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Spirits | 
| Artist: Gil Scott-Heron
Label: Tvt
Category: Music
List Price: $16.98
Buy Used: $6.00
as of 9/10/2010 15:19 CDT details
You Save: $10.98 (65%)
New (17) Used (16) Collectible (3) from $6.00
Seller: hopstat
Rating:  14 reviews
Sales Rank: 46583
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
UPC: 016581431027
EAN: 0016581431027
ASIN: B000000GRC
Release Date: March 29, 1994
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | Message To The Messengers | | • | Spirits | | • | Give Her A Call | | • | Lady's Song | | • | Spirits Past | | • | The Other Side, Part I | | • | The Other Side, Part II | | • | The Other Side, Part III | | • | Work For Peace | | • | Don't Give Up |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
On this 1994 release, his first new recording in more than 10 years, Gil Scott-Heron revives all the phases of his career. He turns to biting social commentary on "Message to the Messengers," a diatribe about antisocial, often nihilistic trends in hip-hop; then, on "Work for Peace," he critiques American militarism with a particular focus on the Gulf War, offering the tidbit, "The military and the monetary / Get together whenever it's necessary / Turning our brothers and sisters into mercenaries / They are turning the planet into a cemetery." The title track and "Don't Give Up" (which was produced by Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest) recall Scott-Heron jazz-funk classics like "Lady Day and John Coltrane." The singer-poet also does a savvy updating of his 1974 hit "The Bottle," interpolating it into a three-part suite called "The Other Side," which features affecting guitar and keyboard solos. Unlike many of Scott-Heron's live shows, which are laden with nostalgia, this release looks back and ahead with equal power. --Martin Johnson
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 14
 Gil Scott-Heron's Final Jam August 13, 2009
Donald E. Phillips II (NOWHERE)
I bought this originally when it was new...I guess it was "lifted" from me. Anyway, I replaced it for the intensity and depth of a three-part number called "The Other Side," which represents Gil's new translation of his earlier hit, "Home is where the hatred is." Part one is particularly haunting. You should check it out, too.
The Man! Gil Scott-Heron May 18, 2009
W. BROWNLEE (Charlotte, NC)
Oh my goodness!!! This is a must have cd if you are a fan of Gil Scott-Heron. The soulfulness and heartfelt lyrics cannot be over-looked on this cd. The man gives you a glimpse inside his heart, his soul, and his mind. I cannot say enough about this cd! I have purchased it for friends & family members. Have a listen...I know you will enjoy this one.
Gil Speaks the truth! February 3, 2009
jaru22 (SoCal)
A true poet and legendary artist. From the first track you know you are on a lyrical journey. Gil speaks the straight truth and the music is great. A great album! Grab this!
Life is Like a Circle If You End Up Where You Started Ain't No Other Side September 22, 2007
Feel the Vibe
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was at one of the first concerts when Gil came out with this CD. It was a small theater in Baltimore and he was so close to the audience everyone felt like he was singing just to them. You could tell he tore out a piece of his heart to make this music so all the pros/cons of would be reviewers seem ludicrous if you've ever seen him live! I was playing the CD for a friend on a road trip and when the trip was over she 'borrowed' the CD and said she was never giving it back. Feel the vibe of this man and his music - get out of your head and into your SPIRIT and enjoy it! Gil Scott-Heron is transparent and transformative.
 Decent comeback November 15, 2006
John Alapick (Wilkes-Barre, PA United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Gil Scott-Heron's 1994 album, Spirits, is a respectable comeback after being out of the spotlight for over a decade. Throughout his career, Scott-Heron was the most socially conscious artist in music as his commentaries about the injustices of the system were usually spot on. Along with these observations, the music that accompanied it was often very impressive, especially his mid-70's albums with Brian Jackson. While there are several strong tracks on Spirits, the music is less challenging overall as the recording is reigned in by a contemporary production. Also worth noting is that Scott-Heron's voice had lost much of its power which hurts the slower tracks on the album.
The album opens with "Message to the Messengers", which is a talk to the rappers who had come to dominate the musical landscape in early-90's. His message is simple: `If you're going to preach to your fans, make sure your info is correct.' "Work for Peace" is the other socially conscious track here and both prove that Scott-Heron's observations are still razor sharp. The album's centerpiece, "The Other Side", is awesome. Starting out very mellow, Scott-Heron plays the role of an addict (something he has struggled with throughout his life) as the song gains momentum into a sizzling Santana like jam before going to into a wicked version of his classic "Home Is Where the Hatred Is." On the same note, the very jazzy title track resembles his mid-70's work and is also top notch. The rest of the tracks such as "Give Her a Call", "Spirits Past", and "Lady's Song", are all laid back R&B tracks. While some of his past work in this vein has been excellent ("Winter in America", "Lovely Day", "Your Daddy Loves You", etc), the arrangements here are too safe and Scott-Heron no longer has the voice to carry these songs. All told, while Spirits isn't on the level of The First Minute of a New Day or Winter in America, it is a respectable comeback as "The Other Side" and the title track are both worth checking out.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 14
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