Aretha Franklin's performance of 'You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman' is the only video I want to watch in 2016, as long as I can have it on a loop.
The stats so far
No. of times watched:
No. of times dissolved into tears:
No. of times it was a case of 'I'm fine, it's just a prickle in the eye': the other 8
No. of whoops and gasps, audible and irrepressible: SO MANY
Okay, I know 'SO MANY' is not a rock-solid stat, but sometimes one has to abandon their rigorous data-gathering when faced with such an incandescent blaze of pure joy and astonishment. (A diligent statistician speaks.)
But Aretha Franklin is always phenomenal, so what is it about this video? She always is (you're so right) but there's just so much to knock you sideways here, in the best possible way. I can't get enough of Carole's King's total rapture throughout. I truly don't know if I've ever seen a happier face. (If there was a video of just Carole King's reactions for the whole 4m 17s, even without the magnificent audio, I'd watch it. As a special 2017 treat.) I love the way the Obamas lose it right from the start. And why shouldn't they? Watching a 73-year-old woman as radiant and powerful as this is a breathtaking thing. Luckily she has some to spare - Aretha sounds as if she barely needs a microphone to blow the roof off of the Kennedy Center. Viola Davis' adoration at the end pretty much sums it up, and is also a joy to watch. (Ditto re: reaction video - any leads appreciated.) Then there's Aretha's floor-length mink. Oh man. Whatever your feelings about fur, you must admit - she is a vision. And when she stands up and whips the coat off, effortlessly bringing the crowd to their knees... I've been reduced to a husk just thinking about it.
Not only is the content glorious, but the timing of this video is also totally brilliant. It's just the thing to soothe my post-Christmas mind (addled as it is with cheese and brandy cream) and rouse my otherwise-dozy New Year spirit. It's a feast for the eyes and ears during what can be an otherwise wallopingly abstemious month. I don't think it's just me that needs a hoik-up in early January - I reckon we could all do with a boost of vitality and inspiration to see us through these cold and stilton-less days.
And here it is! Fill your boots.
