Back To Black: Triumph Over Tragedy｜Modern Classics Month

[@terrywachter]

We've been robbed of hearing 50 year old smoky, sultry Amy.

[@abigaildevoe]

we were robbed of a healthy happy amy too. her voice could've aged beautifully

[@konowd]

No doubt, and it’s a shame. Can’t think of any reason she wouldn’t still be big if she were alive and well today.

[@kristofftaylovoski60]

Exactly, the people around her should have had the balls to step in....could not have been hard to notice for those close to her.

[@leamanc]

The way she was headed, she would have sounded like Marge Simpson's sisters by now.

[@konowd]

There’s really nothing you can do past a certain point. You can force people into rehab but unless they want help you’re shit out of luck. Sometimes the best you can do is step away so you’re no longer enabling anything and hope they eventually have a moment of clarity. Addiction is the only terminal disease that tells you everything is fine and you have nothing to worry about.

[@scotttaylor7767]

Back to black will be listened to for the next 50 years. A incredible piece of art by a once in a generation artist. Future music historians like yourself will be studying Amy Winehouse for a long time. Be fascinating to see what influence she will have on the next generation of singers.

[@MikeB3542]

"Back to Black" and "Pearl" by Janis Joplin are such heart breakers to listen to...they leave us wondering how much we missed because these young women were buried alive.

[@Mandrake591]

Excellent show, Abigail, I do believe her self-penned “Love Is A Losing Game” is one of the best songs written in the last 50 years!

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Yes!

[@akadros310]

I am ashamed that I never listened to Amy before my friend introduced me to her like 3 years ago. I absolutely love her music and think she is by far one of the most important artist of the 2000s. This album in particular is top notch. Also, I enjoy your channel. It is interesting how much music you showcase on your channel that I love.

[@smaz9]

If you set aside all her problems, her antics, her addictions, you are left with one incredibly talented woman with a voice that transcends soul. This album is evidence that despite the struggles an artist may go through, they can still make defining pieces of work, even if it ends up being their last. It breaks my heart to know that we'll never get the chance to see how her career would've blossomed further, and also because she's not here to see just how impactful her music really was. In short, there will never be another Amy Winehouse

[@davidellis5141]

Overlooked , is the fact that its a great album.

[@dubrifle]

Thanks for this video. I needed another way in to appreciate this record, and your comments about the sound being a great fusion of past styles but not becoming lost in a retro attitude works for me. And not to add too much to the sadness of Amy’s demise, RIP Dennis Thompson, which i’m sure you’ll address next week.

[@jetnova3788]

Got to the party late but I’m glad I made it. Beautiful genius. As Tony Bennet said, she had the Complete Gift.

[@MikeB3542]

Bennett (as well as many of his cohorts) went through the wringer of drugs and alcohol...it felt like he recognized Winehouse as a kindred spirit. He expressed regret that he couldn't do more for her, though it seems likely she was beyond anything anybody could do.

[@BlueSky...]

IMO, Amy was the greatest talent this side of 2000. Her lyrics were so real, I think they painted her into an emotional corner she couldn't get out of every time she performed. I miss her more than any other artist.

[@kristofftaylovoski60]

A great highbred sound melding 1940's American female jazz vocal styling and that British penchant for SKA....

[@bolder2009]

And some lo-fi dusty hiphop soundscapes

[@davidskidmore4189]

That is such an amazing record. "Love is a losing game", and I loved her.

[@suesupino5872]

Sensational Amy, absolutely the best singer since 2000 by a light year! Also the first Mod Month act who actually sang Mod music! Now where's my Ogden's Nut Gone Flake review?

[@theapires-foley5730]

This record is an essential title for all who love music. - As always, top notch essay, thanks for your videos.

[@Large23collectibles]

Do I see The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society record at the end of this video?????

[@malcshone4409]

My son used to pop in to The Hawley Arms pub where Amy was the French to be found. Sometimes she would work the bar for a laugh and she enjoyed throwing chips / fries around at customers. Unique talent. Tragic waste. Unforgettable. Great job Abby. Stay safe out there.

[@kellypeterson2625]

Amy is one of my all time favorite artists. Great video!

[@jasoncromwell4206]

I've got nothing to add. Amy and her music speak for themselves. Excellent job, Abby!!!!!!

[@jasoncromwell4206]

It's so easy to get caught up in Amy and Blake's story that we forget that these albums are supposed to be a mirror to own failures in relationships. The reason I don't want to talk is this Album reminds me of a Girl who wasn't good for me and the terrible things I did at the time to cope with those things instead of dealing with the relationship like a man.

[@cradio52]

Omfg I almost screamed when this video popped up in my feed! This album is such a seminal work for me, that soundtracked some of the most formative years of my life. Amy is sorely missed… I wonder what her discography could’ve been like. 😔❤

[@reghunt2487]

I had wished you could cover Amy, but didn't srsly think you ever would. So this is great. I'm glad you got to realize the impact she had, with just two albums! Wonderful review of a really important artist.

[@lathedauphinot6820]

It was very strange. When Amy died I felt like I’d lost my little sister, and that it was partly my fault because I somehow failed to protect her, although I’d never met her and we’re nothing alike. Sort of like Elvis, with once in a lifetime talent, she had a way of making everyone who’d listened to her sing maybe 3 songs or so, it seems to me, feel like he knew her personally and that she was personally speaking to, begging for help from, him. I don’t know how it’s possible to do that, but she had it, and it’s a regret for a lot of people I’ve talked to still, even 10 years later and besides the fact that there’s nothing probably we could have done differently, that we let her slip away. Thank you for this, Miss Abigail.

[@temp-sec]

Tally hall/miracle musical vinyl Monday when? Now that that’s out of the way, Amy whinehouse was a genius who left this world far too early and back to black is one of the greatest records of the 21st century. (Also your hair looks great!)

[@tudormiller887]

There will never be another Amy Winehouse. She was a north London 🔯 girl next door' who took the world by storm. She only made two albums, but I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity..'BTB' is and always will be a classic album that will inspire many artists for decades to come. My favorite track from the album is Me & Mr Jones. RIP Amy.❤ P.S. Has anyone seen the new Amy Winehouse movie ? What are your thoughts about it and the lead actor Marisa Abela ?.

[@alanclayton9277]

the deeper tones of her voice are distinctive and there are some rich backing vocals. for me she wore her influences on her sleeve a little too much but she wore her heart there too. if we can't respond to that then we're lost. if you have a song like love is a losing game in your repertoire people are always connect, at least in part.

[@stephenmcgowan1356]

Abby, another great review.I believe ;Back in Back will be remembered in history as a much more important tLP than Is This it. I feel you made an excellent comparison with Amy and Billie Holiday, both being stellar interpreters of songs. Amy’s promotion of classic girl groups such as The Ronettes and her creating the following blue eyed soul movement, with Adeke becoming one of the biggest singers in the world and Mark Ronson the ‘It’ producer for half a decade (hell, he even put Josh Homme on a Lady GaGa record!) all had a galvanizing effect on modern pop music. I think you nailed this one. Great show!

[@pasteye1671]

Tragic and deeply sad as her personal life was, thanks for concentrating on her music. Her talent overcame any disabling effects from outside the studio, and we are left with a legacy of pure soulfulness (is that a word? It is now) that probably benefitted from her experiences. Such a musical loss, she would have stayed the course on talent. Just imagine the sound of a truly mature Amy...

[@robertworrell6287]

Abby you always look smart just like your courageous reviews.

[@hudsunzylstra132]

Been a fan of the channel since your Siamese dream video last summer. I'm always excited to see what albums you talk about every week, you've turned me onto so many new artists, helped me reevaluate albums I've overlooked and given praise to my favorites. Keep up the great videos and thank you for putting Amy back into my listening cycle 🤟

[@jamesnock5572]

Its a modern classic thats why its on mod month♉️🙋‍♂️

[@Connor_the_Beanman]

this is great timing as in my film class, we're studying the documentary Amy!

[@shelleylyme6402]

I read the last word of your comment above - "Amy" with an exclamation mark - as Amyl nitrite 🙄

[@Connor_the_Beanman]

@@shelleylyme6402 that made giggle, thanks

[@johnmulligan5479]

Amy Winehouse broke my heart by dying the way she did. Tony Bennett's heart, too. I mean, he had to sing with Lady gagagoogoo because Amy died. Stefani meant well, but she was no Amy. I still have difficulty listening to Amy Winehouse. I was going to start this comment by saying "Too Soon." As Mr. Bennett said "Amy had that gift. The fact that she died at 27 years old is just horrible to me." Me too, Tony. Thanks for giving us this appreciation of her artistry, Abby. Job well done.

[@LiGht-Youtube-0309]

Damn, the new videos and sound clips make the videos much better

[@KozmicGirlCrafts]

It's probably my most listened album and a forever favourite. Hate the new movie though, boycotting it. BTB and Frank are perfect from start to finish. I literally love her work so much, she created such an unique sound and she put her soul into the music and you can feel it.❤ there will never be one as good as her.

[@davidellis5141]

Like the target 🎯 Pink vinyl reissue.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Love is a Losing Game just wrecks me every time.

[@danmayberry1185]

🏆 Your hair and Billie shout-out each get an award. Each gen needs a Bessie Smith > Billie > Etta James.

[@ralphbolton4865]

Bravo! I have all of Amy's records on the shelf. Well done, Abby. Thank you.

[@ianemery4355]

A tragic story but the material left behind is fantastic!

[@scotttaylor7767]

Can you imagine the music that Amy might have done now ? Bloody Hell ! It doesn’t bear thinking about!

[@strahljd]

I equate the impact of her death to Buddy Holly's...flashed just as bright but brief, music equally as innovative and impactful, and we're all robbed of untold years and decades of future music...just a monumentally tragic loss and a giant What If in music history.

[@leamanc]

Too bad she destroyed herself then. It's amazing how women like Courtney Love have endured decades of vilification, but when Amy Winehouse dies, she's suddenly a tragic angel.

[@strahljd]

@@leamanc Who's to say that Courtney Love wouldn't have been similarly deified if she had died tragically young? As the sage said, you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

[@richardelliott8352]

I appeiciated the insight about the album tracks , because I had been meaning to get this album one of these days , and figured to just get my first pink colored album, until the story developed, since I was going to target anyway. once again the costume was a hit, but without the full beehive , a sinister element was lost , and the character became just "very cute" like someone from a sixties surf movie. Real dangerous women beehives raised the question about possible hidden razor blades in the hair, just in case.

[@Gearhart_Music]

I liked her voice, but I never quite got into her because of a lot other public behavior. But when I listen to her now, it's heartbreaking because she was so good and we lost her way too soon. It would have been great to see what could have been if she had lived at least a little bit longer and put out a few more albums.

[@abigaildevoe]

i can't help but wonder how her life would've gone had she cut off those who enabled her. it would've been tough considering they were family and the loves of her life but it might've been best for her as a person and artist

[@lathedauphinot6820]

@@abigaildevoe If you cut that much of her life out though, how much of her will be left? Could she take that and grow, or would the vitality that gave her such power be stripped away? Like everything else about her, who knows?

[@phil4208]

Tragic, but we have Amy's music for an eternity , her life reminds me of Dolores from the cranberries, RIP talented beautiful ladies

[@spacemissing]

Abby, YOU are great!

[@behelit1997]

Yayyy, i guessed it right!

[@DannerPlace]

This is a great review of a great album. And, you totally look the part too.

[@scotternst7803]

Ain't no fuckery in this one, Abi! Another great job done on another great album! Me & Mr. Jones was my immediate favorite on this album, although Back to Black comes in a very close second.

[@jlr8423]

One thing I recently I found about Amy Winehouse is that she was a major wrestling fan Her favorites being the badass Rob Van Dam and... Chris Jericho (wonder how she feels about him being a washer up old man)

[@jlr8423]

Other than that another great addition to Mod Month. Great learning about another artist that I'm mostly unfamiliar with. Rest in Peace Amy , you probably would've being the old lady yelling at clouds

[@JukeboxGothic]

Its sad when the tragedy overtakes the talent. I hope in future times she will be rediscovered for the artist she was.

[@johnnymac4997]

spooky...I bought a copy of this today and played it a few hours ago as i cooked my meal...gobsmacking to see it pop up on your latest vid...i actually met her way back...without realising it of course at the time...s brought in by her gran Cynthia and unusually she would not sit with any of the other visitors and would move if one tried to sit near her and her young jet haired daughter...i nearly fell off my chair when i seen the picture in the documentary of Cynthis holding Amy and it was the same person !! far out !!

[@DirectorsGarage]

Amy is the most important singer since 2000. Period. She is the most talented singer since Freddie Mercury. In some ways the tragedy of Amy's death is that we were deprived of hearing what she was truly capable of creating. Back to Black is a phenomenal record. Other than American Idiot, I can't think of a more relevant album from the 2000s. But it's Amy shoved in an overproduced box of nostalgia. She excelled because of her brilliance and interpretation. But it was a sandbox of Phil Spector sounds overseen by Mark Ronson (who did a great job, no disrespect intended). She was capable of much more, and we never got to hear her 2nd or 3rd acts. Where would she have taken that amazing voice and phrasing if given the opportunity to explore other musical veins? I'm grateful for Frank and B2B (and Lioness), but it's a shame this is all we have. She was a true original.

[@frankthorne11]

Thank You.

[@MacgyverMike1]

Great video Abby Amy Winehouse was a very talented singer keep it up Abby ❤❤❤

[@RGRG3232]

I see we're about to get Kink-y on Monday. Looking forward to your take on that album. It's always been a bit elusive to my ears.

[@oceansssmaki8879]

1st of all great Video as always but please do a clothing vid! Btw where is the Kick out the Jams Tee from

[@abigaildevoe]

i made that KOTJ shirt myself with some iron on letters. it’s a pretty easy and fun DIY!

[@oceansssmaki8879]

@@abigaildevoe I will definetly try i really want one for a gig. Thanks allot :)

[@creeder44]

Fantastic video, Abby, and I love all the effort you put into the look (although I like your regular bangs better.) Thrilled to see my favorite band, The Kinks, finally making an appearance! Can't wait... This is the first mod month choice I really relate to, since grunge turned me off of rock so much that I went full-on into jazz and Great American Songbook, even starting our own label to release my wife's retro jazz records. I greatly appreciate that you concentrated on Amy's music and not her tragic personal life. I don't know if you're old enough to remember, but there was a period when she was treated as an easy punchline by comics, which struck me even then as cruel and unfunny. For instance, there was an episode of the sitcom "'Til Death" where Brad Garrett told someone who was partying hard something like, "Slow down, Winehouse," and the audience (or the laugh track) roared. That hasn't aged well. I credit Craig Ferguson with finally shaming people into stopping that with his 2007 monologue in which he revealed that he'd once been a hopeless alcoholic who came very close to suicide, and he refused to do any more jokes mocking Britney Spears, who was obviously in pain and needed help. That, and I think the concurrent photos of Amy looking like a Dachau inmate finally shocked people into realizing this was serious.

[@CoryChase2319]

Fantastic review!! Also, Ronson captured more of a Phil Spector sound than Motown... I am not saying that there is no Motown influence, but listen to how Ronson captured Spector's wall of sound.

[@blakesadler]

"Enjoy this, cause it will literally never happen again" ....until the B-52's review.

[@hipstereagle6050]

I don’t plan on seeing the movie but this video will probably go down as a better tribute to Amy than that

[@5118eman]

She had chops what a damn shame she didn't make it breaks my heart

[@scotttaylor7767]

I know history and popular culture can give someone a image and reputation that isn’t necessarily the true story.

[@jayzeeshawn]

I got an Amy tattoo on my arm. Thank You for doing this.

[@joepanck3053]

you used the opening note from"our prayer" from SMILE as a censor bleep? lmao. yes i agree Brian wilson is a genius

[@sugadelicsavagesoul8623]

Being a big fan of classic rock, oldies, soul, jazz, reggae, ska etc. it wasnt a no brainer becoming a fan of Amy's music in the early 00's. Her style and music appealed instantly. Of course when she passed away it was a punch in the gut, but it's awesome to see that all these years later music fans are still reviewing, appreciating, talking about and listening to the music. Makes me hopeful for the future. Btw, are there any classic SKA albums in your collection & any hope of seeing any reviewed on this channel?

[@flannigan7956]

A wig woulda been fine but it's good backcombing and nowhere near enough regular chances to say backcombing, backcombing. Ray Davies and them at last YES!

[@apolloc.vermouth5672]

Computer recording technology actually started to sound good (instead of cold and thin) during the early 2000s - maybe that's what sparked the whole fusion of classic soul and sampled beats back then? I also remember Back To Black and Multiply by Jamie Lidell rarely being off my turntable as the 2000s wore on. B2B takes the crown though - never has heartbreak sounded so compulsive and infectious! Edit: can't agree about He Can Only Hold Her being the weakest track, though!

[@cafe.cedarbeard]

Xennial guy on the internet, Pluto 6 Libra only heard of this artist during the media storm after she died. So tragic. I need to go listen to some Yes or something. It's not cathartic for me to listen to people who have sunk lower than I ever want to go, it's a drag. Moon in 9th house Gemini hears the torture in the voice when the musician lacks inner health and wellness. Jon Anderson sounds angelic cause he's happy and alive inside and in love with life. Being a wide ranging vocalist myself, my south node in fact on the degree of Gemini with the Sabian symbol "the first mockingbird of spring" I can mimic Amy's voice with ease and it doesn't feel good. That Gemini house with my wide open Moon answers to my Capricorn Mercury on the throne of my Capricorn Sun in the bottom house, so the sounds coming in through my Moon go all the way into my heart; I hear with a kind of depth that makes it hard for me to enjoy singers with suicide in their hearts, already audible in their voices in the months and years before they succeed. I cannot stand the sound of the Joy Division guy, for example. That said, some guy on the internet loves your music history lessons, keeping the music alive!

[@cafe.cedarbeard]

Monkish discipline in meditative deep listening practices included in my music training, plus the adaptogenic fungus shining up my physical cellular structure to be more zippy and clear in energy flow, Chinese martial arts training and I can hear somewhat like birds. I wear over ear headphones out and about often, just as earmuffs to reduce the sting of the crass noises so common in city life. Thus, no judge on people who like other music. I realize most people can't hear the way I do now, so less judgy about it.

[@cafe.cedarbeard]

Vegan now many years, and with keen control of my soft palate; I can hear the dairy blob in most singers' sinuses!

[@jasonyoung5628]

I think of Addicted fondly whenever I'm into the weeds. I'm moved to tears, literal tears, everytime I listen to this album. Not always a specific song or line, but somewhere in there different every time. I think a person would have to be soulless not to be moved as such. It was a terrible time to be a woman in the public eye in the early 2000's. Around that time, people said Lindsey Lohan was throwing her life (and looks) away doing drugs. Charlie Sheen got a high fucking five from the same shit talking misogynists for doing the same damned things. They hated Lana Del Rey, remember that? Not even her music, like they hated her personally for daring to exist. Amy Winehouse always looked a bit freaked out in front of people, but could you blame her? She was in the public eye when the public eye was fixed in its most patriarchal and most misogynistic leer on women. When a woman was a normal human size, she was "fat", then when she lost weight she was "anorexic". It's enough to drive a person to drink. Things seem better now, at least I hope so.

[@thegamingtapir5449]

Loved the videos but wanted to ask where you got those white cupboards/cabinet that you have your records in? I've been looking for a good way to store my own records sooo.

[@abigaildevoe]

they're the ikea kallax shelves! been using them since i first started collecting

[@konowd]

It’s a shame Amy died so young, but it was sadly inevitable and no big surprise when it happened. Lennon was right, better to fade away like an old soldier than burn out like Sid Vicious

[@leematthews6812]

Glad to say I saw her a couple of times *before* she went off the rails.

[@leejohnson3209]

Way back in 2008 I was in a pub in London buying a drink when I felt a shove in my back. It was Amy Winehouse fighting with some random guy right behind me. I don't know what he did to her but she wasn't happy. The bouncers threw him out. I was a fan of her music, shame what happened to her.

[@HarvestStore]

Great video.

[@konowd]

That beehive would fit right in a John Waters movie

[@andrescadabid3022]

Fell in love with this episode!!!

[@jltrem]

Abigail is dressed like the girls on the old Black Velvet whiskey billboards.

[@alanclayton9277]

NEXT WEEK'S ALBUM! HOW MUCH DO I LOVE THEE LET ME COUNT THE WAYS.

[@dommarston23]

I really enjoyed this ❤ although I'm not a fan of Amy's voice. I love Billie Holiday, and I love the classic motown sound. But...just can't listen to a whole Amy track. (Very sad story, though. I was aware of her troubles and spiralling condition at the time)

[@josemaria8177]

Open bets to guess how many cans of hair spray Abby spent to get the Amy Winehouse hair doo

[@abigaildevoe]

it's me and my aquanet against the world. shoutout to my mom for introducing me to that stuff

[@bolder2009]

I knew Amy a bit before Back To Black. She was a huge Nas fan. Even referred to him as her Elvis.

[@jfgibson73]

Awesome choice. There is a lot that can be discussed, but the music on this album is all you need.

[@grandtheftaholic]

i wish she was still with us :( rip amy

[@31carrier]

I enjoyed this video Thanks

[@coldcreamkitty]

A wig!! I always learn from these wonderful essays

[@adamfindlay7091]

I love what you do cuz i DONT know these albums! And ...not only are you thorough, i dont feel like a piece of * because of that ( which 90% of youtubbers will try...). You also make us feel like this slab came out literally today. Not an easy accomplishment. ☮️

[@MarkAS56]

One of my deserted island albums

[@cartereckblad]

when is Alvvays debut

[@JesusGomez-ob2qt]

OH MY GOD IS THIS A DREAM? AN EPISODE ON MY FAFORITE ARTIST

[@EdgarMorrisandTheDead]

Id love to see a viynl monday of the white stripes elephant

[@paullynn473]

USA Music industry stuffs up again. 😂 A unique talent 🖤🎶🖤Always look in the import bin.. Great choice for mod💔Friday Dr Abbey

[@31carrier]

106 likes 423 views posted 59 mins ago Your a Great Story Teller

[@konowd]

Actually if I understand correctly, I think Jimmy Page funded the albums himself and Zep moved quick because Jimmy was cheap. His nickname was Led Wallet

[@eggman7527]

She's interesting. Laura Nyro is another one who was in love with Motown girl groups and such--and really raised that sound to a nearly symphonic level.

[@rustyrobinson8027]

You are very sweet ❤️🇺🇸

[@SURGASURGE12]

Amy Winehouse and Jeff Buckley are the two musicians that I wish didn't pass away so early. What we could have had.

[@lathedauphinot6820]

What a duet that could’ve been, the two of them challenging each other. He’d have to stick around a few more years til she grew up. I wish he had.

[@JesusGomez-ob2qt]

Jimi hendrix too I just know he would've been insane in the 70s, like miles davis in the 70s but crazier

[@nvm9040]

Damn my streak of the first to comment as ended 😢

[@hackfraud7842]

Review the new Chief Keef please😢

[@MaligNyant]

Yes yes YES YES YES. wwwww Abby

[@31carrier]

34th liked 140 views posted 15 mins ago

[@nvm9040]

It’s a very great debut album for a short lived artist Edit:People have pointed out its not her first solo album,oops 😅 Honestly the 27 club added a new member Amy and thats just sad because she could still be making music today

[@wyldebill4178]

You should have gotten Amy loaded before filming this review

[@dennismason3740]

Shrangrilas is pronounced shan-greh-LAHS. Moore an "eh" than "ee".

[@davidellis5141]

Well , That's Just Like Your Opinion Man !

[@dennismason3740]

@@davidellis5141 - Hey, man, I've been to Shangrila...