Gil Scott-Heron - Spirits - TVT Records - 1993
front cover
gate fold open
rear cover
Review
The two albums "Spirits" 1993, and "I'm New Here" 2010 form bookends of the later, troubled
period of Gil's life that was plagued with drug addiction and may be some of the most personal
expressions he ever did.
"Spirits" starts off with "Message to the Messengers" a directive to
rappers to use their medium in a positive way. The title track is a vocal version of John Coltrane's "Spirits"
and "Give Her A Call" and "Spirits Past" are fine examples of Gil's great songwriting.
The second side contains the work of a man struggling with his demons. "The Other Side"
is a harrowing remake of his earlier "Home is Where the Hatred Is" and it cooks with raw energy
and power. "Don't Give Up" is a heartfelt song about overcoming adversity, both external and internal.