Space time continuum

The first thing that consumers ought to know about British soul technician Jamie Lidell's second full-length solo record, Jim, is that it was, indeed, created in the 21st century. Although its production, arrangements, vocal approaches, and songwriting all variously and completely resemble that of any given classic American '70s soul record, it was in fact created last year, in locations including Berlin and Paris. Aside from the album itself, there is no hard evidence that Lidell is now, or has ever been, in possession of any kind of device enabling time travel. Consumers may also wish to note that there's no evidence to indicate that Lidell is anything other than a white boy, despite the Redding/Green oomph his voice displays throughout this album. Jim's eyes are blue, and his soul is blue-eyed. A pasty Limey hasn't channeled black America this successfully since, um, Amy Winehouse.

How is Jamie Lidell not like Amy Winehouse? Read on, dear, for the answer.