Contact: tdharvey@hotmail.co.uk Or Follow On Twitter @TimDavidHarvey

Sunday 2 January 2011

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2010: #10 GIL SCOTT HERON: I'M NEW HERE


5/5. In a chart where singer and songwriters normally dominate, Gil Scott Heron's poetry spoke volumes. With his thirteenth album (and his first in sixteen years), the 61 year old soul artist proved he really was a wise man. The man who brought us the classic 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' in the 70's broadcast some of his finest work in 2010. With an album full of dark beats, street imagery and pain from the heart crooning, this artist painted us a picture of a long life. From the city scape of 'New York Is Killing Me' to the heartbroken 'Me & The Devil' this pioneer of hip-hop proved he was still a part of the culture. Every song had it's own individual mood, from the introspective 'Your Soul & Mine' to the dark reflections of 'Where Did The Night Go'. Even though this album was the product of a down-trodden man, by no means was it the produce of a desperate one. This man proved on this set that he was his own making and this unique style that was not compromised for anyone became embraced by everybody in the know. With this spoken word piece Gil lit up the world of blues. With 'I'm New Here' Gil-Scott Heron ensured that his fans, old or new and young would always remember where he's from, where's he's been and who he is. Truly a classic for the ages. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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