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16 Horsepower — Black Soul Choir
Album: Sackcloth 'N' Ashes
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2443









Released: 1996
Length: 3:48
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Ain't none ever seen the face of his foe no
He ain't made of flesh & bone
He's the one who sits up close beside you
An when he's there you are alone


Every man is evil yes an every man is a liar
An unashamed with the wicked tongues sing
In the black soul choir


Yes an no man ever seen the face of my lord no
Not since he left his skin
He's the one you keep cold on the outside girl
He's at your door let him in


O i will forgive your wrongs
Yes i am abel
An for my own i feel great shame
I would offer up a brick to the back of your head boy
If i were cain
Comments (203)add comment
At first I thought it was the V-Femmes. First listen an 8
Posted 1 month ago by saffronphil    [ Reply ]
Now there's a shocker. A band playing music that "invoked religious imagery dealing with conflict" broke up due to "mostly political and spiritual differences." Humans are hilarious.
Posted 2 months ago by casagozo    [ Reply ]
powerfull...... j adore, c'est superbe de jus et d'énergie...long life 16's
Posted 3 months ago by asap.band    [ Reply ]
This is good. The RP vibe  meine Meinung  nach. Get rid of any rating <6. 
Posted 5 months ago by iloveradio    [ Reply ]
 Solanus wrote:

Appalachian goth, evangelical bluegrass

As for those that think that this sounds suspiciously like Rusted Root, I can say with near certainty that they are not the same band. I saw both of them at a HORDE tour show back in 1996 near Kansas City. David Eugene and the boys from Denver on the small stage were very impressive; Rusted Root had to compete on the main stage with King Crimson and Lenny Kravitz.


This entire album is excellent, but the best song on there has to be American Wheeze. Here is a mind-blowing live version: 16 Horsepower - American Wheeze (Pinkpop 2000, The Netherlands)
Posted 9 months ago by Solanus    [ Reply ]
haven't heard this in a while, great tune, and more like this would be cool. 
Posted 9 months ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
 MrStatenIsle wrote:

A tad Rusted Rooty.



That was my exact response! I thought maybe the lead singer had formed another band. They're definitely fans of RR (who preceded them)....just sayin
Posted 1 year ago by GriffinMN    [ Reply ]
Love the plaintive, haunting vocals, such excellent picking, and that rousing, chugging drumbeat that drives it all wild and makes it so great to dance to. Local favorite legendary band Gasoline Lollipops rocks these same elements. Gonna see 'em play live again at the Louisville Street Faire this Friday night!
Posted 1 year ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
The opening snare always has me hope it's The Clash, but alas - no. And I do like this track, but not the same league.
Posted 1 year ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Great stuff! High on my top ten list of tunes all time!
Posted 2 years ago by BlackBetty    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

It's a more accurate description than the song title is.
actually his lyrics betray a hint of a black soul...

Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
These folks weren't around all that long....but they had a certain...something!
Posted 2 years ago by BlackBetty    [ Reply ]
Such a great band out of Denver.  Another band to look for is Slim Cessna's Auto Club.  David and Slim Cessna were in several bands together.
Posted 2 years ago by crescent_sun    [ Reply ]
The lyrics are missing these lines after the chorus:

Oh, he rises in my way
Oh, he rises in my way

And Abel and Cain (names) should be capitalized.
Posted 3 years ago by Gromit_42    [ Reply ]
As my friends used to say whenever this song is played: but women are too! 

We've been to one of the first concerts of David Eugene Edwards with 16 Horsepower in The Netherlands in a small venue, before he was 'discovered', one of the best performances I've seen. Totally in his own world, not noticing the crowd, only once thanking the people, but halfway during his remark he went on back to his guitar and away from the microphone, resulting in some mumbling.  The energy during these shows was incredible. 

The last few concerts of his other band Wovenhand, were intriging, but he only went further into his world, making weird gestures the whole performance. Not really my thing anymore. 
Posted 3 years ago by matdejong    [ Reply ]
"Gothic Country" - the concept of this genre makes me think "lolwut" but I love it.  Then Bill goes and follows this, perfectly, with Rusty Cage by Johnny Cash. Solid 8 on both.
Posted 3 years ago by lewisv66    [ Reply ]
 oneyet wrote:
I sing this song to my daugther every night. "Every man is wicked, every man's a liar.

Just to make her learn.


 

Me too!
Posted 3 years ago by mjbaumann    [ Reply ]
  
Posted 3 years ago by jugece    [ Reply ]
This band was a revelation for me! They strike a chord deep inside... Love it! 
There's a French band that does something similar, Craftmen Club - 36 minutes. I thought their sound was very original... until a friend introduced me to Sixteen Horsepower, then I was like "oh... I see" 
 
Posted 3 years ago by Mannick    [ Reply ]
If you like this, check out slim cessna's auto club.  I thought this was them at first.
Posted 3 years ago by jakelandis    [ Reply ]
This vocalist has a similar tone and quality to Mark Seymour of the Australian band Hunters & Collectors, especially in their 1982 song "Talking To A Stranger." I like both songs!
Posted 4 years ago by mightymikemcgee    [ Reply ]
 oneyet wrote:
I sing this song to my daugther every night. "Every man is wicked, every man's a liar.

Just to make her learn.


 

You don't give her much of a chance to being naïve. 
Posted 4 years ago by sunny_day    [ Reply ]
I wonder if they ever played The Birchmere back in the day.
Posted 4 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
 MrStatenIsle wrote:
A tad Rusted Rooty.
 

And maybe even a smidgen Patti Smithy.
Posted 4 years ago by jtherieau    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of The Horseflies.
Posted 4 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
Vocals performed by Goat Boy.
Posted 4 years ago by Egrey    [ Reply ]
Another RP inspired purchase for me. The more I listen to it the more I like it! Lovely and dynamic and ya can't beat a bit of rockin' banjo Like this one, I reckon the whole album is brilliant!
Posted 5 years ago by meanderer    [ Reply ]
 pyrateparadox988 wrote:
Love this Group, but Woven Hand ( David Eugene Edwards' - the lead singer - other musical project ) is just Mesmerizing. Saw them live in Toronto, and it was pretty intense. Love to hear more Woven Hand on RP. 
 

Agreed.  Traveled from south Florida to  Denver this past May just for their show. It was  phenomenal. 
Posted 5 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
Love this Group, but Woven Hand ( David Eugene Edwards' - the lead singer - other musical project ) is just Mesmerizing. Saw them live in Toronto, and it was pretty intense. Love to hear more Woven Hand on RP. 
Posted 5 years ago by pyrateparadox988    [ Reply ]
Brings to mind The Horseflies.
Posted 5 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
A tad Rusted Rooty.
Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
PSD.

Oooo, Ella.  Better.
Posted 5 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
I love Patti Smith!!
Posted 5 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
Definitely music for eternity
Posted 5 years ago by capricornus    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:
Bobbity hmm bobbity haaaa.
 Bippity Bobbity Boo!

Posted 6 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
Bobbity hmm bobbity haaaa.
Posted 6 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
molson wrote:
Anyone kinda hearing a little Lindsey Buckingham in this?{#Stupid}

 
poor lindsay got the boot from fleetwood mac. shitty.
Posted 6 years ago by jambo    [ Reply ]
Love these guys and the band they turned into Wovenhand.  
Posted 6 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
As amazingly American as The Pogues are Irish...really gets things rocking, really gets things a dancing, IF you're paying attention...
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 Solanus wrote:
Appalachian goth, evangelical bluegrass.
 
 chyk5 wrote:
Love this description. 
 
It's a more accurate description than the song title is.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Best banjo driven song I know
Posted 7 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
 Solanus wrote:

Appalachian goth, evangelical bluegrass
 
Love this description. 
Posted 7 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
 Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:
Hobbit-rock.

 

sounds like something from a bad 1963 movie about the gold rush
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
one of my wife's favorite bands {#Bananajam}
Posted 7 years ago by DocStrangelove    [ Reply ]
Bill, you made a lousy day MUCH better with some David Eugene. Thank you!
Posted 8 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
 Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:
Hobbit-rock.

 
Appalachian goth, evangelical bluegrass

As for those that think that this sounds suspiciously like Rusted Root, I can say with near certainty that they are not the same band. I saw both of them at a HORDE tour show back in 1996 near Kansas City. David Eugene and the boys from Denver on the small stage were very impressive; Rusted Root had to compete on the main stage with King Crimson and Lenny Kravitz.
Posted 8 years ago by Solanus    [ Reply ]
Rusted Root under a different name?   Me likey either way   {#Bananajam}
Posted 8 years ago by ShoreGirl    [ Reply ]
like Banjer
Posted 8 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
It has happened. Yes, Radiohead and Sixteen Horsepower in one row on a radiostation.
Hearing anything from Yes, Radiohead or Sixteen Horsepower on the radiostations in the Netherlands is as good as impossible and now all three of my favourite bands in a row... Wow... Thanks Bill!
Posted 8 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
Anyone kinda hearing a little Lindsey Buckingham in this?{#Stupid}
Posted 8 years ago by molson    [ Reply ]

Posted 8 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
I agree about the Rusted Root similarities, for sure. But this one has a less frenetic yet more spooky sound, especially after "Kwaidan."
Posted 9 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 djengs wrote:
Black Soul Choir? Doesn't sound anything like what I hear coming out of the A.M.E church down the street...

 
Yeah, I'm told they might be from the Powerhouse Church of the Presumptuous Assumption of the Blinding Light.
Posted 9 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
 djengs wrote:
Black Soul Choir? Doesn't sound anything like what I hear coming out of the A.M.E church down the street...

 
It's about black sinful souls, not about black people singing soulful.
Posted 9 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
i already rated this song 9 and I can't go as far as saying it's "Godlike" but damn, how I love what they do !!!
Posted 9 years ago by ChrisVIII    [ Reply ]
Black Soul Choir? Doesn't sound anything like what I hear coming out of the A.M.E church down the street...
Posted 10 years ago by djengs    [ Reply ]

Best album cover.......evah!! 
Posted 10 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
It's like the Carolina Chocolate Drops meet The Cure. 
Posted 10 years ago by GarageDragon    [ Reply ]
Mommy make it stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 10 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]

I sing this song to my daugther every night. "Every man is wicked, every man's a liar.

Just to make her learn.


Posted 10 years ago by oneyet    [ Reply ]
Drumming at  beginning made me think, briefly, that it was going to be The Clash (He's in love with Janie Jones, whoa.) 
Posted 10 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
 Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:
Hobbit-rock.

 
I would apply a term like "hobbit-rock" to bands like Yes or ELP; this seems more like some sort of bluegrass mash-up.  Hobbits no nothing of banjos.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Thought this was Rusted Root...had to look.
Posted 10 years ago by Yeoleman    [ Reply ]
 Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:
Hobbit-rock.

 
...... yes - love it "Hobbit Rock"
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
Hobbit-rock.
Posted 10 years ago by Ag3nt0rang3    [ Reply ]
 Delawhere wrote:
great tune, this is in a soundtrack for the movie Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus. The movie and the soundtrack are great it you like weird shit.

 
Many thanks for that, will check it out!
Posted 10 years ago by jessesteinen    [ Reply ]
 Delawhere wrote:
great tune, this is in a soundtrack for the movie Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus. The movie and the soundtrack are great it you like weird shit.

 
What he said.

The moving is kind of stunning, really, if you live in the relatively insular world of the Northeast. 
Posted 10 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
Cross between Rusted Root and a migraine.
Posted 11 years ago by NuggetNectar    [ Reply ]
the drums at the start of the song remind me of Fela Kuti
Posted 11 years ago by Dinges,_the_Dude    [ Reply ]
 GeorgeMWoods wrote:
David Eugene Edwards is an extraordinarily under recognized talent
 

 
There I fixed it.
Posted 11 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
Patty Griffin is an extraordinarily under recognized talent
 
Posted 11 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
ughh....1....PSD....
Posted 11 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
Opps! Wrong stream. That was Norah Jones.
Posted 11 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
Rapidly becoming my favorite band.
Posted 11 years ago by ter666    [ Reply ]
I'm sorry, but someone must either donate some brushes, or kill that drummer.
Posted 11 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
great tune, this is in a soundtrack for the movie Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus. The movie and the soundtrack are great it you like weird shit.
Posted 11 years ago by Delawhere    [ Reply ]
WTF am I listening to?!!!
 
The sound made when skill meets passion!

Posted 11 years ago by jbjnr    [ Reply ]
Paddle faster, I hear banjos.
Posted 11 years ago by enkay    [ Reply ]
Was reading an article well into half of this song and then it occurred to me:

WTF am I listening to?!!!

The mute button is never in fast-enough reach in such situations!
Posted 11 years ago by gigikent    [ Reply ]
More 16 Horsepower all the time!!!
Posted 11 years ago by egsstaff    [ Reply ]
 Bosami wrote:


I agree - great record through and through - but I don't know if I'd say 'feel good' music. The subject matter is quite dark.

Love it all the same though!
 
{#Whisper} I believe the other poster was being sarcastic ...
Posted 11 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
 wrongwayjose wrote:
Such a great album, full of feel-good music.
 

I agree - great record through and through - but I don't know if I'd say 'feel good' music. The subject matter is quite dark.

Love it all the same though!
Posted 12 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
Such a great album, full of feel-good music.
Posted 12 years ago by wrongwayjose    [ Reply ]
Fortunate to discover this album when it was released 16 years ago, and never heard it anywhere until now.  Thanks much RP.
Posted 12 years ago by HearsayDave    [ Reply ]
Reminds me Of Jeffery Lee from the Gun Club..not a bad thing
Posted 12 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
If you like this, try Jim White. Sixteen Horsepower was in his movie, Searching for the Wrong Eyed Jesus, and is similar in nature to Jim.
Posted 13 years ago by asfa    [ Reply ]
Wish I had heard this song when it first came out.... I could have been enjoying all this time. Great toe-tapper and love the chord progression. Minor key too, that always makes a song catchy to my ear.
Posted 13 years ago by mediamarv    [ Reply ]
The man is packin' one big...chicken.
Posted 13 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
 triskele wrote:
is this guy trying to sound like patti smith?
 

Exactly!!!..
Posted 13 years ago by Jazbo    [ Reply ]
Yet another great band discovered through RP. Do we have an acronym for this?

I like the version on "Hoarse" better, though.

Posted 13 years ago by wossName    [ Reply ]
Benny is not a fan...
Posted 13 years ago by Skaterella    [ Reply ]
 osbyec wrote:

Rusted Root was my first thought.  The voice.

 
ditto!

Posted 13 years ago by Bruceg    [ Reply ]
my thoughts as well.  Maybe not trying, but similarities in style exist.  triskele wrote:
is this guy trying to sound like patti smith?
 


Posted 13 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Fantastic. Never heard this. Thank you, RP!
Posted 13 years ago by roulleau    [ Reply ]
is this guy trying to sound like patti smith?
Posted 13 years ago by triskele    [ Reply ]
A'movin' and a' shakin'!
Posted 14 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
Awesome debut, from beginning to end, from 16 hsp. This is a desert island disc for me. David Eugene Edwards has a scary talent.
Posted 14 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
 osbyec wrote:

Rusted Root was my first thought.  The voice.

  Same here...


Posted 14 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
 scocam wrote:
Rusted Root? did some research on AllMusic and can't find any correlation between Rusted Root and Sixteen Horsepower. Different band members, different cities. Hmmmm.
 
Rusted Root was my first thought.  The voice.

Posted 14 years ago by osbyec    [ Reply ]
Liked it enough I bought it - RP caused me to spend money yet again {#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Got a banjo! Instalike! That album cover is mondo awesome though!!{#Roflol}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
this song bugs = 1
Posted 14 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
My thoughts exactly!  scocam wrote:
Rusted Root? did some research on AllMusic and can't find any correlation between Rusted Root and Sixteen Horsepower. Different band members, different cities. Hmmmm.
 


Posted 14 years ago by PNIgirl    [ Reply ]
I just love his voice. This sounds great after Fotheringay.
Posted 14 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
Rusted Root? did some research on AllMusic and can't find any correlation between Rusted Root and Sixteen Horsepower. Different band members, different cities. Hmmmm.
Posted 14 years ago by scocam    [ Reply ]
Starts like Clash Jenny Jones!
Posted 14 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
I like it.  Gothic Americana, gonna have to get me some.
Posted 14 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Love it.
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
 keller1 wrote:
Darned inspired segue from Fotheringay.
 Word.

Posted 14 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
1 {#Arrowl} 2
Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 jimmunn wrote:
Man that song can get grating if you aren't in the right mode for something like that.
 
I agree with you, Jim.
Posted 14 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
'll take this Lindsy, the one I have dreamed of  and about (F Mac), and a pound of sweat to experience a good one of these LIVE.
Posted 14 years ago by ddbz    [ Reply ]
Hmmm does not sound like Sixteen Horsepower Black Soul Choir.  Sure we got the right song?

Posted 14 years ago by rschmo    [ Reply ]
can't get enough!
Posted 14 years ago by bemcdowell    [ Reply ]
I own it. I dig it.
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
This was the song that introduced me to 16 Horsepower many years ago and wonderfully the entire band discography including Woven Hand. Forever a personal favourite, but obviously not for everyman. As is His word.
Posted 15 years ago by UncleChig    [ Reply ]
Man that song can get grating if you aren't in the right mode for something like that.
Posted 15 years ago by jimmunn    [ Reply ]
 imaheatfan wrote:
yep - definitely the guy from Rusted Root.
 

Which one..the dude in the suspenders or the chicken?  (See CD cover)  I bet the chicken can way out sing him.  3
Posted 15 years ago by iscoot4peace    [ Reply ]
A frenetic Lindsay Buckingham... ...is that possible...? Apparently so!{#Drunk} Something in the background... tapping in my head... make it stop... no wait... it's good... no wait... I'm confused... slow it down... ah, thank god it's done, I wasn't sure where this was taking me.
Posted 15 years ago by SpamNRice    [ Reply ]
yep - definitely the guy from Rusted Root.
Posted 15 years ago by imaheatfan    [ Reply ]