Customer Reviews

Second Contribution

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Any album that has a track named "She Was Waitin' For Her Mother at the Station In Torino And You Know I Love You Baby But It's Getting Too Heavy to Laugh" has to be interesting. This is the first track of a four-track suite with "Keep On", "Sleepwalker" and "Song for Mr. C". This sets the tone for the entire album.

Phillips has that late sixties folk sound to him with a twist, kind of on the same level as Mason Williams. Like Williams, Phillips is strong in orchestration, mixing horns and strings eloquently and seamlessly as is showcased on "Schmaltz Waltz". But, he is simply amazing when it comes to his lyrics. Simply put, they're poetic. He also has a great voice. He rings on soft ballads like "Steel Eyes" and "The Ballad of Casey Deiss", he performs a melodic type of scat on "Remedial Interruption", and his rapid staccato bursts on "Keep On" and "Whaz' Zat" emphasize his lyrics.

This is a good album from a great musician. The only complaint that I have is that the lyrics do not appear in the liner notes as they did on the vinyl cover years ago.

When I first heard SWWFHMATSITAYKILYBBIGTHTL, I was completely blown away by the content and the tremendous vocal virtuosity of Shawn Phillips. Everybody has loves that die and then want to rekindle. Only Shawn has addressed this in a manner that is both hopefull and bittersweet. I have long forgotten the lover the song represented for me, I have never forgotten Shawn's music. If more people would listen to and adhere to some of the guiding principles of Shawn's basic tenets this would be a better world. One line, in particular, says it all: "The art is gone of kind exception."

Back in the 1970's, I wore this, and other Shawn Phillips' albums, out as I played them over and over and over again. They were like a guiding light for me. For hours I would sit and paint while inspired by the music of "Second Contribution". Recently I bought the CD and listened to it again. It's been over 20 years since I've heard this music and, what do you know!?! I'm yet again moved by the timeless compositions that inspired so much years ago and, yes, I'm still painting as I listen to "Second Contribution" today. It's the best!

I was first blown away by the simple cover of this CD - actually the record album cover (Remember them?). During the late 60's-early 70's, I collected between 250-300 records, and have since given them away to my regret. I became a huge fan of Shawn Phillips during that time, after hearing the first cut of this CD. The title alone stunned me, as I have never seen (nor seen since) a title longer than the first cut of this excellent CD. I suspect he chose the long title to draw you in just enough to enjoy the rest of the tracks.

To hear the slow, soft crescendo of Phillips voice on "She Was Waiting ..." reminds me of the staccato of rain in a field - joined by the musical instruments, slowly making one wish that the world could stop for a few minutes - which it does! I always have wondered what young lady ("A girl-child, of such loveliness") Phillips sings about with such passion, but she's obviously a woman of grace. I envision a woman who is more at ease enjoying a day of nature, rather than a city livened lady.

"The Ballad Of Casey Deiss" is a beautiful yet sad ode to a quiet young man, who marries his goddess, but faces struggles in life.

"Steel Eyes" is perhaps the best song (After "She Was Waiting ....") a love song about a lady with steel grey eyes.

There are some things I like about the 21st Century, such as certain movies (The Lord Of The Rings trilogy omes to mind), CD, DVDs and a few other things, but I so miss the time when I found a love of progressive music, music that is still fresh after 30+ years, and I have such a fond love of what Shawn Phillips gave to me. Shawn is a balladeer for the ages.

Namaste

This, along with Cat Steven's "Tea for the Tillerman" are my all time favorite turn the lights off, light some candles and mist over music. I think this is the best composed album ever. I flows so well. Enjoy.

I had not heard this album since the early '70's. Some of the lyrics popped into my mind the other day and I went to Amazon to see if they had it. Yes, they did! When it arrived, I put it in my car's CD player and drove to work. I was blown away! Shawn's voice is perfect! I remembered his music and started singing the old familiar songs I loved. I was fortunate enough to have seen him in concert in Minneapolis and played this album all the time. The music sent chills through me - Shawn has a beautiful voice and has a tremendous vocal range. I am getting this for my 25 year old sons so they can enjoy some of the best music they will ever hear.

I have listened to Shawn Phillips for 15 years now, and have NEVER been without one of his albums! I also had the priviledge of seeing him perform live. This music should be compulsory listening for anyone with a soul.

Shawn Phillips' music is an emotional journey that invites you to turn down the lights, crank up the stereo, grab a glass of wine and enjoy the experience. I've always been surprised that he never gained a greater popularity. A&R folk should have done this artist more justice.

My husband who lived in South Africa introduced me to Shawn Phillips only a few years ago. This album is mesmerizing, his voice is so rich that you savor every note.

This music listened to alone in the dark will transform you.