•
Rating:
THE REVIEW
The name Howe Gelb is inextricably linked to the fate of the band Giant Sand and the desert sound that is more rarefied and psychedelic.
The work of this author, and his production, covers numerous projects, from the historic "Giant sandworms" (Giant Sand) to Rainer, Calexico, Op8, The Friend of Dean Martinez, The Band of Blacky Ranchette. Even his discography as a solo artist is very extensive, starting hesitantly in 1983 with a now rare cassette album, "Incidental Music", and becoming denser from 1991 until 2006, when "'Sno Angel like you" was released. Probably while I'm writing, something else has already come out...
The entire discography is quite immediately characterized by the voice. Warm and slurred, it smiles at Lou Reed and Country passing through Folk and Blues. However, the whole approach is plugged and with a wildly psychedelic vein.
"'Sno Angel like you" somewhat departs from what has been said because it cleans up the distortions to be accompanied by a gospel choir, the Voices Of Praise, a Canadian choir from Ottawa, which softens the tracks and makes everything more traditionalist and Folk. Acoustic guitar, gospel-like choir, very laid-back drums, the picture Howe depicts is as delicate as the reflections on the snow on a winter afternoon. The music is the fireplace around which we sit to listen.
Fourteen tracks, 14 light embroideries, where the dynamics are completely controlled by the choirs that infect with warm soul the pieces that only occasionally get dirty with overdrive sounds and blues-like touches.
Howe takes his time as usual, the work is skillfully adorned, full of verve and rhythms that could serve as a soundtrack to films like "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" by the Coens and often seem to comment on theatrical vaudeville.
Now I'll stop chatting and go back to listening to the album.
Loading comments slowly
Summary by Bot
Howe Gelb's album 'Sno Angel Like You' marks a departure by incorporating a Canadian gospel choir to soften its folk and psychedelic roots. The album features controlled dynamics with warm, soulful vocals and acoustic instrumentation, creating a delicate and traditional sound. The music evokes cozy, reflective moods and draws comparisons to movie soundtracks like 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?'. Overall, it’s a skillfully crafted and inviting work.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Howe Gelb
American singer‑songwriter and guitarist based in Tucson, Arizona, Howe Gelb is the longtime leader of Giant Sand and a prolific solo artist since the 1980s. His work blends Americana, desert rock, folk, and jazz touches, and includes collaborations tied to Calexico, OP8, Rainer, and The Band of Blacky Ranchette.04 Reviews
