This debut unveils a ramshackle sing-along enterprise of a Presbyterian pastor and his wife who wrestle out the influences of folk music, religion, pop culture, and church tradition in a collection of soulful and good-humo... more »red songs. This gorgeous brew consolidates "sacred" song traditions (old Testament psalms, 17th century Presbyterian psalters), iconoclastic '60s pop innovators (The Velvet Underground), '70s charismatic Catholics (Lenny Smith), and '80s melancholy lovelorn pop (The Smiths). Recorded, produced, and arranged by Sufjan Stevens.« less
This debut unveils a ramshackle sing-along enterprise of a Presbyterian pastor and his wife who wrestle out the influences of folk music, religion, pop culture, and church tradition in a collection of soulful and good-humored songs. This gorgeous brew consolidates "sacred" song traditions (old Testament psalms, 17th century Presbyterian psalters), iconoclastic '60s pop innovators (The Velvet Underground), '70s charismatic Catholics (Lenny Smith), and '80s melancholy lovelorn pop (The Smiths). Recorded, produced, and arranged by Sufjan Stevens.
CD Reviews
Help me find my proper place
Jonathan E. Barnes | Tennessee | 12/19/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Nestled comfortably in their own space between Contemporary Christian Worship and quirky nerdfolk music, The Welcome Wagon bring the (joyful) noise, as it were. Sufjan Stevens is not afraid of intricate string and horn arrangements, and the record sounds as though a microphone was always on, ready to capture the piano or guitar as a song arrangement was crafted. Vito and wife Monique sing with delicate sweetness and are backed at times with a group of choir-ish singers. All songs on the record are great, some more than others. Songs that stand out to me are Up On A Mountain, Hail To The Lord's Anointed, But For You Who Fear My Name, & Jesus. Highly recommended."
The Welcome Wagon.
Joshua Arthurs | right behind you | 09/22/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My list of things that are better than The Welcome Wagon
1. World peace
2. sliced bread
3. kittens
and that's really about it.
Get this album and prepare to have your socks knocked clean off."
Beautiful, Unique, Eclectic
Andrew Davidson | Rochester, NY USA | 01/31/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Outstanding. You can definitely see the influence Sufjan has on this group, but that doesn't detract from it for me."
Fresh
JRP | VA | 02/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Impossible to label...which makes it fresh. Sweet...but not ironic. The best kind of musical simplicity. Listening to Welcome Wagon is like wading in a mountain stream. Sufjan Stevens' mark is here, but this couple have forged their own way. It's hard to find adequate descriptive words, but take a listen. It's my favorite new album."
Feeling warm and fuzzy inside and out
Natalie Green | brooklyn, ny | 10/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"dear people, there is heart and soul to be found herein, turn it up! the kindness in the voices and the thoughtful bells and harmonica, horns and strings and fingers winding, all are swept in such arms of happy praise and solemn reverie. i am one small voice, but i will say it loud and i'll say it here, listen up! listen up! hear hear! 'tis wondrous music! wondrous!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1