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| Lewis Taylor | 
 enlarge | Artist: Lewis Taylor
Label: Ume Imports
Category: Music
List Price: $13.98
Buy New: $10.26
You Save: $3.72 (27%)
Buy New/Used/Collectible from $9.05
Avg. Customer Rating:  (38 reviews)
Sales Rank: 121267
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
UPC: 766486312821
EAN: 0632427545729
ASIN: B000006TEI
Release Date: August 19, 1996
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
An Unknown Classic March 12, 2002
Lewis Taylor's self titled debut came out in 1996 - 7 years ago - and it still sounds just as fresh and mindblowing as anything being produced today. Of course hardly anyone took notice back then, but it only makes this album all the more satisfying to the lucky folk that are in the know. Lewis Taylor, at first listen, bears resemblence to Marvin Gaye, but his influences stretch much farther. His sound is a unique blend of psychedelic minimalism, lush climaxes & memorable arrangements; the end result is both soulful and innnovative. On top of great writing, Taylor sings all the vocals on the record (and his voice is truly something to behold), produces, and plays every instrument. All of this combines to create one of the best collections of songs in ages. "Bittersweet" stood out the most on first listen - hypnotic tension melts into a glorious soul chorus, with Taylor's warm vocals swirling throughout. Simply has to be heard. Other obvious standouts include "Lucky," "How," and "Whoever," but there really isn't any filler to be found. "Track" is sublime, "Damn" hits peaks and lows before descending into madness, "Spirit" brings it all to a stunning acapella close. I simply cannot praise this album enough. If I had to find a minus it would be with the lyrics, which have all been said before, but they are never a distraction and are, at times, extremely poetic and thoughtful. Words and reviews don't do this beautiful music justice - as highly reccomended as possible, pick this one up now!
The closest to Marvin Gaye yet October 5, 2001
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've heard a lot of artist trying to get that Marvin Gaye sound, but this guy is the closest and the most convincing I've heard since Marvin passed.The bass arrangements and chord structure along with the vocal work is the best work I've seen.No US artist comes even close EXCEPT Leon Ware ,the writer of Marvin's material.If you get a chance to have this album ,dont miss out.I cant wait til this artist tours the states.
A dark masterpiece. August 17, 2001
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Lewis Taylor has since his debut (this album) been compared with D'Angelo (who actually is a Lewis Taylor fan). This album "Lewis Taylor" is -- just like D'Angelo's "Voodoo" -- a dark affair. Many of the lyrics speaks of a lost love and the anguish conected to this long-gone woman. The music, on its side, perfectly reflects that; dark, gloomy, bluesy (spiritually) and eclectic (there's that word again!). The lo-fi production just adds the final statement: I got the blues and I'm down here in this hellish pithole! Look at me now!However, the music is very sophisticated and filled with a lot of warmth and soul too. There's amazing musical achievements on this album, all of them (except live-drums) played and arranged by Lewis himself; including vocals, of course. So, don't wait to buy this album. It's been waiting all too long for you allready! I love this masterpiece and I know Sigge does to!
One of the best August 9, 2001
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This album is absolutely one of the most fulfilling purchases I have ever made. Good music is supposed to inspire, provoke and remain fresh-- Lewis Taylor's self-titled does all of this and more. It is not enough for me to say that he takes you on a lyrical, musical and audio landscape that captivates and mystefies you, but that will hav eto suffice. I heard this album in a friend's living room 2 years ago and spent a year and a half searching for it (since it was never printed in the U.S.). I was not disappointed... highlights of the cd (in my opinion) are " Lucky", "Damn" and "Spirit"..I love all of the songs, each and every one, but those have the fullness, emotional prowess, lyrical and musical savvy, mystery an ddepth to compel me to them over and over again. BUY THIS RECORD!! you will not regret it. Though people say that Lewis sounds liek Marvin Gaye, Jeff Buckley, Sam Cooke, D'Angelo-- I think he sounds like himself and he does wonders to erase essentialism of rythym, vocal skill and musicality of belonging soley African tradition. He truly is a wonder of the music world.
Lewis figured it out! March 9, 2001
I just can't stop playing this CD! A friend turned me on to British musical talent, Lewis and finally stopped lending me the CD. My addiction started with a fascination for the 2nd track entitled "Bittersweet." After my friend cut me off and demanded I return his CD, I ordered my own CD! It was one of the best purchases I ever made! Taylor's sense of vocal timing, dark textured arrangements and dramatic progressions are arresting. Four months after buying my own CD, each song as proven to be as intriguing and necessary as the song that initially stunned me. Each listening experience provides me with undiscovered musical treats and a delightfully tortured perspective of the kind of love I thought I had outgrown long ago. I've turned others on to his music and had to pressure them into getting a their own Lewis Taylor CDs. If the recent American based "neo-soul" movement thingy ain't doing it for you, I understand. Turn your ear towards the east. The British have it figured out.
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