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'Sno Angel Like You
by
'Sno Angel Like You Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

  • Summary: The Giant Sand leader is backed by an eight-member gospel choir on this 14-track set.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Mojo
    100
    It's remarkable how organic and right (as opposed to gimmicky) the church voices sound on these 14 melodic folk, spare soul and various-tempo blues songs. [Apr 2006, p.98]
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  2. Magnet
    90
    There's a lot to love about 'Sno Angel... Like You. [#71, p.98]
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  3. AllMusic
    90
    Fans of Gelb's have to be excited about this because it's perfect, a career high.
  4. Uncut
    80
    Feels freshly ironic and original. [Apr 2006, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. The Guardian
    80
    The soulful harmonies complement Gelb's dry one-liners and restless guitar surprisingly well.
  6. Prefix Magazine
    80
    'Sno Angel Like You is not only beautifully performed and recorded, but also wonderfully written.
  7. Village Voice
    70
    Most of Gelb's seven new songs hold their own with four primo re-rolls.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. BillyC
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    This is an extraordinary record. Howe Gelb at his best and most consistent. The vesions of older songs and Rainer's songs are great This is an extraordinary record. Howe Gelb at his best and most consistent. The vesions of older songs and Rainer's songs are great (tho' Rainer's version of The Farm iis superior. There is a Tom Waits-ness about the prroduction. The mix of the choir and Gelb's low voice (he has a high register which is not so likeable) is a complete success. Such a relief after Alternator Amp (which was good but depressingly self-indulgent. This is the best thing Gelb has done since Chore of Enchantment and (having been in a choir or two in my time) perhaps the choir discipline worked in a similar way to the discipline of working to a 'major' record companies expectations (Chore was paid for by V2). Buy this record. It's really fun.… Expand
  2. AJ
    Jul 10, 2006
    9
    This is like the good twin of Nick Cave's "Abattoir Blues." Gelb sounds self assured and the gospel choir lends a sense of religious This is like the good twin of Nick Cave's "Abattoir Blues." Gelb sounds self assured and the gospel choir lends a sense of religious authority to his quirky nuggets of alliterated wisdom. You get the feeling that he toned things down a bit with the choir involved, but it actually aids the final product. The album feels like an album. It has a sense of direction and cohesiveness without sacrificing the whimsical nature of Gelb's musings and vocal style. Fans of Gelb know that he can stray too far at times. He doesn't here.… Expand
  4. VladaT
    Mar 22, 2006
    9
    If you like this( and I think you should,'cos it's so truly magnificient) then please check out for 'Arizona Amp and If you like this( and I think you should,'cos it's so truly magnificient) then please check out for 'Arizona Amp and Alternator',another great album from Gelb realised in late 2005. and very sadly neglacted.'Sno Angel Like You + Arizona AAA=maestro in peak of his power.… Expand
  5. Wig
    Sep 20, 2006
    9
    Another excellent release - you MUST see him live to fully appeciate his work...
  6. matta
    Apr 28, 2006
    8
    The score here is maybe a little high, but this is still the best Gelb (Giant Sand) album yet. A few parts feel forced, and the choir feels The score here is maybe a little high, but this is still the best Gelb (Giant Sand) album yet. A few parts feel forced, and the choir feels out of place, but for most part, it is an extremely strong release. Actually, an 8.2.… Expand
  7. TobeyT
    Jun 2, 2006
    7
    howe gelb really does sound like a southwestern lou reed. it definitely takes a few listens to get into this album.
  8. DaveA
    May 27, 2006
    0
    These guys will never be good.

See all 10 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best Album of 2006

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