Anyone familiar with the Amy Winehouse that was restocked? Is it worth grabbing?
Listened to it over lunch. My highlights/notes
45 RPM - three tracks per side. I'd say compared to other records I have with this particular format mix it isn't as robust sounding, but I also think a lot of these cuts were either alternate versions, out-takes, live recordings - basically not prioritized with source material. While it's mastered by the same people, the production/engineering will vary by track. It's certainly not bad sounding - like Amy definitely has worse pressings out there, but you're also not getting any sweet audiophile gold here.
Packaging is nice: standard gatefold, good photography, a fairly classy and nice insert with a write-up on each song indicating where they sourced it from and the reason for its inclusion as well as a bit of a tribute from Mark Rondson and SaLaAM ReMi.
Musically I find it really interesting. It's a compilation over her entire life: some of her earliest recordings, some Back to Black demos/outtakes, and even a song or two from future albums that never happened. To me, it feels like the kind of music Amy Winehouse would have produced if she escaped her dark period that ultimately ended up consuming her. It's much...calmer, less intense than either Frank or Back to Black were. I think a bit of Lady Gaga's shifts over time - it's a more laid back vibe to it all. You never feel like its too intense. I'd probably say the two Ronson tracks (Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow and Valerie '68 Version) were both highlights, but there wasn't a real skip for me in there.
A lot of it depends on the Amy vibe you'd like. I'd give your preferred streaming version a few tracks to try, if you like the slower, laid back feels I suspect she would have settled into, I think this is a good representation. If not, it may not be your speed musically enough to justify it.
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