Gil-Scott Heron is a legend. You might know of him from his revolutionary street poetry of the 70's, his influential spoken word albums, or maybe just heard about the hardships of his life and times in New York City. Anyway you look at it, his words have affected the lives of many, and here he is in the new decade of the new millennium, reaching out to a whole new generation of people with a brand new album. Plenty of artists go to retirement and comeback, but Gil-Scott Heron has really impressed with I'm New Here. His scuffed and often tired voice tells of the hardships he has dealt with over the many years in a soulful bluesy manner - sounding so experienced, yet fresh over the minimalist modern beats and sound-scapes. Can't really pick and choose tracks here - this is the type of album you have to enjoy as a whole, but if you want a couple standalone highlights check out "New York Is Killing Me," "I'll Take Care Of You," or "Me And The Devil." Powerful stuff. Recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: XL Recordings 2010

reviewed by snackmaster 04/2010

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