Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: buddhuu
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 07:43 PM

Shame about all the premature jumping to conclusions.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 01:41 PM

Apparently there were no drugs in her system:

LONDON – Amy Winehouse had no illegal drugs in her system when she died, and it is still unclear what killed the singer, her family said Tuesday.

    A toxicology report shows that some alcohol, but no illegal drugs were found in Amy Winehouse's body. The singer died July 23.

    By Matt Dunham, AP

A toxicology report shows that some alcohol, but no illegal drugs were found in Amy Winehouse's body. The singer died July 23.

The family said in a statement that toxicology tests showed "alcohol was present," but it hasn't yet been determined if it contributed to her death.

The 27-year-old soul diva, who had battled drug and alcohol addiction for years, was found dead in her London home on July 23, and an initial post-mortem failed to determine the cause of death.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 28 Jul 11 - 05:24 AM

It is so easy to take a swipe at someone when they are gone. It is so sad that such a young talent should die, I heard that it was a mixture of drugs and alcohol that finally killed her but I think it was disgusting that promoters had pushed her to perform before she was anywhere near ready.

Yes the Norway massacre was evil and tragic but I don't think even Amy could have predicted that was going to happen. Unfortunately performers that die in this way are a stark warning to others.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 05:48 AM

Amen Keith.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: selby
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 04:44 PM

Amy a fine singer songwriter in her own field and sadly those in particularly in her sphere could not protect her from whatever. I only hope we in the folk world can look after our young people much better. the loss of any young life is a sad affair and to sit in judgment not knowing all the facts is to my mind appalling . Personally not a religious person but let him who is not without sin cast the first stone seems relevant at this point
Keith

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Bernard
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 02:34 PM

Paloma Faith said everything that needed saying without being too sugary on her Facebook page:

Goodnight Amy

When she opened her mouth to sing it was like the heavens opened, the voice of a bygone era, and in it was contained all the sadness and heartache of all the world, and that was what sounded so beautiful. She was so tragically beautiful.

Such a great loss for her family, her friends and her listeners.

I think it is important that people don't romanticise what happened to her, it is a warning to all of us. The truth is, Amy would have been better off alive, not forever young like so many of the other greats. She paved the way for me and others like me and her legacy will live on, timeless and infinite all at the same time.

I am so moved and so grateful for what she contributed to our generation of music and only sad she won't be around to do more.   

Rest in peace.

Goodnight Amy.x

(Paloma Faith)

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Lox
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 12:51 PM

I've got no problemwith artists not rocking anyones boat, just comments that compare them inaccurately with significantly less accomplished artists.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: GUEST,livelylass
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:54 AM

Tsk! Make that "Hope" not "Grace"

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: GUEST,livelylass
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:50 AM

I find it a tad unfair to be judging Richard's comments about Amy's musical strengths/weaknesses according to his age. I'm a bit younger than most on this forum, and if I were to compere Amy to what I would consider to be (very approximately) a more relevant peer group of fellow contemporary female artists, musically she doesn't excite me like Bjork, move me like Grace Sandoval, or impact on me like P.J. Harvey. Talented and skilled Amy was, but just because she doesn't rock everyone's boat in the same way, doesn't mean they are necessarily deaf old gits :)

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: saulgoldie
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:50 AM

Maybe this is not for me to say. Perhaps I should let this thread just run its natural course. But it seems to me that we are mourning the premature and untimely passing of one of our precious musical family.

I never "knew" her. But from what I have been able to discern, she was very talented and very troubled. And she left behind not only saddened fans, but very saddened family members as well. And in my own way, I miss her, just as I miss Bill Morrissey.

IMHO.

Saul

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:42 AM

I wish you guys would have the sense to start a "review" thread if that's what you wanted to "discuss".

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Lox
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:12 AM

Oh by the way Richard,

Cobain wasn't even that significant within his own genre.

He was a fluke whose career depended on the groundwork done by Sonic Youth and Mudhoney amongst others.

You are straying further into territory where you are clearly an infrequent visitor.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Lox
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:09 AM

Jack,

And scanning over the discussion, ignoring the points made and neglecting to click on the provided examples before making a meaningless contribution has a similarly profound impact on me every time.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Lox
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:07 AM

Richard,

I am able to deduce quite clearly that you didn't listen to the whole track but only a part of the first half.

Reading your other comments on this subject can only be compared to what it would look like to you if I started waxing lyrical about why Lord Denning was or wasn't my favourite judge.

It is getting clearer with each post that your fingers are in your ears, you are shouting LA LA at the top of your lungs and you are arguing to support your prejudice.

What you are talking about is the measure of your favourite artists iconic status, not their musical significance - and if "speaking for your generation" is the benchmark, then Wham, The Byrds, and Sandy Shaw stand as more representative, having been voted for, with hard cash, by more young folk of their day than hendrix Joplin or Morrisson ever were.

So that is clearly a flawed benchmark.

Hendrix was different as he genuinely had a new approach to music. Apart from the fact that he was informed about music to a pretty high level, (hence purple haze and foxy lady etc), he also wanted music to be experienced in a new way. He didn't want it to be listened to, he wanted it to be felt by the body - hence the high volume and the masses of distortion and other effects.

Electric Ladyland was also a goundbreaking album insofar as its creation involved the development of new studio techniques.

Jim Morrison was a Pin up with a good voice - the elvis of the psychedelic era - but if he hadn't been sexy and charismatic we wouldn't be aware of his existence.

Janis sang with Passion and I enjoy her music, but I can find nothing in it that hadn't been done already big mama thornton or billie holiday, much less that "changed the world".

I don't expect you to like Winehouse, but persisting in comparing her to George Miichael and Boy George, or arguing that she was less of a musician than Jim Morrisson is wilful ignorance.

I think I detect a little baby boomer arrogance creeping in here ...

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 07:44 AM

>>>I love the music of all the 27 club, but an objective non partisan comparison will work out favourably for Winehouse every time.

Yeah, rehashing the Motown sound, adding self pitying, self indulgent lyrics, 50 years later is pure musical Nirvana!

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 07:38 AM

Cobain and Morrison and Hendrix each gave expression to a large part of a generation, in Cobain's case to the extent that "Teen Spirit" dominated the form of that type of music for a good number of years.

Joplin's ferocity and power struck me as of greater musical impact.

Brian Jones? Not in the league (although better than the Stones guitarists after him). A look at his track credits shows nothing very remarkable.

Having listened to the Winehouse clip, it bored me. That sort of cafe jazz does. I would go along with "derivative". Having read some of the comments, that anyone could find Winehouse "better" than Etta James simply astounds me. Not that I think Winehouse was bad (although I did find her derivative or as is said above, tending to pastiche). I just don't see her as a musical genius to the standards of (say) Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Prince, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Howlin Wolf, Grace Slick, BB King, Alvin Lee, Bob Marley or Martin Carthy - or even a singer to the quality of June Tabor, Mahalia Jackson or Mavis Staples in her heyday.

She was a perfectly adequate musician who failed to excite me, and it's a shame she was so screwed up, and probably a bigger shame what she put her parents through one way an another.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Lox
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 07:26 AM

Peter - I disagree on one count with those comments.

They suggest that Winehouses singing is untrained and unprofessional compared to Linda Ronstadt, and that her singing somehow comes from a primal source.

There are numerous musicians in history who have had this said about them - people like Miles Davis, John Coltrane - and about how they express some deep instinctive roar that comes out of the ether, unaffected by learning.

This celebration of the musical "noble savage" is all very endearing at first, until you consider that all the musicians who are described in this way usually turn out to have worked day in day out to perfect their art from a very young age.

In the case of Jazz Musicians like Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Miles Davis and John Coltrane, the fact is that they were all very highly informed.

They might not have studied at university, but they grew up playing as apprentices under the tutelage of experienced musical mentors - which is basically the same thing as what happens at universities.

I know it isn't anyones intention to denigrate musicians of this ilk to describe them as forces of nature, but rather they are indulging a romantic fantasy and investing the artist with a magical alter ego.

However, I feel it is more respectful to acknowledge the expertise and hard work of artists who truly were consummate professionals - so good that they didn't sound like 'professionals', but instead were able to strike a resonant chord with any listener.

Nina Simone is a perfect example of this - people hear her and imagine the simple southern american black girl with her soul steeped in blues - and this isn't necessarily wrong - but what they often fail to acknowledge is that Nina is a qualified Doctor of Music.

Amy Winehouses Dad was and is still a Jazz singer, and Amy grew up listening to and singing along with Billy Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Kraal etc ... and you can hear them all in her voice.

Her timing and paraphrasing are first class and both original and informed.

Amy went to stage school to perfect her art and developed it through hard work and exhaustive practise.

So to ensure that she gets the full credit she deserves, she should be recognized not just as a silly girl with a gift, but as a total professional whose career was the result of hours of hard graft in the practise room.

On a slightly tangential note, of the musicians I have referred to above, at least 5 out of 8 also suffered from addiction.

Jazz is a hard genre to perform and many musicians take something to calm their minds when they play lest they make utter fools of themselves in the process.

My vice when i play is nothing more extreme than half a beta blocker as it controls adrenaline reabsorption.

Alcohol is the most common drug, but Heroin sadly has decimated the ranks of our greatest creative minds, because they couldn't face getting on stage without it.

Sad but true.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: GUEST,Bluesman
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 07:14 AM

Richard, you should withdraw both of your offensive comments.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 06:25 AM

Surely ALL music makes someone's world better and is therefore world changing. The number of people who's world is changed varies but the principle is still the same.

To me it was Hendrix to many others it was Cobain, Morrison and Joplin. One thing I do know - The ones who had their world changed by all these are no different to the ones who had their worlds changed by Amy Winehouse. They are all suffering from the same loss now.

DtG

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 06:21 AM

The two top comments for the video Lox just linked to give a good summation of the situation.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 06:18 AM

I tend to agree with Rob there. I never really dug Amy myself, I found her singing - however skilled - to be somewhat uninteresting and derivative. However, that's purely a personal response. I'm not knocking her, and of course now we'll never know how innovative she could have become if allowed to bloom into full maturity - Jazz after all, of all genres, is the medium for grown-up female artists. It's genuinely sad that she will not able to be rocking the world of Jazz fans well into her Sixties, as she should.

Livelylass

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Lox
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 06:12 AM

Well Richard - as you clearly haven't been watching the clips that have been posted, here's another standard beautifully and skillfully reinterpreted by her.


Someone to Watch over Me


And Richard, I posted to explain the difference between Winehouse and Boy George and George Michael

The fact that you are unable to distinguish between these levels of excellence for yourself undermines the authority of your critique significantly.

Your last post indicates nothing more that bloody miinded resistance which supports my suggestion that your view is informed more by loyalty to your generation rather than by fair and objective observation.

I defy you to identify how Cobain, Morisson or Joplin changed the world, let alone the world of music, any more than Amy Winehouse.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 06:12 AM

Oh, for gods sake, Richard, what argument or criteria will satisfy your o-so-fastidious perceptions, then?

~M~

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Rumncoke
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 06:09 AM

I'd not heard of her - but having looked at a couple of the facebook videos I'm not surprised.

I find her voice unpleasant and her lyrics don't make sense to me, what I can hear of them, but that is hardly surprising as that is not my 'scene'.

I don't know any alcoholics or drug addicts - I supose they don't make it to my age.

Were I a benign dictator I would probably decree that if two doctors agreed that a person was addicted that they should be treated as children, not allowed to manage their own finances and requiring supervision by responsible people. I would allow them a reasonable amount of whatever they were addicted to, as long as that harmed no one, or as much help as they required to avoid it. Their choice.

As long as addicts are regarded as adults and able to make their own decisions then some will die. It is inevitable.

It must be the deepest sorrow to their families and friends that they cannot save the one they love from the results of their addiction, but in most cases I can't see that there is anything that can be done, legally, to prevent an addict seeking out what they desire more than life itself.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 06:00 AM

Learning is not necessarily the measure of the merit of a musician.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Lox
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 05:52 AM

PS - in terms of musical ability and talent, Neither Joplin, Morrison or Cobain had anything like the depth of knowledge and understanding that winehouse has demonstrated - Hendrix was the only one who could boast the same type of musical depth.

I love the music of all the 27 club, but an objective non partisan comparison will woark out favourably for Winehouse every time.

I suspect that a bit of rose tinted nostalgic loyalty to our own generation may require us to resist this knowledge, but it remains trues.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Richard from Liverpool
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 05:46 AM

Well, the extent to which someone is liked by the trendy kids is always something subjective and variable. But just to counterbalance any anecdotal evidence in the other direction, I'm a young musician myself and I know I'm not the only one who listened to her work, because I've spoken to several other young musicians in the past couple of days who are also upset by this because they rated Amy Winehouse very highly. Personally, I thought that as well as being a powerful singer, she was an amazing lyricist, one of the best of my generation. I don't go in for league tables, but I really do feel she deserves to be treated as a true stand-out talent, not just mainstream poppy.

The worst I've heard someone say about her (sticking just to opinions of her records and performance) was that her music was a bit of a pastiche, but I think nobody could deny that the lyrics were written and delivered with such intensity that it took that music to another level.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Lox
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 05:45 AM

Richard,

You're right - Amy Winehouse wasn't especially ground breaking musically, but then neither was anyone else in the 27 club, with the possible exception of Hendrix, but from an educated standpoint this is arguable.

The complexity and difficulty of the song I posted earlier, and the one posted below, serve as evidence of the chasm seperating Winehouse and the likes of Boy George and George Michael.

Unlike George and Michael, it is instantly apparent in her singing that she has an advanced understanding of the very difficult harmony of Jazz and has an excellent, creative ear and an accurate voice.

I Have studied Jazz performance to a very high level, and trained and performed with the highest level of Jazz instrumentalists and vocalists and I am fully qualified to inform you categorically, that for her to negotiate those changes and make them appear so easy, whilst simultaneously making the song sound bluesy and soulful, is a skill possessed by only the very best singers.

It is important to add that she embellishes and improvises on the tune, and while this may not be that hard on diatonic folk and pop tunes, you can't do it on jazz tunes without a high level of knowledge and musicality.

Here she is singing the Jazz Standard "there is no greater love"

No Greater Love

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 05:27 AM

Al, I think Richard's right...much more of a "mainstream poppy" talent than "world-changing", IMO.

I know that the young musicians and music-mad kids I know never rated her that highly...the ones "raving" about her locally were much more likely to be older people who are into the "Simon Cowell experience", or *very* young kids (pre-teens). Certainly the current youngsters "equivalent" to those of us in my generation who were listening to Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin or The Doors didn't listen to her much.

Still desperately sad, and all sympathy to her friends and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 05:09 AM

I don't know Richard. its hard to get a handle on modern pop music when you're as old as we are.

I've heard people raving about her for the last few years - though I don't get it myself. It might click with me at sometime. It took me two years to remember the tune of Telstar, by The Sputniks.

Very sad for her family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 05:08 AM

Addicts are usually so because of choices they make. That they made those choices is no reason to demonise them the way some on here have tried. We all make choices, some of them are good and some bad. Fortunately for most of us, not all bad choices result in addiction.

It's worth remembering, too, that oftentimes - perhaps most of the time - these choices are made by very young, impressionable and vulnerable people. These are the people that are most easily preyed upon and influenced by the purveyors of addictive substances, be it tobacco, alcohol, pot, heroin, whatever.

In the same way that addiction is the result of a decision, the defeat of addiction also requires a decision on the part of the addict. Only the addict can make that decision, no-one can make it for him. It may be that AW had yet to make that decision - toxicology reports may eventually provide the answer.

People like Josepp should remember that every dirty smackhead or alcoholic is someone's son or daughter and that, no matter what bad decisions they make which result in their addictions, or what good decisions they fail to make to break their addictions, no matter what monsters their addictions may have turned them into, they are very often still loved by those who created and bore them into the world and who carry memories of their once-beautiful children always close to their hearts.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 04:14 AM

There is a list of world-changing musicians (well, some were) above, who died early. I know many thought well of Winehouse's talent, but I don't think she was in that league. I'd put her more in the George Michael or Boy George class, talentwise. I don't immediately see why she should have been more "driven by demons than they were". I do think her associations with some pretty unpleasant people were a matter of her own choice.   

I suppose I'm more sympathetic than some but less than some others.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 04:04 AM

I met two of the people from the so-called Club 27 list. I liked them both. I am sorry they died. I am sorry that Amy died. I feel deeply for her family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: GUEST,Callingbird
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 03:59 AM

I feel so sorry for her and her family.

Josepp....

Your comments take me back to the early days of aids when there were people like you spitting out hatred and fear.

Your 'holier than thou' attitude reflects your true soul.

No decent, human compassion within in.

People like you terrify me.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 03:22 AM

The funeral is today.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 04:31 PM

No cause of death has been given, while an inquest was opened and adjourned until 26 October. Results of further toxicology tests could take four weeks.

The 27-year-old singer's body was found on Saturday at her home in Camden, north London.

On Monday, her father Mitch Winehouse thanked fans for their tributes, saying: "I can't tell you what this means to us. It really is making this a lot easier."

Visiting his daughter's home, he added the loss left him "speechless".

The singer's mother and brother also visited the site to see the flowers, cards and photos fans laid in tribute.

A family spokesman had earlier said the funeral would be held as soon as possible, with coroners issuing interim death certificates allowing arrangements to be made.

Traditionally, Jewish funerals take place as quickly as possible following a death.


So bloody sad.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: goatfell
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 12:53 PM

it is sad thaty she died so young a waste of life

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 08:11 AM

+ 1 on what Sinsull, Eanjay, Lox and Alanabit said.

And I have considerable experience of addiction and its effects, not only on the addict but also, and equally importantly, on their family and friends (if they have any friends left).

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 08:11 AM

Thank you for the link to the wonderful, moving and compassionate words from Russell Brand. Thanks also for the YouTube link which I really enjoyed watching/listening to.

We have been left with some beautiful and amazing music. She was a truly talented singer/songwriter.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 07:29 AM

I remember what Gore vidal siad when Truman Capote died.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Lox
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 06:26 AM

PS

Maybe its not technically folk, but this iis folky enough for me, and certainly stands as a challenge to the naysayers.

Amy jamming to noone in a park on a sunny day

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Lox
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 06:18 AM

Well Josepp,


You are wrong again.

I have extensive personal experience of the effects of addiction.

That was my motivation for reading up about addiction.

Which is how I know about how it relates to dopamine.

Dopamine production levels are something which are predetermined in the womb and consequently some babies are born with a propensity to addiction.


Before you make any more of an idiot of yourself I suggest you read up on the subject too.

You may have to go deeper than a google search.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: billybob
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 06:11 AM

Thanks alanabit, that is very moving .
A truely wonderful performer. So very sad,
RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 05:58 AM

I'm sad that she has died - whatever the cause - she was hugely talented and so young. Life is precious.

I'm also sad, and frankly disgusted, that people here can even squabble and argue over someone's death.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: GUEST,livelylass
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 05:24 AM

Yes, I saw that yesterday. Russel had some very thoughtful things to say, which are also pertinent to some of the comments that have been made on here. Here's the final paragraph:

"Now Amy Winehouse is dead, like many others whose unnecessary deaths have been retrospectively romanticised, at 27 years old. Whether this tragedy was preventable or not is now irrelevant. It is not preventable today. We have lost a beautiful and talented woman to this disease. Not all addicts have Amy's incredible talent. Or Kurt's or Jimi's or Janis's, some people just get the affliction. All we can do is adapt the way we view this condition, not as a crime or a romantic affectation but as a disease that will kill. We need to review the way society treats addicts, not as criminals but as sick people in need of care. We need to look at the way our government funds rehabilitation. It is cheaper to rehabilitate an addict than to send them to prison, so criminalisation doesn't even make economic sense. Not all of us know someone with the incredible talent that Amy had but we all know drunks and junkies and they all need help and the help is out there. All they have to do is pick up the phone and make the call. Or not. Either way, there will be a phone call."

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: alanabit
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 04:34 AM

A beautiful and moving elegy from Russell Brand.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: GUEST,Bluesman
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 12:04 PM

Her father said last year that he feared she would join the 27 club. Sadly his fears came true.


http://thechaosofdeath.blogspot.com/2008/02/27-club.html

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Stringsinger
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 11:23 AM

Why are we at war with a country that produces 75% or more of drug related products?
And has this war curbed the availability of drugs on the market?
As they say in legalese, "Cui bono?"

Why is the Mexican cartel so powerful? Who in the US is financing this operation?

Then there is Colombia.

"Lady Day", Billie Holiday had underworld connections that kept her habit going.

The "war on drugs" is a charade, a "don't look under the curtain" game played by law enforcement, many of whom are "on the take". (Anybody remember Iran/Contra?)

Amy Winehouse was a casualty of a failed drug policy. Addiction is almost impenetrable because the underlying causes have to do with politics, religion and economics.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: glueman
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 10:29 AM

Amy Winehouse was prodigiously talented as a singer and songwriter. If she could have kept herself together she'd have gone down as one of the great white jazz/soul singers. She seemed burdened by her abilities, as though genius had been installed in a regular north London girl without any consent.
RIP Amy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
From: Richard from Liverpool
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 08:59 AM

A brilliant singer who wrote beautiful songs. Perhaps the greatest musician of the 00s.