Name: + Justments
Brand: Bill Withers

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

MOVLP883

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

[r5349864]

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2020-05-01

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Little Amber Fish

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

8718469533756

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Bill Withers

Genre GB

Funk / Soul

Label GB

Music On Vinyl

Bill Withers was a soulful singer and songwriter, born on July 4, 1938 in Slab Fork, West Virginia. Despite starting his musical career later in life, he made a significant impact with his debut album "Just As I Am" released in 1971 at the age of 33. Prior to pursuing music full-time, Withers worked as a mechanic for the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. His talent and passion for music led him to create timeless hits that resonate with audiences even today.
Withers sadly passed away on March 30, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. His legacy lives on through his heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice that continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
He is also known as the father of Kori Withers.

Music On Vinyl is a Dutch label that specializes in releasing officially licensed reissues of classic albums on vinyl. Founded as a collaboration between distributor Bertus and Record Industry, Music On Vinyl ensures the highest quality pressings for all their releases. With an extensive catalog spanning various genres, *Music On Vinyl* offers music lovers the opportunity to rediscover timeless classics in their purest form.

As a leading authority in vinyl reissues, *Music On Vinyl* takes pride in preserving the original sound and artwork of iconic albums. Each release is carefully remastered from the original tapes, guaranteeing an authentic listening experience for audiophiles and collectors alike. From rock legends to jazz pioneers, *Music On Vinyl* brings back beloved records that have shaped the history of music.

With their commitment to excellence, *Music On Vinyl* has become a trusted name among vinyl enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your vinyl journey, explore the vast selection of meticulously crafted reissues offered by *Music On Vinyl*, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of musical heritage.

Back in March 2004 music magazine Mojo included Withers' fourth album on a list of "67 Lost Albums You Must Own." Whether 'Justments is indeed the stuff of legend remains debatable. Surely no holy grail like the similarly mentioned Cold Fact by Sussex labelmate Sixto Rodriguez, it seems at least unfairly ignored. Nothing here might be as compelling as "Grandma's Hands" or "I Can't Write Left-Handed," but there are plenty of melancholy reflections from a genuine soulman who came across more as a West coast singer/songwriter. 

Replacing the hired hands of his debut with former employees of Charles Wright &amp; the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band proved equally important in shaping Withers' identity. Not only had they been instrumental in creating a landmark with his second album Still Bill, follow-up Live at Carnegie Hall showed how easily they could replicate their unrestrained approach on-stage, performing quite a few tunes which hadn't yet appeared on a studio album. This experience further tightening a natural combination, the band was set for Withers' third studio album. The moody overtones of 'Justments suggest both band and singer might have suffered a bit from fatigue, a notion not altogether far-fetched since they would dissolve upon completing it. Not even Spanish minstrel José Feliciano could rescue a song like "Railroad Man" from getting stuck in a not unpleasant but ultimately unrewarding jam mode. Still, a few gems are worth mentioning. The spine-tingling string sections for "You" and "Ruby Lee" for instance invoke the memory of Still Bill's intriguing "Who Is He and What Is He to You." The former would be released as a single and crack the Top 15 R&amp;B chart, as would "Heartbreak Road" and "The Same Love That Made Me Laugh." The demise of Sussex led to both the labels' catalog and Withers himself being transferred to Columbia. Though some of its feel would always shine through his releases for his new employer, 'Justments stands out for being the last album where the artist's unique character takes the foreground rather than being mostly left to drown in a glossy production. Thus, while its "lost album" status is mostly due to it being out of print for ages, in a just world it would be re-released back to back with 1975's Making Music. This just might turn out historically interesting, as it would document Withers' evolution towards the guilty pleasure of "Lovely Day."

+ Justments

Music GB