[.ca] Furthermore

Intelligent, beautiful, and visceral...:
My big bro' (who was attending Michigan State) turned me on to Shawn Phillips around my tenth birthday. I wore this album out in the mid-70's (getting into the zone for Little League games), and I still count it as one of the BEST singer-songwriter albums ever created. I kinda classify Shawn in the Richard Thompson/hard-to-pigeonhole-genre of popular music, although he's not really similar to Richard, hmm... On Furthermore, you'll be hypnotized by the masterful use of strings and orchestration juxtaposed with funk bass, chunka-wunka blaxploitation guitars, groovy tinkling of various ivories, delicately finger-picked acoustic runs, and the steady rhythm from a range of instruments. The period-aimed lyrics have held-up well to the passing decades--not a surprise, I guess, when you consider that Shawn is the son of famed spy-novelist Phillip Atlee. Of particular note are the velvety "Breakthrough", the opening booty-blast of "January First", and the sadly-still-relevant "Song for Northern Ireland". Give this disc a try. This man deserved much more notoriety and fame given his incredible vocal and instrumental talents. Perhaps there's still a chance for public acclaim...a new studio album (with many of his original supporting cast) comes out later this year!

David Watson:
I've been a fan of Shawn Phillips since I first heard him in Phoenix, AZ, on one of those great underground FM stations we used to have back in the late 60's and early 70's (all long since gone to formula commercial - alas). Could never find anything by him in record or CD stores for years. Thanks to Amazon.com I've been able to update my old worn out Shawn Phillips albums with CD's. Furthermore is still my favorite. I purchased the vinyl in 1975 while in the Coast Guard. I'm not a music expert but I think when Shawn Phillips is good there are few that can combine instruments and voice as skillfully and beautifully as he. This album is a good example of his skill. "Breakthrough" is, I think, one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded and this song alone makes the album more than worth the price. After 25+ years I still play it regulary and never seem to get tired of it. If Mr. Phillips has a fault it is perhaps inconsistency. Some of his albums (not Furthermore), seem to vary in quality, though each of mine has many songs that make it worthwhile. But even when Shawn Phillips is not at his best, he's still better than most. I strongly recommend this CD and, really, any other Shawn Phillips CD. Buy this CD and support a truly gifted and tremendously under-appreciated artist.

Can you wear out a CD?:
My evenings are getting pretty full now. I am designing a mobile of all the CDs I don't think I will have time to listen to again. This one is playing on the stereo as I string up the others. Written in 74, the message is more current and vital than ever. The delivery is stunning. A landscape of sound and word that drives, dances, sparkles, and just feels with more power than a starlit night. It seems to fit anytime, and each time a new discovery. Only recent performers to come close are "The Wyrd Sisters" This is a treasure to share. If you haven't heard it, then your future is bright. Because there is still wonder before you.

• January First
• Starbright
• Breakthrough
• Ninety Two Years
• See You
• Planscape
• Troof
• Capé Barras
• Song for Northern Ireland
• Mr. President
• Talking in the Garden
• Furthermore