I first mentioned Amy Winehouse back in April 30th, 2007: “A fierce English performer whose voice combines the smoky depths of a jazz chanteuse with the heated passion of a soul singer.”
Her death at 27 was tragic but inevitable; Now comes news of a posthumous release of Lioness: Hidden Treasures. Its a full 12 track album from Winehouse, scheduled US release on December 6th, a mix of previously unreleased tracks, alternate takes, brand new compositions. Its likely to be a big seller in the UK. The Guardian in London got to hear most of the songs recently. They wrote:
“At best, the seven tracks sounded like the basis for another hit album, although it’s hard to make any kind of judgment on the basis of one listen. Several are based around demos or early versions of songs, to which Remi subsequently added vocal parts, backing tracks and more. He insisted that since Winehouse’s death on 23 July, he has only spent two weeks polishing the material. “Touching things up, adding some strings,” he said. “Just what you’d do with any recording.”
Nonetheless, it is hard to believe that Winehouse herself – who oversaw every aspect of the two albums she released – wouldn’t have reworked much of the material that is to be put out. There are certainly times when her vocal on a song sounds more like a sketch, even if she was an instinctive artist who appreciated the magic of capturing a first take.”
Regardless, I expect it will find its way to my gift list this year.
The Guardian has a track by track discussion of the new album.
Track List:
Our Day Will Come
Between the Cheats
Tears Dry
Like Smoke
Halftime
The Girl from Ipanema
A Song For You
(The above were the seven tracks played at the listening session)
Best Friends
Valerie
Wake Up Alone
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow; (Shirelles cover)
Body and Soul (Tony Bennett duet)
(These were mentioned but not played)
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Previously:
Amy Winehouse (April 30th, 2007)
Tragically Inevitable: Amy Winehouse Dead at 27 (July 23rd, 2011)
Sources:
Amy Winehouse album to be released in time for Christmas
Caspar Llewellyn Smith
Guardian, 31 October 2011
www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/oct/31/amy-winehouse-album-released-christmas
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