Have you listened to the full version of "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"? If your answer is no, don't front. This track is a piece of raw angst that will get you hyped. "The Revolution" is Gil Scott-Heron's poetic classic with a heavy funk backing by Pretty Purdie and the Playboys (on the entire LP). This album is probably Gil Scott's strongest work on the Flying Dutchman label, and for me ranks closely behind his Strata East classic Winter in America. Although "Revolution" features Purdie at his funk best, most of the album has a more of a soul feeling to it. But let it breathe, and you'll understand this record's true depth. "Pieces of a Man" is one of his most powerful and recognized works: "I saw the thunder and the lightning and felt the burden of his shame." Lead material. (Sampled nicely by KMD). The rest is up for the listener to discover and judge whether it hits in the gut or your personal wall.

• debut studio album from soul-jazz singer + poet Gil Scott-Heron, the first of many collaborations w/ pianist Brian Jackson
• 180g black vinyl pressing
• UK import
• housed in repro gatefold sleeve
• music label: BGP Records 2014

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2006