Phelps' third album is an accomplished serving of country blues that combines the sweet and sour power of his guitar playing with the equally bittersweet charge of Phelps' wearied voice. Shine Eyed Mister Zen features a lot of singing, but most importantly it spotlights the singing of Phelps' slide guitar, which integrates a humid and natural style that invokes the mystery and religion that these mostly original songs lean toward. The dusty delta Phelps conjures here is at once familiar and nostalgic; it's to his credit that Phelps is able to add his own voice to the spiritual mix. A mystical and unaffected recording. ~ Michael Gallucci

1) The House Carpenter (06:43)
2) River Rat Jimmy (03:32)
3) Hobo's Son (04:07)
4) Katy (06:13)
5) Wandering Away (05:05)
6) Dock Boggs Country Blues (06:23)
7) Capman Bootman (04:55)
8) Train Carried My Girl from Town (04:25)
9) Piece by Piece (06:30)
10) Many a Time (04:15)
11) Goodnight Irene (05:39)