CBC TV’s prime time ratings may be nose-diving, but all of downtown must have been watching last Thursday night’s broadcast of the 2007 Brit music awards judging by the way Amy Winehouse – who was named best female artist – has suddenly become the topic du jour.
“Did you see that amazing singer with the beehive and tattoos?” they’re asking at the Aqua Fit classes while treading water at the west-side Y. And just the other afternoon, former NOW rock scribe Matt Gallway spins her Don’t Send Me Back To Rehab on his CBC radio drive-home show in between weather reports and lost dog sightings.
On the Brits, Winehouse performs a show-stopping version of Rehab backed by the Dap Kings, the 11-piece soul revue that back her on her second CD and current UK #1 Back To Black. Although it was nominated for the Mercury Prize, Woodhouse’s first CD sounded like something you’d pick up at Pottery Barn along with a satchel of potpourri, more Snorah Jones and Corrine Boring Rae than the sexed-up love child of Ronnie Spector and Johnny Thunders heard on Black.
Such the buzz about Winehouse, I used my contacts at the CBC to ask if they were going to re-broadcast the award show as they have done in years’ past. Nope, maybe this summer, they say. Same thing at Much who have broadcast the Brits before.
See for yourself May 13 when Winehouse plays the Mod Club. Unless you’re an industry weasel, I’d start camping out now if you expect to attend.
