AMY WINEHOUSE (February 2007, Mischa Richter ) Ninety-nine times out of a hundred branding somebody a ‘once in a generation talent’ is hyperbole, but that’s precisely what Amy Winehouse was. The then 23-year-old made her Hot Press cover bow just as her second album, Back To Back, was starting to break globally. She was delighted to be achieving commercial lift-off, but also starting to show the wear and tear caused by a punishing promo schedule that wanted Amy in half-adozen different places at the one time. With her close pal Mark Ronson at the production helm, the divine Ms. W managed on her second studio outing to fashion ‘60s girl bands, Motown, classic jazz and a dash of ska into something thrillingly contemporary, and which hasn’t been matched in the emotional intensity department since. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, our man Stuart Clark asked Amy what her perfect romantic day would comprise of and got this wonderful answer: “The boy doesn’t get up ‘til late, so I’d start by going to the gym early on my own and raising my energy levels for what’s to come later. Adrenalin pumping, it’s back to the house where I cook him breakfast, we eat and read the newspapers in bed and then have a nice, soapy bath together. Next we’d go for a walk in London, pick somewhere nice in Soho for dinner and, not too drunk, head home for some lovin’ Questlove did a compilation album called Babies Making Babies, which is the ultimate Sunday afternoon sex album. Well, anytime sex album.You’re making me all tingly!” It’s a sentence, which Stuart will cherish for the rest of his life…
066 HOTPRESS.COM