Gil Scott-Heron, 'I'm New Here' (XL)

The revolution won't be on YouTube either.

By Andy Beta 02.02.10 11:55 AM

While author/poet/activist/proto-rapper Gil Scott- Heron hasn't released an album in 13 years, I'm New Here isn't so much a comeback as a testament to spiritual resilience. After serving a bid at Riker's on drug charges, Scott-Heron was released in 2007, and his weathered voice has fissured in all the right places: It meshes with his own skeletal piano for "I'll Take Care of You," matches the darkness of Robert Johnson's "Me and the Devil," and shines through the industrial gloom of "Where Did the Night Go." On the Smog-penned title track, he sounds both worldly-wise and reborn.

Comments

Posted By Anonymous 02.23.10 3:44 PM

I have had the NEW ALBUM~~~~~~~~~~~~~""I'M NEW HERE"" for a MONTH. It is PHENOMENAL as all of Gil Scott-Heron's work is and shows his development as a HUMAN BEING, as a MAN and an ARTIST. THANK GOD that he is STILL HERE and music LOVERS can ENJOY REAL MUSIC.

ASANTE ASANTE SANA GIL~~~~~ninkupenda

Posted By Anonymous 02.05.10 1:57 PM

Indeed

Posted By Anonymous 02.03.10 5:06 PM

I don't understand this tossed off review. You have nothing negative to say about the album and yet only see fit to give it 3 1/2 stars? Why not 4? Why not 5? Gil Scott-Heron has written some of the most important music in our history and two sentences is as deep as you're willing to go in this review?

I have heard this album and it is incredible musically and lyrically. The opening track alone is heartbreaking, beautiful and full of the kind of social awareness that is lacking in everything from music to government.

If this were his only album Gil Scott-Heron would be important. The fact that it's only the most recent of his many amazing albums is a testament to the strength of the artist.

I hope that anyone reading this will listen to and buy "I'm New Here" and Gil Scott-Heron's older albums...
http://gilscottheron.net/

Contest and Promotions