Bill Withers - Naked and Warm

Will Bithers is a mason.

With Billers is a carpenter working out of San Diego.

Still Miller is a slogan Miller Light uses.

Kill Bill is a movie.

Dill Pillers is the infamous pickle-flavored pill.

Ill Will is something I don't wish you.

Milled flax seed is, on occasion, something my father eats as a sustaining nutrient.

Bill Withers is another guy though, and he makes music that makes everyone happy. Listen to an entire Bill Withers album without smiling and win $2,000. That's a challenge I found on www.fakechallenge.gov.

Truly, he is so funky, so sweet, so cute. It's just a joy. I mean the album cover alone makes me want to throw this on the turntable. I think also, it stands especially well as a record, as the opening song of side B is an incredible shock back into the album. Really exciting.

I think the composition of this album is quite loving, as it harbors a very soulful jam band sound that also respects the enticing songwriting. The sounds on here are distinct and oddly unique. I have to appreciate that, while individual sounds are somewhat recognizable from other places, the whole body of the thing is really singular. Synth blends with acoustic piano blends with funk drums blends with clean guitar.

Then, Bill's voice. Which is very pleasant and soothing, regardless of whether or not it is exactly on pitch all the time. I like it anyway.

Smiling. Sappy. Silver.

Mirthful 8.5