Gil Scott-Heron - Me And The Devil

Our review
Customer reviews
Press release

5...according to our Brian on Thu 18 Feb, 2010.

Gil Scott-Heron is one fascinating dude ain't he? I like the fact he looks like some mercurial weathered hobo, like Tricky crossed with Tom Waits. The Wire were moaning that he sounds a bit beaten round the edges & out-of-puff as if his lifestyle has taken its toll. I say I couldn't care less, his performance on 'Me an the Devil', a Robert Johnson cover, just oozes this grizzly, cracked soul that you expect of such a volatile old legend! The backing music does kind of remind me of the orchestrated "trip-hop" that, say, The Aloof delivered in the late 90's but that's the whole point, it's the RIGHT sound to put to this man's stunning performance, no matter it doesn't sound all "contemporary/modern/bling & zing". The tune just rolls hypnotically, encouraging you to close your eyes and wallow in the smoky beauty. Then you play it again. And again. Hey, just get the album if you haven't already. It rules. The NYC Orchestra contribute to the version on the flip.

Released on 7”, ‘Me And The Devil’ is backed with an amazing alternate version, exclusive to this release – ‘Me And The Devil’ (NYC Orchestral Version).

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