If Lewis Taylor's album hasn't already made it to your Top 10 albums of the year list, perhaps this glwoing review by ninelives will change your mind! :)

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Lewis Taylor – ‘Stoned Pt. 1’ (HackTone)

There are some albums, which should be re-released continuously every 7-10 years, just so the next generation does not miss out on undeniably life-changing, mind-altering music. In 2002, Lewis Taylor release ‘Stoned Pt.1’ on his own Slow Reality label and now in 2005 it is being re-released in America. The reason for this (other than it being such a good record) is that the guys at HackTone Records feel themselves responsible for “tracking down artists and albums that were misunderstood and re-marketing tem as new releases for a new audience.”

“Did it need a new audience”? I hear you ask. Well yes it does, because without this re-release yours truly would have been none the wiser about the multi-talented genre-bending musical visionary that is Lewis Taylor. Having had my head buried in the sand up until about 2 years ago, I was perhaps a little out of touch at the time Lewis Taylor dropped ‘Stoned Pt.1.’

But this time round I had my ear planted firmly to the ground and there is certainly no mistaking the unique sonic yet utterly soulful sounds of Lewis Taylor. The album is (re)packed from start to finish with classic timeless songwriting. There is no reliance on sing-along hooks, nor is there any evidence of Taylor sticking within the safe neo-soul grounds of Rhodes, drums and more Rhodes. Taylor seems to be intent on proving that true soul lives in the heart of the musician and that the ability to translate this to any instrument is the true test.

And he does this with ease, from the soaring opener “Stoned” to the almost beach-boys like accapella “Melt-Away.” The ability to uplift or calm is always present in Taylor’s songs - there is an air of constant optimism throughout his writing.
“Throw me a line” is a distinctly electro-tinged offering that shows that good songwriting transcends genre.

There are five new songs that have been added for the US release. A personal favourite is the cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Stop, Look & Listen” which Taylor treats tastefully and respectfully. This is emblematic of Lewis Taylor’s styles, understated and careful use of sounds and styles that leaving you feeling satisfied but wanting more. Listening to ‘Stoned Pt.1’ there was always the feeling that here was a guy who was never going to be in danger of running out of ideas.
As someone who has been somewhat enlightened by the re-release of ‘Stoned Pt.1’ I can say that if it’s aim has been to re-affirm the relevance of Lewis Taylor’s music to a wider audience the job is done. Thank you HackTone!


Reviewed by Giant Step contributor Oriel Davis (ninelives)
November 2005
View ninelives’ profile: www.giantstep.net