Customer Reviews

No Category

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been a fan of Shawn's for 30 years now and cannot believe that somehow, he slipped through the cracks of musicdom (at least in the US). He has been true to himself and his unique talents for the last 3 decades, a performer and writer of the purest integrity and passion, producing unforgettable melodies and poetry that will not leave your head! This new CD is a good introduction to the "true" Shawn Phillips for younger folks who may not be familiar with his work. (It it now all finally being re-released on CD). My favorite album of Shawn's is the little-known "Beyond Here Be Dragons" from 1988, produced by the master Michael Hoenig. The tightness of the mixing and master musicians on this album is amazing and Shawn's vocals are not muted behind the lush instruments as they are on so many of his recordings. As an aside, if you ever get a chance to see him perform, do not miss it! I think it is time that Shawn be given his due and inducted into the Hall of Fame. His songwriting and performing genius should at last be recognized for the true musical magic that he has created and produced as a gift to us for the last 30 years.

No Category has both masterful song writing and magical arrangements which I find missing by current songsters. Each generation can find tribute to a small band of people who actually have talent, and Phillips throughout his career has contributed to our culture by his masterful writing and guitar work. Phillips is a talent which echoes the voices of the past, sits firmly in the present and will be studied in the future. Take away the music of No Category and just read the lyrics, and it leaves you with an atmosphere of the human condition. Sonic work Mr. Phillips in a time most needed.... Alan Miller | www.alanworks.net

You know what? Miracle happens. Shawn Phillips is at the end of his career but he still manage to produce this sublime album. Sound great, with real instruments. Not those boring computers than he used of his previous album. I highly recommend "No Category". Can he give us another masterpiece like this? I doubt it.

I have been listening to Shawn Phillip's music for over 30 years now, and I have to say this newest recording still carries the same quality in lyrics, music and voice, as well as the same intensity of purpose that is Shawn Phillips. Please, if for nothing else, buy this CD and listen to the Peace Song. I think it should replace our national anthem in these extremly tragic and trying times we live in. As always, Shawn's music will make you think, laugh, cry and even dance. It's a little bit of everything, and so worth it.

As a composer/songwriter I spend my days sifting thru what is marketable to the sad and misdirected music industry. This album "No Category" is beyond marketable, beyond classical. It is Historical. Think of an original recording or manuscript of Bach, Revell, or Strouse." For my personal collection I've paid plenty for recordings of those composers available and plenty more for original manuscripts. This is the first time I can say that I am able to buy a part of history as it has been made.
Were that I could be maestro enough to be able to create with a tenth of Shawn's gift. I believe the key to his music is that his voice is an instrument. The words prophetic, true, and eloquent are shadowed by the magnificence of the intonations.
If I were a philanthropist, each of you would own a copy of "No Category". But I am not, so the best I can personally do is recommend you buy a copy.

Mark S. Weller
Composer/Songwriter
Seattle 2003

Well...not the complete CD but 7 of the songs on NC are on the weak CD from Canada 'The Truth If It Kills' (Image Records IMD-2042). Admitedly the re-worked songs:Power of a Woman, Lost and Lonely, Sleep Pretty Baby, Moneydance, One Way Ticket, Peace Song and Most of Us Don't Understand (*at all)are far better on the new CD than the older import. Still I was dissapointed that the songs were not new as led to believe from the web site pre-production hype.
I agree that the older original Shawn Phillips albums are truely the best! But.... I believe any true fan will want this 4 star CD, not just because it is good. But for sentimental reasons also.
I too saw Mr. Philips many times in concert in the glory days of the early seventies. Those were some of the best concerts I have ever attended. And will treasure those memories for as long as my mind will work.
It would be great to have a new CD with some of his unpublished material, produced by the likes of Paul Bucmaster and J. Peter Robinson. A CD I would definetly purchase.
Give No Category a listen! It will become an important part of any Shawn Phillips fan collection!

* the complete title from 'The Truth If It Kills'

I have followed the career of Shawn Phillips since his music came to my attention in the mid-70's. I was always impressed with his musicianship, the elasticity and vast range of his voice, his fearless approach to various genres...country, rock, folk, international, and his refusal to compromise with the "powers that be" in the music industry. with No Category, Shawn once again establishes himself as a musician without peer. He shifts from genre to genre fluidly, his voice (even after all these years) still caresses and soars and goes to heights no other vocalist can hope to approach. He has, without a doubt, one of the most natural and liquid falsettos I have ever heard. Keep in mind his 6 decades! The arrangements are faultless, the production crystalline and impeccable, the lyrics will give pause to even the most jaded and cynical listener. Could I ask anything more from this treasure of a musician? Only this: use bigger print on the liner notes (my daughter had to read them to me) And. Make more music.

I wish that I had the words needed to convey the beauty of this man's music in the way that it deserves . I simply don't. But I can say that you'll never find his equal in ANY category you may search!
Whether his songs make you cry, or laugh because of his moving lyrics, you will never be disappointed . I have never, in over 30 years, known anyone to come close to the quality and tone of this master's voice.
From his earliest albums, rooted deeply in the folk genre, to his latest profound work, he is unparalleled in his musicianship and passion. I cannot imagine a more pure, natural talent in the music field than Shawn Phillips.
So it has been for 35 years, and so it shall be for the next 35, I am certain.
again...no words... I am humbled.

Both masterful songwriting and magical arrangements grace No Category. For over 30 years Shawn Phillips has surprised and pleased fans with insightful lyrics combined with his unique composition style. It was a real treat to break the shrink wrap on this CD and find that Shawn Phillips is still at the top of his form, and a pleasure to listen to him collaborating with the likes of Leland Sklar, Ralph Humphry and Paul Buckmaster.

Shawn Phillips who has touched many lives with his music and zest for life. Pairs up with old friends J. Peter Robinson (keyboards) and Grammy Award winner Paul Buckmaster (Producer) and a wonderfully talented musicians Leland Sklar (Bass), Ralph Humphrey (Precussion), Mike Millar (Electric and Acoustic Guitars) with engineering by Rick Hart. This music will move you through ballads, country, rock and a wonderful anthem to Peace recommended to be the United Nations Anthem. Highly recommeded.