Two years ago, the go-to "female empowerment" song for movies (The Devil Wears Prada's opening fashion-show montage) and TV shows (Ugly Betty, The Hills) was KT Tunstall's "Suddenly I See." In 2008, that honor has to go to Duffy's infectious tune about sexual freedom, "Mercy." Now the Welsh singer-songwriter is doing her best to avoid the trap of being known as just the "Mercy" girl — a tall order due to the fact that, well, "Mercy" is one hell of a catchy pop song. But judging from her performance last night at New York's Webster Hall, it looks like she's up to the challenge.

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I recently left Rolling Stone after three years as a writer for the magazine. In that time, I had the opportunity to meet and interview some of the most talented and important artists of our time and become a small part of the legacy of one of America's most iconic magazines. Upon reflection, I've come up with five highlights of my time at RS — and a dishonorable mention that I can't hold onto any longer…

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