I've listened to the samples on iTunes and Amazon of Amy Winehouse's stuff and I just can't get the point. Ok, I relate to the vintage sound and she definitely nails the sound and vibe. But, there's a fine line between a vintage nod and a regurgitation. To me it seems like she is not really adding anything new to the sound. I don't fault her for doing it, I just don't get the hype and the awards. I mean take the whole Rockabilly culture. They are basically doing the same thing: let's take an old style of music, faithfully recreate it for our enjoyment, and live a fun fantasy life as if we really are these characters from the past. Like a Renaissance festival or Talk-like-a-Pirate day. But people aren't giving Rockabilly artist's major hype and handing out Grammys.
As I write about this, I am reminded of a similar issue in jazz. There are a lot of jazz players whose only goal is to sound exactly like 'Trane, Miles, or whoever. You go to a club and it's one more Bird disciple blowing bebop. If I buy a CD by a current jazz artist it should have something fresh and original to make it a 2008 recording.
Anyway, maybe there's a Winehouse fan reading this who can help me get the reason why she should get a ton of Grammy's for being just barely a cover band.
While were on the subject of music I don't get...hmmm...maybe I'll save that one for later...
I apologize for writing such a whinny post. I will lay off of criticism for a while.
I can't help you with Amy Winehouse..."Rehab" is neat song, but I'm not blown away by the rest of her work.
Now, Corinne Bailey Ray and John Legend's song was well deserving of a grammy! Oh, Alicia Keys was amazing too.
I concur most wholeheartedly.....
Check out Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. It's Winehouse's band from Detroit with their original, African American singer.
Ditto on the Dap-Kings, Unca Jim. Their tune, 1000 Days, is a great tune!