Thanks to archival recovery of music by cool, raw, sincere artists such as singer/guitarist Isaiah Owens, pre-Edwin Hawkins soul gospel may well be the new vogue of American roots music. If the Lord comes along in a bargain that lets an electrified strummer and lets this howling singer catch recognition beyond the AM station in Montgomery where some of You Without Sin Cast The First Stone was recorded, let the adulation begin. Trad' Gospel diehards will swoon over the way he transforms the usually peppy "I'll Fly Away" and "Yes Jesus Loves Me" into aches for death's intimate communion with the Almighty. White Stripes and Black Keys lovers should fall for the minimalism (no drums, occasional claps) of Owens' brusque chording and cathartic vocal delivery. The ethno-musicological minded can rejoice over the preservation of sacred music with the same folkloric value and artistic vigor as Arhoolie Records' sacred steel and prison spiritual CDs. Owens makes gospel as primal (scream) therapy. Put down that Robert Randolph album a second and say "Wow!"
Editors' ratings — Doug 2.5/5, David 3.5/5
