Lewis Taylor – Lewis Taylor 2LP

Description

Be With Records present a reissue ofLewis Taylor‘s self-titled album, originally released in 1996.D’Angelolost his shit over it.Aaliyah‘s third favorite track of all time is on it.David Bowierocked up with it to a TV interview, declaring it “the most exciting sound of contemporary soul music.” In 1996,Lewis Taylorreleased his self-titled masterpiece. An effortless blend of neo-soul, sophisticated pop, smart grooves and laid-back white funk, it enjoyed rapturous reviews from critics and music legends alike. But the album never managed to make an impact and given what was likely a token vinyl release at the time, the original records have long since been near-impossible to find. Lewis Taylor’s impeccable influences created a dazzling sonic palette: the LP as a whole suggests the visionary brilliance of Prince; the vocal stylings evoke the yearning power ofMarvin Gaye; the effortless guitar playing shares the virtuosity ofJimi Hendrix; the haunting tones conjureTricky; the innovative production and engineering invite comparisons to studio mavericks likeTodd RundgrenandBrian Eno; the multi-layered, complex harmonies flash onPet Sounds-eraBrian Wilson; the dark, drama is reminiscent of bothScott WalkerandStevie Wonder; the complex arrangements create textures and moods with the feel ofShuggie OtisonInspiration Information; the bold experimentation is akin to progressive artists likeFaustandTangerine Dream; the atmosphere is in conversation withJeff Buckley‘sGrace.Sabina Smythgets an executive producer credit on the original sleeve, but in fact she worked with Lewis on the production and arrangements, did a lot of the backing vocals and she co-wrote “Track”, “Song”, “Lucky”, and “Damn” with Lewis. Together they created an exquisite and sensually-charged record, with a freshness to the writing that makes the songs catchy, melodic-yet-deep and sometimes even funky. The music is predominantly guitar-led and a mixture of organs and synths, live drum loops and electronic percussion make for a sort of modern soul backing orchestra. On the surface the album is gorgeously laidback, but beneath the lush, sometimes slick, production there’s a murkiness in the seriously gritty funk/hip-hop instrumentation. This sprawling psychedelic soul opus really is a forgotten should-be-classic. Cut byPete Normanand pressed at Record Industry.