Album Review: Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx, We're New Here

The back story? Released from prison after serving time for cocaine possession, Gil Scott-Heron - who died aged 62 on May 27 - produced I'm New Here, an album which made more than one "best of" list for 2010.
The poet/singer's style is married here with Jamie Smith - of The xx - thus the new title We're New Here. Fans of The xx will be drawn to this, and will be surprised.
There's none of the indie melodic simplicity Smith's known for in The xx, but his minimalist approach allows the album's standout instrument - Scott-Heron's voice - to shine.
Underscoring that voice is a big phat bottom-end sound, particularly on the more dub-step orientated tracks.
New York Is Killing Me is one of the most accessible tracks and is receiving good airplay on New Zealand alternative radio.
Listen out for We're New Here in uber-cool cafes.