Reviewed by Aaron Ferris

One critic has called this gem "the greatest album Sufjan Stevens never recorded" and with the new folk eccentric producing and playing all manner of instruments on this debut by Rev Vito Aiuto and his wife Monique, and even the good reverend's voice resembling Sufjan, I know what she meant. This neo folk gospel set tells the old, old story in a way that only folk music can. This collection of material presents a quirky look into their musings over the last eight years, achieving something to be enjoyed by the youngest to the eldest. It would be no mean feat to fully dissect everything but in a proverbial nutshell "He Never Said a Mumblin' Word" displays the truth and intimacy of the writing, reflecting on the silence of Jesus throughout the crucifixion. On the other hand "Sold! To The Rich Man" shows that without over complicating, The Welcome Wagon are also capable of more full-bodied arrangements. It is quieter moments such as "Hail To The Lord's Anointed" that best shows off this duo. Monique's vocals shine delicately as the nuances gently whisk everything aside for those few moments to ponder the subject matter. As well as Rev Aiuto's compositions there are also two decidedly unexpected covers, Velvet Underground's "Jesus" which moves from a quiet guitar, voice and glockenspiel start to a big chorus with a full blooded gospel choir, and The Smiths' "Half A Person". Mike Rimmer named 'Welcome To The Welcome Wagon' one of the best albums of 2008. I wouldn't go that far though this is still a warm-hearted and fresh musical experience guaranteed to please fans of Sufjan, Danielson and any of the other left-of-centre acoustic eccentrics.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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