Gil Scott-Heron Returns: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised But It Will Be Streamed

After a grim decade of addiction and prison, the man who is said to have influenced a whole generation of hip-hop artists is back with a new album of covers, samples and fresh material.

It's quite slight at just under 30 minutes, but is extremely accesible after only one listen. I'm New Here is a collection of poems, spoken-word pieces and songs, with some grimy, minmalist beats.

Best known for political themes that tried to get under the skin of '70s and '80s America, such as The Revolution Will Not Be Televised and B Movie. I'm New Here (the song of the same name, an interesting Smog cover) concentrates on Scott-Heron's personal demons rather than anything overtly political.

Initial highlights are: Me And The Devil, an electronic soundscape is an modern reworking of Robert Johnson's Faustian pact; and New York Is Killing Me, a new Scott-Heron composition with some complex handclaps.

Battling a crack-cocaine addiction Scott-Heron was approached, while in New York's Rikers Island Prison, by XL record label boss Richard Russell in 2006. I'm New Here is the result and can be streamed in full at Scott-Heron's website, or just below the break. And below that is an interesting interview with Scott-Heron by Mark Coles on the BBC World Service.

Jay Reatard Died Of An Overdose

Breaking news from America where the Memphis musician Jay Reatard's autopsy results have been released. From the Memphis Commercial Appeal: "Autopsy results released this morning in the death of Memphis musician Jay Reatard reveal that he died from 'cocaine toxicity, and that alcohol was a contributing factor in his death,' according to Shelby County Medical Examiner Karen E. Chancellor."

The 29-year-old Reatard - real name Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr. - was found dead January 13 in his home.

Here is an excellent, short documentary about Jay Reatard directed by Alex Ham­mond and Ian Markiewicz. The scene where he talks about why he makes album is especially poignant given the circumstances.

Waiting For Something - a short documentary about Jay Reatard

Jay Reatard | MySpace Music Videos