I didn't watch very much of the Grammys, but the piano duel was really a sight to behold. Both pianists were phenominal with their playing, timing, and interpretation.
Great performance and I'm a fan of his work, however when you get record of the year for re-arrangements of old music...I don't know. I guess innovation and originality carry less weight.
Amy's popularity is primarily because she is a self admitted (and proud of it) cocaine, heroin, and alcohol addict. Hollywood loves that stuff. In another case a second rate actor (who has a 4 year old daughter for God's sake!) becomes a drug addict and dies. It becomes first page news for 3 days. Young, good looking, rich, admired, pretty girlfriend, 4 year old daughter - nah! Think I'll kill myself.
I was 19 when Hendrix and Joplin died. Was quite broken up, too, but then 19 years are, in general, dumb asses. I saw quotes from 50 year old people sobbing about this drug addict's demise and how much "the world has lost!". Jeez, give me a break!! We'll get the same thing when Winehouse goes - what a loss!!!
Drubin - apparently I don't know what I'm talking about. It was 'album of the year' and not 'record of the year'. Mr. Hancock's recording of re-arranged material beat out ALL artists across ALL genres of music, regardless of innovation and originality. But hey, 43 years is a long run without a jazz winner - so that means there must have been too many mediocre jazz albums that have been released since 1965...ahhh the Grammy's! The same awards organization that gave Christopher Cross album of the year over Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' back in '81.
I agree, tomryan doesn't know what he's talking about. The stone cold fact is that drug addicts/alcoholics have been making great popular music since the beginning of recorded sound. There are talented dope fiends everywhere - jazz, country, easy listening, blues, metal, etc. It may be tragic or even pathetic, but that's the way it is. Twenty years from now I doubt I'll be listening regularly to Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black", but that doesn't mean that it wasn't a damned good record to listen to and enjoy in 2007-2008.
John Coltrane was a heroin addict but made his best music after kicking the habit. Miles Davis was a heroin addict for much of his adult life. Keith Richards was, too, and thank God he could afford regular blood transfusions (not that we'd miss him much if gone). Hendrix and Joplin (along with Jim Morrison) were drug addicts/alcoholics. We thought they were cool when we were kids, hopefully we all grew up at some point. I believe that current thought holds that Mozart was probably an alcoholic.
Tragic, no. Pathetic, yes. When I first saw Winehouse's "Rehab" video I thought, "Jeez, retro 90s heroin chic", what with all the slouching and slurry faces and bodies. What an amazing thing to be proud of - heroin addiction!!
I'm sick and tired of drug addicted, alcoholic, hygiene challenged celebrities being held as today's heroes. Winehouse has attained three times as much popularity because of her proud drug addict stance. And that is why she was NBS's most advertised performer on the Grammys. That is truly pathetic.
I think 12 days without sunshine (and it's snowing again right now - 8 times in 12 days) has made me testy. I am sick of spoiled brat rich kids that get addicted to narcotics. Especially sick of them being portrayed as people "we should get to know!".
Tomryan, I understand your revulsion with the culture's adoration of celebrities and the decadent celebrity lifestyle some practice, but don't let that interfer with your enjoyment of good art. Despite the way the media portrays Amy Winehouse, or even in spite of how she really may be, she still has produced an excellent album. As a consumer I can purchase and enjoy the music, but unless the artist knocks on my door and ask to use my bathroom, well, I really don't care about them anymore than I care about Steve Job just because I'm typing on a Mac.
I agree with Audiofeil. If you are familiar with Joni's original rendering of the songs, her phrasings and giving underlying meaning to her texts, you'll find both music and singing pathetically exaggerated and unintelligent, because of the singers' missing more than just the subtle points. This is not quite true of some of HHs piano though. Which just goes to show, that he could have known better. He's gone commercial, perhaps not to be blamed for this, with the cost of living nowadays. Just my personal opinion of course. I was deeply disappointed. For me, it was like spoiling good wine by filling up the bottle with cheap booze. And yes, I used to like Herbie Hancock, but obviously he has gone ahead with the times. I haven't it seems. I suppose I can prove this in so far as Amie Winehouse's singing just simply bores me to death. I need enlightenment, I don't get it what is supposed to be so great about her..... her writings, her voice, the music???
I have to agree with Detlof. I'm not getting the "Amy Winehouse" thing. What am I missing musically? The music video I saw was dopey (don't know in support of what song...she's walking down a sidewalk with a beehive hairdoo). Sorry if I'm offending someone...don't mean to. I just don't get it.
Being a child of the British Invasion and Beatles...I used to kind of laugh at guys that were still in love with and fixated on '50s doo wop. Now add 20 years and maybe I be one of them. I get that part of it. I think I get doo wop more than Amy.
If you liked Lauryn Hill's "Education" album, you'll probably like Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black". Sonically they went for a 60s retro sound with very little stereo info. Think classic Motown with a strong dash of Phil Spectre. It's loud, but not ruinously so.
Winehouse is considered a genius by some because she successfully imitates music from the 60s and 70s. Hmmm...
I think what's put me off is the media overkill as regards her drug abuse, alcohol abuse, barfing after meals, and self-mutilation. Now when I see her or hear her name I think of a scumbag human being. If flavorful food is made to look and smell like dog crap, I ain't gonna eat it.
I know what you're saying, Onhwy61 (Dylan fan?), I'm also typing on a Mac. But if it came so thunderously that Steve Jobs was a like kind and quality character as Winehouse, I'd think about selling it. However, my guess is Jobs would seek help pretty quickly. We wouldn't have this ugly mess that Winehouse is.
I have many Miles' records I treasure and God bless him for keeping to himself. Sounds shallow? Tough - the less I know about an druggie artist's personal life, the better I like it. At least Miles never made a record celebrating his sad failings.
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