Amy Winehouse: In Memoriam
By now, the news of Amy Winehouse’s death has become widespread. Thoughts vary. Some say that her recklessness made this early demise unsurprising and inevitable. Others remain shocked. Without question, 27-year-old Amy Winehouse was talented and thought-provoking, but, perhaps like so many others, she continued to slip because of the overwhelming pressure to conform to the act that a performer puts on themselves. Think about it. Imagine Lady Gaga without gaudy clothes or make-up. How about a “normal” Charlie Sheen. It simply doesn’t do it. We like our performers how we know them. We don’t want to see them different. Amy Winehouse was hounded by tabloids and labeled a wild soul who scoffed at rehab and said screw you to the world. But in reality, Winehouse did go to rehab because of a serious drug problem spawned by mental health issues and a major self-destructiveness. If you listen to her interviewed it is clear that she was witty, but also insecure. A different picture is painted.
I want to profile a great interview I found while searching this morning. Click here
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Fanfarlo Just Finish Recording New Album
Photo by Deirdre OCallaghan
After Fanfarlo released their first album Reservoir in 2009, the indie scene immediately labeled the act as a “band to look out for.” The title is one that all indie bands would like to be marked with, but it does bring some pressure on the band to create a sophomore release that doesn’t…excuse my French…suck. Well, we are going to find out soon. Fanfarlo has just finished mixing album number two and have set a release date for early 2012. According to the band, the album is going to explore 70s and 80s experimental pop instead of the indie/folk that was pervasive on the first album. I’m intrigued and a little frightened at this concept. I loved Reservoir. It’s a great album. How this experimental pop is going to sound is a mystery. But I’m looking forward to listening to the album when it is released. No name on the album yet.
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The Traditional Blues of The Haret
I’m a huge fan of traditional blues. If you asked me to pick between the guitar-saturated sounds of the Allman Brothers or the gravelly voice and acoustic splendor of Leadbelly or Robert Johnson, I’d go with the latter all the time. I am not saying that I dislike the Allman Brothers. The Allman Brothers are awesome. I just prefer the old-fashioned blues. So, it goes without saying that I was immediately blown away by The Haret, a folk/blues depression-era-inspired music act that plays the pre-rock n’ roll blues (without the scratchiness of old recordings).
The similarity is striking. The voice is authentic. The harmonica is tasteful. The acoustic is strummed well. There is not much more to say. If you like old blues then you will love the Haret. Now the band just has to distribute their music online because I want it!
The Music Court 
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