AudioShocker

I know, I know, I know. The last thing the world needs is more news about Amy Winehouse. I'll cut the shit and get right to it: Amy dropped a new B-Sides record stateside this week. Have you heard these tracks before? Probably. This is the bonus disc from the Back to Black UK Deluxe Edition.

The disc is comprised of generally poor tracks bookended by two decent ones. I think this disc proves that Mark Ronson's production and the Dap Kings work on Back to Black was phenomenonal, and that Amy Winehouse needs a strong production team to realize her potential.

The disc starts off with (yet another) version of Amy's cover of Valerie by the Zutons. I think the version on Mark Ronson's disc is better, but this one is closer to the original.

Amy rocks it reggae style on Cupid, and I do not dig it. This style does not suit her.

To Know Him Is To Love Him is slow, not bluesy, unexciting, and generally boring. Sorry Amy.

Monkey Man, Hey Little Rich Girl, and You're Wondering Now, sound like someone invited a shitty ska band to a circus. I did not enjoy these tracks at all.

The downtempo mix of Some Unholy War is like a well polished turd. The original track was a weak and it doesen't get any better here.

Amy's original demo of Love is a Losing Game is a gem buried at the end of the disc. The track sounds homemade and impromptu. But even without the studio polish or her smoother crooning, you can feel her raw power and it hints at the great studio album to come. Amy Baby, thank you for this one.