In her decline, she became impossible to look at, yet it was just as impossible to turn away. The death of Amy Winehouse should come as no surprise to anyone, and still I was shocked to hear the news.
For an all too short period of time, Amy Winehouse was on top of the world. Like many, I couldn't get enough of what she had to offer musically. But in this sad story, the demons win again.
Amy, you rocked! Now get some rest.
I want to thank Pattirules for this song.
ALL MY LOVING
12 comments:
Everyone saw this coming but no one could do anything about it. She was such a bright light for too short a time. I was always hoping she'd get herself together and give us more of what she had to offer, which was quite substantial. "Back to Black' is till my favorite album since the turn of the century. It's a shame she won't be able to top it. An overwhelming shame.
So sad to see this happen, right before our eyes..helpless...but she made beautiful music, what a great voice. She made me feel hope for the resurgence of real soul. Rest in Peace.
If you were to ask me my favorite artists, it would take a while before I mentioned Amy Winehouse. But you know what? Her version of "Valerie" is actually far and away the most-played song on my iPod. Out of 10,000 songs, it's easily the most popular. What does that say?
Here's a really nice a capella version of that song from YouTube. I will miss her talent, because it was huge. Also, that version of "All My Loving" you posted is really, REALLY good. Must get that.
RIP, Amy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqSKVv6YO8g
I discovered Amy in late 2003 thanks to the "Imports" listening station at Tower Records Lincoln Center. I immediately fell in love with her. It took a little over three years until I got a chance to see her live. It was her US debut at Joe's Pub in January 2007 before "Back To Black" was released here. I watched both sets that night. The first set was very good, but it took her a while to warm up and feel comfortable. The late night set was just incredible. I will never forget that night. Backstage she seemed genuinely happy to sign both of my CDs. She personalized them and draw a heart on each of them. I saw no signs of the persona the media would later try to create for her.
In the next few months I was able to see her three more times, one night at Bowery Ballroom and two nights at Highline Ballroom. I was ready to see her for many more years to come, but overnight worldwide success brought the problems with it and she was never able to come back here after that. I hear your sentiments, Sal, when you said you were shocked to hear the news even though they were not surprising. I felt exactly the same way. Deep down I was always hoping for a different outcome and maybe was fooling myself.
For those who take time to listen and aren't affected by outside influences, there is no question that she had a raw, natural singing talent that is very hard to come by. I'd also like to point out that she was a great songwriter. She wrote most songs on "Back To Black" herself and co-wrote the rest. She also co-wrote everything on "Frank" other than the James Moody cover. I don't know how much the other co-writers contributed. All I know is all songs on "Back To Black" and most on "Frank" come from a singular voice and have Amy written all over them.
Sal, I like most of the artists you write about here and you have recommended in the past, but you're not always a fan of all the music that I listen to. In this sad time, it makes me feel better that you were a fan of hers too.
Nice post Sal, completely agree.
Her debut album wasn't half bad, I never liked the follow up although most of the rest of the world bought it.
Just one point on the comments, her version of Valerie isn't a patch on the original by The Zutons.
Never much of a fan, 2-3 songs tops. A lot of it derivative. Sorry, and really not much to look at with that horsey face and hair.
These artists take more time and concentration on the drugs and alcohol they have to ingest than the actual music they must crank out. Too much pressure, maybe, no material probably.
Not a great loss, another musical casualty. Rest in peace Amy. Maybe you figured it's better being dead than to make music and money and lead a decent life. Boo-Hoo.
Hey guys,
Say what you will about being a train wreck, what you thought of her looks, ... Amy was a talented artist, made at least one great album, helped launch (or solifify the orbit) of the Dap Kings and -- most of all -- was a human being.
Not the first artist to self destruct or to have substance abuse issues. And I fear she won't be the last.
I'm reminded of Fred Eaglesmith's Alcohol and Pills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqA_xpOZcOU
yes I liked her music very much and yes she was a train wreck and yes she was talented but was she really the next Billie Holiday and was her output that trend setting or genre defining or much else then just some good music.
I'm sorry to see her die so young and in such a tragic way but if wasn't for all the drama about her drug use and her life style would she merit so much world wide press because of her music.
Unfortunately a lot of people kill themselves through drug and alcohol abuse but do they get headlines. I mean when Florence Ballard died was it all over CNN for two days non stop.
I don't mean to be callous about someone's death but some perspective might be in order.
Just listened to "All My Loving". I can understand her not being everyone's cup of tea but her talent is undeniable by any definition of the word. Thank you as well Pattirules.
Her voice had an innate ability to carry pain, and she seemed to actually understand what she was singing and phrase it well. She may have seemed derivative to some, I can see that, and she would not be everyone's cup of tea, but there was a real soul there (I mean soul in a human spirit way) and great talent. She was the real thing. She sounded like a woman not a child. And like her follower, Adele, she was a good, potentially great songwriter, and I am sad that I won't get a chance to see her get healthy and watch her talent grow, and gain wisdom, as she was one singer/artist whose storytelling ability could have deepened with time. Thanks for sharing the "All My Loving" via Pattirules. It was this that first made me love Amy.
robin, beautifully said. you dont by any chance have this entire session? looking everywhere....
@pattirules- thank you, and no I don't, I've looked too.
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