BACK TO BLACK

It's hard to believe the talent and phenomenal Amy Winehouse has been gone almost 13 years already. And I'm still as infatuated as I was when she hit the scene. I was so bored with music by time she arrived. Then one day, I hear this sound on the radio, like nothing I'd heard in my own time. I was then even more smitten when I laid eyes on her. I love the rebellious appearance at once. I have no problem saying she even replaced Madonna as my favorite recording artist. She never gave in with her talent or her appearance to the corporate music bullshit, and I'm pretty sure if you didn't love her style, she most likely didn't give flying figs. What amazes me is it took almost 13 years to have a movie made, not including the docu- movie Amy. 

The film will center on the life of the late British singer and songwriter, one of the biggest singers ever to come out of the United Kingdom, and she changed the landscape of pop, jazz and  R&B in one, at the height of her fame, despite releasing only two albums...which for me are heavenly awesome and I can enjoy just those two albums, even more so than the huge catalog I have of Madonna's. The film also centers with the struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse and other personal issues and her tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil...  all of which that led to her demise at the age of 27. But it will also focus on Winehouses genius, creativity and honesty which she infused in everything she did. From the bits I've seen, the movie won't be perfect, but the savior of the film and perfect casting will be that of Marisa Abela who appears to be sensational. 

You needn't be a fan to find this an interesting film, even rewarding. And not to mention get another Amy Winehouse injection. But since we're here.

Why not? Hush and hit play sweet cheeks....

DIVA AND HER DEMONS

I was a HUGE fan of Amy Winehouse. When she came along, it was a time I had almost become board with music and then wham...along came Amy with a new twist on a old vintage sound with that raspy voice. In such a short time, Amy Winehouse won five Grammy Awards for her 2006 album Back to Black, and is remembered for songs like "Rehab," " You Know I'm no Good "Back to Black" "Fuck Me Pumps" and "Valerie." Is it any wonder I loved her!?! And lets not mention that over the top vintage style, those trademark eyes and bee-hive hair do. She died in 2011, at age 27, sadly. But today would have been her birthday.

Born in London, England, on September 14, 1983, Amy Winehouse broke into the music business when, at age 16, a classmate passed on her demo tape. She signed her first record deal as a jazz vocalist, and her music later blossomed into an eclectic mix of jazz, pop, soul and R&B. Winehouse then went on to win the five Grammy Awards connected to her 2006 album Back to Black. Winehouse died tragically on July 23, 2011, at the age of 27 from accidental alcohol poisoning. I can still remember hearing the news. I was set to go poolside that day, but instead stayed home and listened to all my Winehouse cd's. I had also dreamed of having a cock-a-tail or 6 with her in a bar one day. I thought that might have been cool. Yes, you are still remember Ms. Winehouse, and I shall raise a toast to you tonight and listen to your wonderful gifts you left behind.

Amy Jade Winehouse

 September 14 1983 –  July 23 2011

My four favorite Winehouse songs..... I highly recommend each.

A Monday Update

 

First, I'd like to thank  you all for your kind words and thoughtful comments last week! It really lightened my day and made me feel better, and for some of your phone calls and emails. It seemed like a long week. I was off work Wednesday and Thursday with the tests being done, and I don't think I ever had so many people looking at me undressed, not to mention pricked, pulled, shot, test run, and examined in all my life!!! The good news is I was never admitted to the hospital, and the blood test for the one where we thought the bacteria virus got in my blood stream came back negative! Turns out what is effecting me is post infectious arthritis, which some people can get on the heels of a viral or bacterial infection. While it is not painful, it does limit my movements and is uncomfortable to deal with. In most cases doctors like it to go away on it's own, which can go several days or weeks, in some cases several months, in which case then will be treated with intravenous antibiotics. After work, I have been told to relax and stay off my feet. I have also been given 600mg ibuprofen and some pain killers to ease the discomfort. Anyone who knows the Mistress is aware I can't swallow pills. And no other cracks need be said!!!! I would rather be making art work out of the damn things, like the Amy Winehouse portrait above or these pretty pictures.........

 

or I could just arranged them in a lovely candy dish for my dear Wally..............

The Lad stopped in with some, actually, all my market shopping, and stayed over Friday night, followed by some great take out on Saturday.Isn't that sweet of him? I guess I should really roll out the red carpet and treat him like royalty more! On the down side I didn't get to see the fabulous Bebe Neuwrith Saturday night, as I was too vain to be seen at my age hobbling about. Now, if only I had a regal cane, with decorative final,like the one Barnabas Collins has, well, that might have changed things!!!! Thanks again for your well wishes and I'm hoping to get back to blogging soon!

The Amy Winehouse Give-A-Way

Well, well, well, today was a good day. Why you ask? Well because Amy Winehouse's new cd hit !!! And wouldn't you know the Mistress fell into three copies of the cd!!! One to keep, and two to give away to two of my lucky, swell, chic, and lovely readers who I enjoy so much hearing from. I know what your thinking. Doesn't the Mistress already give everything away? I'll let that one pass. Upon getting home it has been a relaxing night, and I did my ode to Amy with some gin and tonics, lit some candles and listened to Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures- TWICE! If that answers your question on what I think about it.

Lioness: Hidden Treasures seems to be getting mixed reviews, people seem to be saying a lot— one thing that seems almost undeniable about the album is that it has a character entirely its own. There’s plenty of variation in between the songs—there has to be when you have an album featuring both Nas and Tony Bennett—but the feel remains the same, just like it did on Back to Black. And on this one, the feel isn't of Amy the big pop star, or even of Amy the walking tragedy, but rather, just of good ole Amy, the exceptionally gifted lounge singer. There is also some inside commentary about some of the songs, some great photos of the songstress, all the lyrics to the songs and some words from her parents. The cd features Our Day Will Come, a fun version of The Girl From Ipanema, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, and her duet with Tony Bennett, Body and Soul. There are 12 songs in total! Annnnnnnnnyho I would like to give the other two copies out to two lucky readers of my blog. What do you have to do besides buy me a gin and tonic if you ever get to Philly? Simple, just leave a comment to this post. After a week I'll put all the names in my cocktail shaker ( don't worry, I'll make sure it's is empty first) and the Mother of the Mistress will draw the lucky two! Comments will close end of day Wednesday. I'll announce the winners next Thursday, December 15. Good luck to all and thanks for reading and stopping in, I always enjoy hearing from y'all! Tootles!

Amy Winehouse-Our Day Will Come

As you know I was a huge fan of Amy Winehouse, still am. So no surprise I love her new release, Our Day Will Come" which was a popular song composed by Bob Hilliard and Mort Garson which was a #1 hit in 1963 for Ruby & The Romantics. And now it is being released again by it's latest performer Amy Winehouse. In edition to Someone to Watch Over Me, Our Day will Come was also to be on her third studio release, along with the duet she did with Tony Bennett, but now it is the first single from her posthumous album Lioness: Hidden Treasures. The song was originally recorded for her first studio album, Frank but was shelved. The video is a montage of Winehouse throughout her career with clips from music videos, live performances and press coverage. My favorite version of this song was performed by the late great Julie London, but as usual, Amy does a pretty good job and puts her trademark sound on it! I'm really looking forward to the album.

Bennett and Winehouse- Body and Soul

As you all know I LOVED Amy Winehouse. I'm still wearing black and it will be at least another two months till I can switch to purple! But nearly two months after her shocking death, the final video and song recorded by the late British soul star dropped yesterday, her birthday yet, and it shows the "Rehab" singer in fine form. She looked amazing!!!

The duet with jazz icon Tony Bennett on the standard "Body and Soul" premiered at 6 a.m. on MTV, VH1, and MTV Hits and mtvU and was repeated on an hourly basis throughout the morning, after which it was available online on MTV.com. The clip opens with Bennett taking the lead as Winehouse looks on coquettishly, often seen in soft focus as the elder statesman sings, "My heart is sad and lonely/ For you I sigh, for you dear only." I'm am in awe. A very big thank- you and hip tip to handsome Howard and his lovely blog Soundtrack to my Day for sharing this with me. And now the video. It is the best thing you'll hear all day. I miss her.

One Week Ago

Yet another example of a troubled, yet talented human being who was berated and bashed for years and only upon death was she treated like a human being. A little more kindness from the world and the media while alive—may have made all of the difference. I took this as a chance this week to not just pay tribute to my favorite singer, but also make it very clear that no matter how troubled a person may be, praising them at death doesn’t make the ridicule during life suddenly “ok”. To concluded the week out is Amy covering Someone to Watch Over Me that would have been a part of her third cd release. And to my hateful commenter all week regarding these post this whole week was for you!

 Kisses. Peace.

Amy Winehouse-You Know I'm no Good

Today is Amy's second release here in the US, You Know I'm No Good, and one of two of her most recognized songs by people who were not huge fans of her's. A great song. I remember the Mistress being stuck with this as her theme song by her friends. They all said when they heard it they all thought of me, so , I guess they are right? Here's my theme song.

Amy Winehouse-He Can Only Hold Her

Today is my fourth favorite song by Ms Winehouse. He Can Only Hold Her from her second cd, Back to Black. She never did a official video for this song, but here she is live from a London performance. Love all her quirky 60's groove moves!

Amy Winehouse-Back to Black

Amy Winehouse's Back to Black was from her second cd release by the same title. This is the cd that put her on the map here in the states, even though she had another cd and some singles out long before this in the UK. A most excellent cd for any collection. Love this song as I listened to it alot when the Boy-Toy and I called it quits. The song strikes many cords with me. I think because it was the first song I heard after the decision was made. And the video for it is shot in chic black and white, and the scene- how ironic.

Amy Winehouse-Stronger Than Me

Continuing with Amy Winehouse week here at the Casa, is another song off her Frank cd, and one of my favorites, Stronger Than Me. This song just makes me want to grab the Lad for a soulful pump and grind slow dance. And Amy looks so radiant.

Amy Winehouse-In My Bed

So after the weekend news of Amy Winehouse's death I have declared it Amy Winehouse Week here at the Casa du Borghese. I enjoyed her music more than just about any other female singer, she really brought a fresh sound to the scene when she arrived. I so hoped to see her perform live one day and maybe even share a drink with her. So if no one minds I'd think I'll do a little ode to Amy and feature some of my favorite songs this week from Ms Winehouse and enjoy my Tangauray! In my Bed is probably my favorite Winehouse song and it is rare we see her without the trademark bee hive. A Mistress theme song.

The Voice of Winehouse-Gone

Kailyne just brought to the Mistress's attention Amy Winehouse has died. Oh how I LOVED that voice. That voice and that beehive....and that voice. Rest in peace Miss Winehouse.

Amy Winehouse & Her Fuck Me Pumps

After four years of meltdowns, collapses, trysts, addiction and recovery and going off the musical track for a while, Amy Winehouse is set to make her comeback this year. The singer has been working on the follow-up 2006′s Grammy-winning ‘Back To Black’ for several months. Amy Winehouse has promised that her next album will be out in early 2011. Amy Winehouse, who’s released relatively little since her 2006 smash, Back To Black, has recorded a cover of Lesley Gore’s 1963 classic “It’s My Party” for the upcoming Quincy Jones tribute, Q Soul Bossa Nostra. The track was produced by Winehouse’s partner in crime, Mark Ronson and will be on her third album. I can't wait to see if it finally comes out as the Mistress is a huge fan of her vocals and her unique look. It's all part of her charm. And the English press has wrote that even though she is still thin, she is looking much better than two years ago. These pictures below are from a photo shoot she recently did and a paparazzi pic that was snapped. She does look lots better don't you think?




And here is two of my favorite Winehouse songs. She looks just amazing in In My Bed.

Winehouse and Her New Jugs

My singing idol, Amy Winehouse, is back in London now after months in St.Lucia, a drug and alcohol addiction, and a divorce from her ex-slime ball of a husband, Blake. And now she is back, showing off her new ta-ta's! The Grammy winning singer showed a eye popping, busty, figure when she burst onto the scene in 2003, but was left emaciated and skeletal after years of heroin and alcohol abuse. Lately reports and paparazzi show her looking fairly well now, her color is back, and she even has put back on 20 pounds. And I have to admit her new boobies look pretty damn nice. Just right, and not too big. I don't mind her getting them. Lets face it. The poor thing was pretty flat chested to begin with. Some of the current picture I have seen, Amy looks way better than she did the last couple years, even the huge hair. Now mind ya, I don't dislike her hair at all. Hell ,the higher the hair the better. I'm for all over the top. And it is her trademark after all, but her hair even looks more smooth and not so wiry and all over the place. All I know is that the new man in her life must be very good for her. Amy's new album is still in the works and will probably be out sometime in early 2010. Her producer said she looks fabulous and sounds even better and she is trying very hard to keep on schedule with the recording of her tracks. So, do you think she's on the mend or will she fall off the wagon again? And what about her boobies?

The British Might be Coming

Now, the Mistress isn't getting to excited just yet, but I found out that three of my favorite singers may be coming to Philadelphia. While at work today I was talking to our new assistant whose boyfriend and a friend of his run The Lever Room here in Philadelphia. I have never been there yet, but they have excellent jazz and groove music with dinner. Anywho, this fall they take part in the jazz festival every year. And this year they are in talks to hopefully secure not one, not two, but three British powerhouses for the festival. The Mistress's favorites,the sassy bad girl, Amy Winehouse who was here two years ago, the soft and sultry,Duffy and soulful and plucky Adele! Now whether all this will come to fruition will remain to be seen, but I think I would pass out if I got to see all three at once!

Amy Winehouse singing Valerie. I know she's a wreck, but damn it I love her voice!



Duffy singing Mercy.


And Adele singing Chasing Pavements.

Amy Winehouse Does Ella Fitzgerald

As you all know, the Mistress is a huge fan of Amy Winehouse. I know, don't say it. If Amy and I were at a bar drinking gin, it would be a mess! But when Amy Winehouse first came out she had such a fresh sound vocally, and I love jazz, so it was bound to be I would like her. A friend of mine just got back from England and rumor has it she is looking much better, and she is still at work on her forth coming third cd. The picture above is said to be the cover, maybe, so the article says.The other night when I was downloading songs to my I-Pod, I came across a Winehouse cover of Ella Fitzgerald's "Someone to Watch Over Me", that will probably be on her next cd. I found it on you tube and I have to say she does a pretty good cover of the song. I think it is just beautiful. You go girl.

The Chanteuse Winehouse

Singer Amy Winehouse is supposedly doing much better these days! The Mistress has always loved Amy Winehouse's music since she emerged two years ago. Both her cd's are excellent, although I do like the first cd titled Frank, which was her second release here, better. It has a little more jazz sound to it. Amy has been relatively out of the news. The latest is that she is still in the tropics and her producer has said she is currently working on her third cd. Word in the music world is that she could have another hit on her hands. Plus she is also looking a little better. Here are some of the latest photos. She does appear to look somewhat better. Although the Mistress doesn't care for the shorter hair.

I also understand that the man in the hammock is just a friend. And she might have another new man. Whatever it is working keep it up Amy. Don't have the world's longest running "come back" record like Ms.Whitney Houston!