Howe Gelb collaborates with all stars from M. Ward to Neko Case, Isobel Campbell et al. Typical fare: its been said that Gelb has “one song”. Well thank god it’s a damn good song. What you expect: a slight twang everywhere (if blatant) with brushed drums, usually dark and minor and reflective, with understated near mumbled/whispered vocals. Great stuff from down Tucson way.

1) minor toned upbeat and pretty with Isobel Campbell singing
2) Neko Case lends her pipes, upbeat rhythm
3) M. Ward - upbeat decidedly country western flare
4) slower swing, slightly drunk, nice play on “home sick” (“sick of home”) that shows that Howe truly knows what being a Tucsonan means
5) slow western blues, piano based
6) spooky dark mysterious
7) somber piano based orchestrated feel
8) dark and chill and pondering
9) upbeat nearly jazzy and hip
10) bluesy, then midway turns upbeat somehow
11) kinda of an icky “bar funky blues band” feel,
12) smarmy instrumental, jazz/bluesy Waits’y
13) another icky “soulful” bar band tone somehow, though the lyrics and intent are good