Following the success of Shannon Stephens’ second solo effort – 09’s The Breadwinner – Asthmatic Kitty is reissuing Stephens’ 00 self-titled debut, complete with new artwork and two previously unreleased tracks. Produced with her Marzuki bandmates Sufjan Stevens and Matt Haseltine, Shannon Stephens features guest performances by Jamie Kempkers (Marzuki, cello), Kenny Hutson (Vigilantes of Love, pedal steel guitar), Roman Bolks and Jason Brouwer (Mews), and folkster Jason Harrod. Stephens’ voice is clear and mezmorising, her lyrics introspective, and folk country guitar work effortless and beguiling. Notable tracks include “Panic”, “I Want to Be Your Friend” and “Catch the Morning Line”, and making its third appearance is the folk ballad “I’ll Be Glad”, which Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy covered with a gospel twist on his 08 album, “Lie Down in the Light”. While I tend to like The Breadwinner a bit better both albums are excellent and together they create a strong collection of solo work from a woman who has come into her own beautifully with a stunning simplicity. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Laura Gibson, The Innocence Mission, Marzuki, Sufjan Stevens, Rosie Thomas, Denison Witmer