

If Chris Rea and the Beach Boys had a love child, the result would be Samuel Beam.  Sunny harmonies held in place by a melancholy bottom.  I can’t recommend this one enough; one of the best of the year.

The Next Day - David Bowie: A

The thin white duke surprises the world by delivering a stellar set of songs that no one can argue with.  He manages to be self-referential and daringly forward thinking at the same time.  Contains two of my favorite songs of the year: ‘The Stars Are Out Tonight’ and ‘Where Are We Now’.

Waking On A Pretty Daze - Kurt Vile: A-

Gritty, hazy and weirdly dull.  Featuring some great guitar work. This fell upon my ears like a dreaded voice; one I could not stop listening to.

All The Times We Had - Ivan & Alyosha: A

Spawn of the Everly Brothers and Roy Orbison.  Frequently lush and lovely.  Makes me want to take a stroll, hand in hand, with my baby.

The Jazz Age - The Bryan Ferry Orchestra: A

What a marvelous idea, and, of course – it’s Bryan Ferry, so it works. I simply pray there will be no sequel.  He got it right this time, so why bother?

Electric - Richard Thompson: A

Haunting as ever.  Will this artist ever get his due?  Guitar work: epic.

Heavy Flowers - Blaudzun: A

Pure pop pleasure.  As fascinating as it is unexpected.  This one is all over the road with the kitchen sink thrown in; trust me – you’re in for a hell of ride. 

The Lone Bellow - The Lone Bellow: A

Authentic.  They mine the same vein as Mumford and Sons and The Civil Wars, but with much more success.  These songs are as haunting as the near-tragedy that birthed them.

A tip of the hat to:

Arcade Fire - Reflektor

Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City

Arctic Monkeys – AM

Bring Me the Horizon – Sempiternal

Cage the Elephant - Melophobia

Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

Disclosure – Settle

Goldfrapp - Tales of Us

Haim - Days Are Gone

Want a listen?  Google the artist’s name; many have their own websites with plenty of music to enjoy.

Up next: Best Singles of 2013