Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Amy Winehouse Edition

Today we pay tribute to someone we lost too soon, Amy Winehouse. While neo-soul had made some impact in America, that was more earthy, ’70s rooted music. Winehouse looked back a bit further to the ’60s for inspiration. Moreover, she combined soul with elements of jazz singing, revealing incredibly sophisticated nuance for someone so young. Her debut album, Frank, was quite good, with hints of how major an artist she would become. One listen to “F—- Me Pumps” reveals a wonderful composer with a great eye for detail in her lyrics. This was followed by the mega-smash Back In Black, the rare popular album that also garnered tons of critical plaudits. There is no doubt that she inspired many other women to try singing classic R & B rooted sounds, leading to talents such as Adele getting a commercial foothold. Sadly, it ended too soon, but Winehouse’s talent will endure. In honor of Amy, please grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle and share the first 10 songs that come up. 

1. Elton John — Friends (To Be Continued): This was a song that Elton did for a film early in his career. I can still see the ugly pink-ish album cover for the soundtrack that populated many a cutout rack back in the day. This song fits well with songs like “Rocket Man” and “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”, though it’s not as stirring or powerful.
2. Saint Etienne — Former Lover (Tiger Bay): Even in the early days, Saint Etienne wasn’t just about dance pop. This is a gentle, ’60s styled ballad with Sarah Cracknell singing over an acoustic guitar and keyboards. This is both sad and sweet.
3. The Pillbugs — Goodnight To Babylon (The Pillbugs): This Ohio band puts out masterful psychedelic pop records that more people should here. This song has some George Harrison-ish lead guitar lines and a swoony melody. The band’s harmonies are consistently strong and they have mastered the requisite arrangements and instrumental variety to stuff their songs with interesting details while never lapsing into overkill. This is a really pretty track.
4. Tim Finn — Still The Song (Imaginary Kingdom): This might be my favorite of Tim’s solo records. After two cool records with Nashville record producer Jay Joyce, Finn went back to more classic instrumentation, performing super melodic pop songs that showed that he still had considerable vocal range. That being said, this is one of the lesser tracks, a happy number that finds Tim singing as well as ever.
5. The Get Up Kids — Valentine (Something To Write Home About): On their final two (pre-reunion albums), The Get Up Kids came off to me like a poppier take on Superchunk. Part of that might have been due to the lead vocals, though this song even has a structure that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on later Superchunk records. This song makes a good use of keyboards and a deft rhythm section to create a mood that supports the melody and lyrics.
6. Crowded House — Something So Strong (Crowded House): And now Neil Finn is represented this week. This was the second Top 40 hit off of Crowded House’s debut album. After the melancholy, heart tugging “Don’t Dream It’s Over”, this jaunty pop tune was a nice contrast, even though I’d say there are a number of better songs on the album. It just goes to show how even a lesser Neil Finn song is still one heck of a tune.
7. Mott The Hoople — Driving Sister (Mott): This is a riffy rock ‘n’ roll tune (indeed, the chorus is “Driving sister/rock ‘n’ roll) that Ian Hunter specializes in. I’m sure there are a couple of comparable songs on his brand new solo album. What distinguishes it is after the second verse and chorus, there’s a delicate instrumental break before setting up some loud riffing. Not quite jamming, but a creative middle section.
8. Judas Priest — Diamonds and Rust (The Essential Judas Priest): This is a cover of a tune by Joan Baez! The band adds a pulsing rhythm underneath, basically adding metal flourishes while otherwise sticking with the melody. Rob Halford’s vocal is relatively restrained. This is the studio version – I prefer the live version.
9. Johnny Cash — The Ballad Of Ira Hayes (The Legend): This folk song was based on a true story of one of the Marines who raised the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. He was a Native American who became a hero due to being featured in an iconic photo of the raising of the flag. However, upon his honorable discharge he lapsed into alcoholism. This song has been recorded by many artists, but the Man In Black’s version is probably the best known.
10. Bad Religion — I Want Something More (No Control): A typical speed fest from my favorite hardcore band. Greg Graffin’s lyrics are smart and the music is powerful without being heavy. Bad Religion’s fast punk really soars. And in less than a minute.