Duke Special - Last Night I Nearly Died (But I Woke Up Just In Time) (Hag)

Last Night I Nearly Died (But I Woke Up Just In Time), the song with the annoyingly long title, is the first release from Duke Special's debut album, Adventures In Gramophone. Unfortunately, Duke Special's ill ability to name a single without leaving its animator breathless is the least of his worries.

To say that Last Night I Nearly Died is terrible would be harsh, as it does have some moments worthy of credit. Notably, Duke Special's ear for texture, instrumental diversity and the gentle, catchy ascent of his vocal harmonies in the chorus.

To say that this single is good, however, would be an overstatement - to say that it is bad/annoying would be fair. Special's efforts on building a luscious texture are annulled by insensitivity to any dynamicism. But the real downfall of this song is the campness of it all: It sounds The Thrills if they went on a big gay day out, winding down the evening playing croquet with traditional British folk who have donned sweaters because "there's a bit of a chill". It's as if Duke Special has gone for an easy listening summer classic, but gone very wrong indeed. Avoid.