Stoned

Lewis Taylor | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 6, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: HackTone Records
• ASIN: B000AMWJ0M
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,359 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The first US release for this soulful Brit, featuring bonus tracks not on the original UK album.

Lewis Taylor has been releasing psychedelic soul albums in the U.K. to incredible reviews and a rabid cult of fans that includes some of the biggest names in music. Writing, playing and producing nearly every note himself, the press has compared Taylor to Marvin Gaye, Brian Wilson and Stevie Wonder. Stoned received the best reviews of Taylor’s career, but has only been available on the artists’ own website and HMV stores in England. And we just didn’t think that was fair.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sheriff Jack Rides Again!!!, October 25, 2005

By 

Jonathan B Whitcomb "Emery's Misery" (New Hampshire USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stoned (Audio CD)

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!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lewis Taylor should be recognized!, October 6, 2005

By 

Babs Piano (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stoned (Audio CD)

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!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Just Keeps Getting Better and Better and Better, September 9, 2005

By 

Jennifer Lusty - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stoned (Audio CD)

I have a very dear friend that feeds me music. Several years ago after he forgave me for not knowing who Lewis Taylor was, sent me spoonfuls and spoonfuls. What a hearty meal...
This record is perfect. There is nothing wrong with it. At all. And it does just keep getting better and better. Even when I am just hearing it, something ALWAYS gets my attention and makes me listen. Everytime. Every single time.
Really, do your ears a favor and treat them to this cd. Consider it redemption for all the things you tortured them with during college.