The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
A compilation based around Scott-Heron's first three albums, recorded for Bob Thiele's Flying Dutchman label in the early 70s. Several classics are included, ranging from the call to arms ("the revolution will be LIVE") that formed the title track, through to Gil's "Lady Day And John Coltrane" tribute and the pleas for compassion that form "Home Is Where The Hatred Is" and "Save The Children". The voice is ever- flexible, able to switch from jazz-tinged soul to roots of rap. Gil once claimed that he liked to sing in the manner that John Coltrane played sax and shaped his poetry in the way that Otis Redding sang. He achieves much of that here, weaving everything together in a melodic yet never-comprising manner. And if such other classics, such as "Johannesburg", "The Bottle" and "B-Movie" are not found here, there are other, complementary collections to be investigated. And definitely purchased. --Fred Dellar

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Description
Gil-Scott Heron was one of the most significant forerunnersof rappers, and THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED, a compilation of work recorded between 1970 and 1972, is a great place to start exploring his discography. Heron combines spoken word, R&B, jazz, and an unwavering eye toward racial andeconomic injustice in America in a unique and hard-hitting way. The title track, Heron's most famous, is a strong attack on the way the racist media can manipulate and distort. Cutting and humorous, Heron gets to the heart of the matter and his literate panache explains why he wrote his first book at the age of 12.
Heron's excellent singing voice is sometimes overshadowed by the strength of his socially consciousspoken word, yet several cuts on REVOLUTION showcase his fine voice. A cross between Mark Murphy and Jackie Wilson, Heron's voice is especially emotive on "The Get Out Of The Ghetto Blues" and "Save the Children". These lilting tracks balance perfectly with brutal commentary like "Whitey on the Moon" and "Sex Education Ghetto Style". A definitive overview of Heron's innovative early work, this compilation is musically riveting from beginning to end, in addition to weighing in as an important historical document.

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2005-01-06 rating:
Fantastic
Gil Scott-Heron is one of the great recording artists of the 20th century. It is a shame that most people know almost nothing about him.

He work is almost always interesting and I would recommend (almost) all of his albums. If you are unfamiliar with his work then this compilation album is a very good place to start.

Gil Scott-Heron draws on a wide range of influences: the music of John Coltrane, the blues, the oral traditions of the American South and many others to create fantastic music in a variety of different styles from spoken word/rap to (almost) soul.
He is perhaps best known for his searing political (and personal) lyrics that are often so good that they can be read as poetry. However, he is also an excellent musician and the music always complements his lyrics.

If you want to know more about him then I recommend trying to catch the Don Letts documentary when it is next shown on BBC3 or BBC4. Be warned his life is something of a tragedy - problems with addiction, particularly crack cocaine, and the associated jail time have dominated his later years (particularly ironic as two of his most famous songs - The Bottle & Angel Dust - are tirades against alcohol and drugs).

However, none of these problems detract from his music - he has been my favourite artist for nearly 20 years and I suspect he will be my favourite for the next 20.

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review by: date: 2002-01-04 rating:
If you're only going to buy one CD in 2002 get this!
There's no words to really describe this little gem. The only way is to get it, get in on the stereo, kick back and enjoy. Searing vocals, funky as hell jazz grooves and lyrics that make you think (something I don't think that messers Williams or Halliwell will ever achieve). Can't remember how I survived without this album in my collection. A must for anyone music lover.


review by: date: 2000-02-21 rating:
An essential buy
Poetic vocals from a legend, this CD is an absolute must for Jazz fans. Timeless music with as much relevance in today's world as when originaly written. It's as funky as hell. If you get the chance see this man live.

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