SHAWN PHILLIPS: No Category
2003 (CD, 58:52); Fat Jack Records
Style: Progressive folk
Sound: ****
Composition ****
Musicianship ****
Performance ****
Total Rating: 16

Few words allowed, much to say.
This is Shawn Phillips' 18th album, a partial remake of the unauthorized 1994 album
The Truth If It Kills (versions of seven of 15 songs on the earlier album). No Category
reunites Phillips with Peter Robinson (Quartermass, Brand X) and Paul Buckmaster
(arranger/producer), the classic trio from Phillips' best-known album Second Contribution.
Also onboard: bassist Leland Sklar.
Phillips is a master composer/player/vocalist at top of his form. From opening remake of
the classic "Moonshine" to the end, this is a catalytic musical experience:
Phillips' famed three-octave voice is used to best effect on every cut.
Stylistically, this work is ubiquitous, with ballads ("Callico and Rainbows"),
country swing ("One Way Ticket"), lilting French cabaret numbers ("Fondest Dreams")
and proggy anthems ("The Peace Song," contender for official song of the United Nations)
all represented. Of note: "The Man," anthem for professional lifesavers (Phillips is
a volunteer EMT and firefighter).
The emotional resonance of this album is beyond equal. If "The Peace Song" leaves
you cold, you have no heart. No Category culminates a 30-year career. In a word:
fulfilling!.

Diana Greene
Progression, Spring/Summer 2003, page 147