It is somewhat poetic that ‘We’re New Here‘ would turn out to be Gil Scott-Heron‘s last release before he sadly passed away in 2011. In a career where he distinguished himself for confounding expectations it felt like the tracks from ‘I’m New Here’, his triumphant comeback album from 2010, where ripe to be quoted, sampled and bastardised like much of his back catalogue.
Instead Jamie xx did something different breathing new life into these compositions. To tag this simply as a remix album would be disrespectful to the young producer as his concise ideas mix perfectly with the words ensuring the legends musings are projected to a hungry new audience.
‘We’re New Here‘ therefore serves to show how universal the appeal of Scott-Heron is while showcasing the versatility of a young British star. Cougar writer Thom puts it best when he says “Jamie xx can do little wrong. Whilst turning a younger audiences taste buds to the back catalogue of Gil Scott-Heron, his gorgeous use of pips and twinkles have utterly enchanted his loyal fan base”
TRACKS:
Gil Scott-Heron And Jamie XX – NY Is Killing Me
