Blogocentric Formulations

Valerie

** Image ID #2009874 Unavailable **

Song: "Valerie"
Original: The Zutons
Cover: Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse


I have to admit that I have no idea who The Zutons are. I've only ever know the Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse version of this song, and was actually surprised to find that the version I know was a cover. Long before Mark Ronson hit the mainstream by teaming up with Bruno Mars for "Uptown Funk," he was still collaborating with great artists to do original, energetic songs. There's no question that the world lost one hell of a vocalist when Amy Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning in 2011.

Rolling Stone called this cover the "only notable recording" Winehouse did after her acclaimed Back to Black album (ouch!). I've really enjoyed Mark Ronson's music over the years; I think he's a really talented guy who has a unique sound. If "Valerie" (and "Uptown Funk") are the kinds of things we can expect from him on a regular basis, I think we've got a lot of great music ahead of us.