Jamie xx reinterprets Scott-Heron, with surprising success

Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx

We’re New Here

Rocks Like: The xx, Ratatat,… Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx

We’re New Here

Rocks Like: The xx, Ratatat, Spoken Word Artists

Grade: B+

Jamie Smith is someone who gained notoriety for playing an instrument that doesn’t seem like an instrument at all. He plays a computerized drum machine with new wave band The xx, accentuating the warm sound of the other members with his powerful mechanical rhythm.

Those synthesized skills show up in this remix album with the legendary spoken word artist Gil Scott-Heron. Though the two might seem like two opposite extremes of alternative culture, the concept develops well, as Jamie uses Scott-Heron’s various vocals not for their message, but rather for their musicality.

This album is heavily electronic, drawing from hip-hop, dubstep and other electronic genres to create a danceable mix of sick beats and Scott-Heron’s distinctive delivery.

It’s not just music under Scott-Heron’s words, but a complete incorporation of each artist’s concepts. Because of the lo-fi approach, the pitch manipulation on Scott-Heron’s voice doesn’t sound over-the-top like it might if the collaboration were undertaken with a strict genre in mind. The production is always appropriate and respectful to the source.

Transcending spoken word, indie rock and the electronic genres, We’re New Here is an interesting project. It’s not going to convert anyone to being an avid fan of either artist, but if you’re familiar with Smith’s or Scott-Heron’s work already, you should check this one out.