Search - Lewis Taylor :: Stoned

Sheriff Jack Rides Again!!!

Jonathan B Whitcomb | New Hampshire USA | 10/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1986 a strange record showed up at my college radio station: a 4 song EP by an artist named "Sheriff Jack" called "Let's Be Nonchalent". The songs on the A-side "Buy Everybody A Cake" and "We're Gonna Be In Love" were two perfect slices of psychedelic pop rock and our station played them to death. Over the next couple of years I sought out everything Sheriff Jack put out (two full length albums and another 4 song EP), but it wasn't easy finding the stuff: it was UK imports only and obscure even there. What little we learned was that the Sheriff played all the instruments and he had a rather warped sense of humor. Then he vanished. Poof! But I remained curious.



Finally a internet search in 2002 led me to the web site of one Lewis Taylor. It revealed that Taylor was indeed the good Sheriff, but in 1996 he had re-invented himself as a soul singer releasing music under his own name. I quickly tracked down his CDs including a new album only available via the HMV web site called "Stoned (Part 1)". This was killer stuff. Gone were the psychedelic chiming guitars and angular rock beats. It was replaced by amazing, smooth, cool soul that sounded like the reincarnation of Marvin Gaye.



Half the fun of listening to Lewis Taylor is playing spot the influence. Beach Boys here, Edgar Winter there, throw in a dash of Stevie Wonder and Prince, then push "blend". But he's more than a combination of his influences. It is difficult to categorize his music because he doesn't seem to recognize genre boundaries. His influence isn't so much based on style as it is on quality. Taylor has been listening to the good stuff and as a result his music is the good stuff.



Stoned (Part 1) was my favorite album of 2003, and now the bulk of it is available in the USA on this release. Taylor is a rare talent and a fabulous songwriter. Give it a listen, and spread the word! This man should be a star!"

Lewis Taylor should be recognized!

Babs Piano | Los Angeles, CA | 10/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thank goodness Lewis Taylor got an American release-- WAY overdue-- after years of brilliant, ground-breaking work overseas. Earlier work of Lewis' has influenced many producers and songwriters on OUR turf thanks to imports of his first few albums, and it's time Americans discovered his talent.

Not afraid to use new technology fused with his R&B-type music... his work seems like a glimpse of the future of pop music. Perhaps like a modern day Marvin Gaye meets Todd Rundgren at Nigel Godrich's studio with LTJ Bukem remixing it. Stoned is another great work! Check out Lewis Taylor!"

Satisfying, Complex, Wonderful, Excellent

J. Phillips | 09/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought the original "Stoned" and could not put it down for over a year, just like every other Lewis Taylor CD. If you do not have the other CD's, you better find them. They are uniformly excellent. I've bought his CDs through his website. I've bought them from British music sellers. I've had them imported. It really is worth the price.



Anyway, as far as this release goes, do not worry. The new songs are not afterthoughts or filler and are every bit as worthy as the original tracks. I do not understand why this man is not getting recognition all over the world. Lewis Taylor has been making the best contemporary pop music I've heard for more than a decade now. I really hope this massive oversight changes with this release. My favorite songs:



"Positively Beautiful" (There's an even better version on the album "Stoned Part II" if that is possible)

"Lovelight"

"Lewis IV"

"Shame"

"Send Me An Angel" (This would be a huge radio hit if we could make time for quality music on American radio)

&

"Stop, Look, Listen"





"Stoned" is further evidence of Lewis Taylor's unrivaled musical genius.



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