Gospel grail reissued! Like A Ship is one of those mega-rare albums that tops many digger's wishlists (and is seldom found) making this Numero repress all the more welcome. The Youth For Christ Choir was 40 kids strong, and under the direction of Reverend T.L. Barrett, a completely self-taught musician, they recorded Like A Ship back in 1971. It was self-released and sold at local Church functions (another reason it is so rare and obscure) and features the incredibly soul-stirring gospel tunes "Like A Ship," the funk-driven "Ever Since," "Nobody Knows," "Joyful Noise," "Dr. Watts Hymn & Disciples Prayer" (those breaks!), and the instrumental "Blessed Quietness." Even if you aren't a religious person, you can't deny the moving musical power contained within these grooves (go ask Kanye, he even sampled another T.L. Barrett record for "Father Stretch My Hands"). Recommended.

• music label: Numero Group 2017

reviewed by Altar Boy 11/2017