Shawn Phillips ‎– Second Contribution

Shawn Phillips – Second Contribution

Shawn Phillips – Second Contribution is a highly distinctive early-1970s album that sits somewhere between folk rock, progressive rock, psychedelic folk and experimental singer-songwriter music. Originally released in 1970, it showcases Phillips' remarkable vocal range, intricate acoustic guitar work and unconventional songwriting, making it one of the more adventurous records to emerge from the era's singer-songwriter movement.

The album begins with the famously lengthy-titled "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", an expansive introduction that immediately demonstrates Phillips' willingness to move beyond conventional folk songwriting. "Keep On", "Sleepwalker" and "Song For Mr. C" continue the album's mixture of acoustic textures, unusual arrangements and introspective songwriting.

"The Ballad Of Casey Deiss" closes the first side with one of the album's more substantial compositions, before side two becomes increasingly experimental. "Song For Sagittarians", "Lookin Up Lookin Down" and "Remedial Interruption" move effortlessly between delicate folk passages and more progressive arrangements.

The shorter pieces "Whazz At", "Schmaltz Waltz" and "F Sharp Splendor" add a playful and experimental quality before "Steel Eyes" brings the album to a more substantial and atmospheric conclusion.

Phillips had already developed a reputation as an adventurous musician and songwriter, working across folk, rock and more experimental territory. His extraordinary vocal range and sophisticated guitar playing helped distinguish him from many of his contemporaries, while his willingness to incorporate progressive ideas makes Second Contribution particularly interesting to collectors.

For fans of Shawn Phillips, progressive folk, folk rock, psychedelic singer-songwriters and early-1970s experimental rock, Second Contribution is a fascinating and highly individual album that rewards repeated listening.

Tracklist

Side A

1. 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 – 4:54
2. Keep On – 3:21
3. Sleepwalker – 1:32
4. Song For Mr. C – 3:49
5. The Ballad Of Casey Deiss – 6:12

Side B

1. Song For Sagittarians – 3:43
2. Lookin Up Lookin Down – 3:55
3. Remedial Interruption – 1:56
4. Whazz At – 1:56
5. Schmaltz Waltz – 1:44
6. F Sharp Splendor – 0:36
7. Steel Eyes – 4:18