Welcome To The Welcome Wagon

Some unrefined folks might think Sufjan Stevens' sensitive bleating sounds like an Asthmatic Kitty. I'm pretty positive that's not why he gave his record label that name, but it's something to think about while you read about the imprint's next release.

Welcome To The Welcome Wagon is the debut album by The Welcome Wagon, a duo composed of Brooklyn, New York Presbyterian pastor Vito Aiuto and his wife Monique, who are backed on the record by members of their congregation. The album was produced and arranged by Stevens and features a mix of folk, indie pop and gospel styles.

The Dec. 9 release includes a unique combination of original songs, hymns and covers, including The Smiths' "Half A Person." The two frontpeople sing and play guitar and glockenspiel, while members of their flock contribute vocals, lap steel, upright bass and brass instruments.

The album material was sourced from a variety of rehearsals and home recordings captured in living rooms, churches and home studios across New York City over eight years.

You can download The Welcome Wagon's very pleasant interpretation of Danielson Famile's "Sold! To The Nice Rich Man" on Asthmatic Kitty's website.

Here are the songs on Welcome To The Welcome Wagon:

"Up On A Mountain"
"Sold! To The Nice Rich Man"
"Unless The Lord The House Shall Build"
"He Never Said A Mumblin' Word"
"Hail To The Lord's Anointed"
"But For You Who Fear My Name"
"American Legion"
"You Made My Day"
"Half A Person"
"Jesus"
"I Am A Stranger"
"Deep Were His Wounds, And Red"