Written and sung by cult music legend Shawn Phillips. Produced by 2002 Grammy winner Paul Buckmaster (Best arranger & composer). Extra production J. Peter Robinson. Engineered by Rick Hart (Pink Floyd - Dark Side of th... more »e Moon).« less
Written and sung by cult music legend Shawn Phillips. Produced by 2002 Grammy winner Paul Buckmaster (Best arranger & composer). Extra production J. Peter Robinson. Engineered by Rick Hart (Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon).
"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."
Phillips Shakes the Thoughtscapes Again---Alan Miller
Alanworks LLC | New York City, New York USA | 09/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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"
Just amazing
04/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
No Category: A good re-work of 'The Truth If It Kills' CD
D Miller | Iowa, USA | 03/21/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"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'"