This assortment of bonus tracks and Duke Special rarities might just reaffirm your faith in the increasingly exploitative off-cuts compilation. Little Revolutions presents us with some 18 songs in total, including covers, radio performances and live renditions. The covers – including the Duke’s take on Prince (‘I Feel For You’), Radiohead (‘Lucky’) and, yes, Razorlight (‘Stumble And Fall’) – are a particular joy, Peter Wilson remaking traditional and contemporary compositions in his own Vaudevillian image.
Indeed, where else would you find a beautiful, piano-guided meander through Yeah Yeah Yeahs ‘Maps’ nestling alongside a spirited interpretation of Ralph McTell’s folk classic ‘From Clare To Here’? Pick of the covers platter though is a live waltz through ‘Tainted Love’, with gallant sparring partner Neil Hannon. The Divine Comedy man also appears on luxurious single ‘Our Love Goes Deeper’. With its beautifully dovetailing vocals, angelic backing and jiving keys it’s surely one of the finest songs in Wilson’s back catalogue. Elsewhere, your attention will be snagged by the pitter-patter melody of ‘Glimmer Girl’ and the doe-eyed and doleful plea of ‘I Think I Am Losing You’.
Whilst other artists view the B-side as little more than a necessary evil, and collections such as this as a chance to fob the gullible off with some studio scraps, Wilson treats every performance and recording experience as an opportunity to sate his hunger for musical adventure and, as a by-product, here provides us with a rewarding tour into the lesser heard parts of Duke Special’s kingdom.