The Welcome Wagon - Welcome To The Welcome Wagon (2008)

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Since it doesn't seem like Sufjan Stevens will be releasing the next installment in his 50 states album project anytime soon, one might as well hitch their wagon to, well, The Welcome Wagon, and their Sufjan produced debut album, Welcome To The Welcome Wagon. The Brooklyn-dwelling group consists of a Presbyterian minister, Vito Aiulo, and his wife, Monique. Although their lyrics tend to sway a bit into religious territory (understandably), it's nothing too heavy-handed, especially for Sufjan fans. It doesn't matter anyway though, because Welcome To The Welcome Wagon is one of the prettiest pop albums of 2008. From the bursts of horns and xylophone on "Sold! To The Nice Rich Man," to the gentle choir and mandolin that grounds "He Never Said A Mumblin' Word," Welcome Wagon doesn't just sound like an album that Sufjan produced, it also sounds like an album that he wrote, sang, and played on as well. His influence is all over the place, but it seems like most Asthmatic Kitty bands often incorporate their love for Sufjan into their albums (Half-Handed Cloud, anyone?), so that's not a real shocker. If you like your pop music whimsical and innocent, hitch a ride on The Welcome Wagon (sorry, I couldn't resist). Pop Apocalypse