Excellent re-release
11/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"*About the music*
These are two classic 1971 and 1972 albums by one of the unsung heros. On "Just As I Am" Bill backed by one of the best bands of the day, the same folks who laid down the sound for Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, et. al. While some folks choose "Best Of's" to get all the hits, I personally love getting the original albums and all those diamonds in the rough that don't make the 'Best Of' cut. It gives me a good sense of what the artist was putting forth at that time. If you enjoy 1970's soul and r&b, do yourself a favor, add this one to your collection. These two albums have stood the test of time and I feel will continue to endure.*About the sound*
I was a bit skeptical at first not being familiar w/ the Australian "Raven" label, but no more. This is a top-notch re-release in terms of its digitaly remastered sonic quality. Nice job."
2 Great Albums Now On CD
T. C Lane | Marina, CA USA | 01/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although Legacy reissued 1972's Still Bill in 2003, they never got around to Withers first album from 1971. This Australian label does an excellent job of giving you 2 for the price of 1. The liner notes are excellent and the sound is top-notch. If you're new to Withers and want something other than his Best of's, then this is the next best thing. Also, try Live at Carnegie Hall which is also an essential addition."
Smooth as gravy on a biscuit baby...
J. Saffle | Texas | 09/25/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Lean on Me, Use Me, Ain't No Sunshine, Harlem and Grandma's Hands are all songs I was fairly familiar with just never knew who did them. Come to find out this guy named Bill Withers wrote em all. I bought this double album and am glad I did because theres some really great songs that probably aren't on the best of. I pretty much bought the album for Ain't No Sunshine and Use Me, but I've come to love Moanin' and Groanin', I'm Her Daddy, Lonely Street, Better Off Dead, Sweet Wanomi and honestly most of the songs on the two albums.
You can tell Withers is having fun and thats a big selling point for me. He's not pretentious or showy at all. He just gets his message across with a smooth, warm and sometimes extremely funky style that I've become addicted to. One of the biggest sleepers in my collection. The remastering was done extremely well. All the tracks are crisp and mixed perfectly. I think if everyone in the world was a Bill Withers fan the world would be a better place."
Track Listings (24) - Disc #1