- Audio CD (15 April 1989)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Original recording remastered
- Label: RCA
- ASIN: B0000257B8
- Other Editions: Audio CD | Audio Cassette | Vinyl | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
20,135 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
- #16 in Music > Hip-Hop & Rap > Old School
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Product Description
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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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
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.
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
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.
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
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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Most Recent Customer Reviews
wonderfull christmass before time
j'ai connu gill scott heron avec cette compile excellente mais je vous recommande ses albums officiel tout est excelent !
Published on 5 April 2010 by Lipiarski Valérie
From the land of Liberty, Freedom and Equality ?
Gil Scott-Heron can only be described as a brilliant Black political poet and Jazz musician. The Revolution will not be televised offers us an alternative view from the US... Read more
Published on 22 Mar 2010 by dave copeland
An Original
Gil is a true original, with wide influences from soul, jazz and blues.
He has a dry, biting sense of humour too. Read more
He has a dry, biting sense of humour too. Read more
Published on 19 Mar 2010 by Christopher Coates
This Revolution Must Be Televised Today!
This album is still very relevant today, if not even more relevant. OK, the rapping is not as slick as 2Pack, but who cares? The messages are poignant and educational. Read more
Published on 24 Dec 2009 by Amegan
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