It goes without saying that Jamie XX is one of the hottest producers in electronic music today. From his Mercury Music prize winning work on the debut album from The XX through to his amazing work with the late, great Gil Scott-Heron on We’re New Here.

He’s also been working on solo material and the first outing has arrived on the mighty Numbers. The track first popped up in DJ sets over a year ago and the wait for release is finally over. Lead track “Far Nearer” makes beautiful use of steel drums which give an even more emotional depth to Jamie’s normal high production values. “Beat For” is packed with haunting synths and eery echos before the sub and vocal sample arrives.

Both tracks are a must have and are available now on 12″ and digital download.

Jamie xx – Far Nearer (limited vinyl & download out now – http://farnearer.com) by Numbers

Jamie xx – Beat For (limited vinyl & download out now – http://farnearer.com) by Numbers

XL recordings were kind enough to send us a copy of the collaboration between legend Gil Scott Heron and man of the moment electronic producer Jamie XX. We have to say that the results were staggering and the whole album has been on repeat round the Labs for some time.

With the release imminent, they have kindly given out a full stream of the album to prove the sometimes you should believe the hype.

“A stunning return” – Q ****
“As striking a return as you’re likely to hear all year” – Observer Music Monthly ****
“an album of stark grandeur, replete with both beauty and sadness”- Mojo ****
“Spellbinding” – Dazed & Confused

Due for release tomorrow Gil Scott-Heron has returned with his first new album in almost 16 years, entitled “I’m New Here”. In the intervening years he’s had a rough time, including numerous brushes with the law over drugs offences, and developing a crack cocaine habit.

It looked like his recording career was finished as his downward spiral continued – until XL Recordings boss Richard Russell visited Scott-Heron (in jail for another offence) at Rikers Island Prison in 2006.

Discussions took place and and result was the recording and now subsequent release of “I’m New Here”.

It’s short, clocking in at just 28 minutes odd. But the unmistakable gravelly bourbon voice and social commentary in his lyrics give you a lot to think about in that time.
Ranging in style from from hip-hop and gospel to dubstep and blues it’s a brilliant album.

Have a listen to the first single from the album- a cover of Delta blues man Robert Johnson‘s “Me And The Devil“.

If you’d like to hear the album in its entirety for free then visit his website. The album itself is available to buy from all the usual outlets such as Itunes, Amazon & the like.