Rehearsing His Choir

Rehearsing His Choir
Psych-country old-timer gets inspirational
by Don Allred
May 23rd, 2006 5:07 PM Issue 21

Howe Gelb
'Sno Angel Like You
Thrill Jockey


Howe Gelb's new album seems like a bad idea: One more middle-aging muso seeks
inspiration, now joined by a (Canadian!) choir called the Voices of Praise.
Eeeeeeeewww. But the old psych-country pioneer still mutters crisply over his
guitars and keyboards. Lord willing, he'll always be more of a clue-chewer and
a yarn-spinner than a preacher, riding burro express increments and leaps of logic (and
luck) through deserts and cities again.
Most of Gelb's seven new songs hold their own with four primo re-rolls,
including "Chore of Enchantment." They're all wired to three (key) covers of
restless ballads by Rainer Ptacek, Gelb's late mentor, Giant Sandworms bandmate, and GS guest. The Arcade Fire's Jeremy Gara drums, while the Voices sweep the horizon, reminding
Southern me that hurricane season is almost here (following a couple of
Heartland warm-ups). Inspiration can't come too soon!
Howe Gelb, with the Voices of Praise and Jeremy Gara, plays the Bowery
Ballroom May 27.

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