For those unaware, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s groundbreaking and highly influential debut album Frank, UMe has now released three EPs: In My Bed, Take The Box and F**k Me Pumps.

Previously released only on vinyl, they are now available digitally for the very first time. Each EP includes B-sides, alternate takes and live versions of her early singles, including “Best Friend (Acoustic)”, “(There Is) No Greater Love – AOL Session”, and “Take the Box (The Headquarters Mix).”

As for the brilliant album Frank, well, that has also been released as a simply beautiful 2LP picture disc, using the artwork from the original classic sleeve on LP1 and two beautiful images by renowned photographer Valerie Phillips from the original artwork photo session, shot in 2003 on LP2.

Recorded when Amy was still in her teens, Frank introduced a truly remarkable, supremely talented songwriter and a singer who would be treasured as one of the greatest of our time.

Side A:
1. Intro / Stronger Than Me
2. You Sent Me Flying / Cherry
3. Know You Now
4. F**K Me Pumps

Side B:
1. I Heard Love Is Blind
2. Moody’s Mood for Love / Teo Licks
3. (There Is) No Greater Love
4. In My Bed

Side C:
1. Take the Box
2. October Song
3. What Is It About Men?

Side D:
1. Amy Amy Amy / Outro
2. Brother
3. Mr Magic (Through the Smoke)

I think we can all agree that it is mighty rare for such a young performer to debut with such assurance, confidence and to such instant acclaim, but North London sensation Amy Winehouse already has a reputation that many far more seasoned artists would swap their gold discs for.

As for what Winehouse vocally brought to the table, well, she effortlessly combined a distinctive 20 a day voice with a serious appreciation of female jazz & soul heroes (Sarah Vaughan’s scatting style seeps through Amy’s vocal ad-libs as well as getting a name check). She also combined considerable jazz guitar ability with a classic approach which produced a contemporary, quirky, up front, tongue in cheek and risqué set of lyrics.

In particular, her version of the eternally hip jazz track Moody’s Mood For Love - which rides over a dub reggae rhythm - demonstrates this attitude, for it looks back in order to know where its going. And sure, this idea might raise a musical eyebrows, but in reality it sounds like a perfect partnership.

Featuring the singles “Take The Box,” “F**k Me Pumps,” “In My Bed,” and the first single “Stronger Than Me,” it’s most definitely this latter one that contains all of these qualities and proves that jazz influenced contemporary soul needn’t be safe, or perhaps even sullied by the smooth prefixes.

Lyrically fresh and uncompromising, the only occasional weaknesses across the collection are the sometimes obtrusive programmed beats, but that aside, this is an incredibly atmospheric recording, edging towards a small club rather than a studio, which gives the recording a warm intimate feel throughout.

Furthermore, the thirteen songs on Frank announced the arrival of a peerless artist, a phenomenal writer and performer, and a true once-in-a-generation talent, and the images on this release show the young Amy at the beginning of her incredible, but tragically short musical journey.

To my journalistic mind, this album just illustrates what a great talent this raunchy-voiced woman from London really was. She will be more and more of a recognizable loss to 21st century music as each year passes by. So enjoy Frank over and over again as the sensational timeless work of art that it truly is.

In closing, Frank launched the career of an artist whose inimitable voice set her apart from her contemporaries. Certified triple platinum in the UK, the album was lauded worldwide and deservedly so.

Official Purchase Links

www.amywinehouse.com

Amy Winehouse @ Facebook