Bill Withers Just As I Am ( 180g vinyl LP )

Release date: 20-01-2012(Originally released in 1971)

2012 EU reissue 180g vinyl LP - Just As I Am is the auspicious 1971 debut from soul legend Bill Withers. Produced by Booker T. Jones, and featuring backing from L.A. stalwarts Jim Keltner, Chris Ethridge, and Stephen Stills, Just As I Am is anchored by the outright, stone cold classic “Ain’t No Sunshine” along with other, lesser known, but equally powerful tracks such as “Grandma’s Hands” and “Better Off Dead." A very heavy and compelling debut from one of soul music’sgreatest songwriters

Tracks:
A1.  Harlem
A2.  Ain't No Sunshine
A3.  Grandma's Hands
A4.  Sweet Wanomi
A5.  Everybody's Talkin'
A6.  Do It Good

B1.  Hope She'll Be Happier
B2.  Let It Be
B3.  I'm Her Daddy
B4. In My Heart
B5. Moanin' And Groanin'
B6. Better Off Dead

 In a career laden with highlights and hallmarks in the annals of soul history, Just as I Am gets rather overlooked as one of the best soul debuts ever issued. It's almost as if Withers is in a living room singing to a small group of people, rather than making a record. Of course, the instantly recognizable anthem "Ain't No Sunshine" gets all of the acclaim it so richly deserves, but tracks like "Harlem" and "Better Off Dead" also warrant kudos for the intensity and maturity of their performances. Even when he's doing covers, Withers treats them as if they are his own compositions and handles them with great delicacy.