the a.r.w. recommends: Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens — His name may be Arabic, but Sufjan was born in good ole Detroit, Michigan. Steven’s first record was released in 2000 on a label he created with his stepfather, which they called Asthmatic Kitty. However, Stevens had been creating music and learning a plethora of instruments for years. In fact, you can often notice that he plays multiple instruments on one track, sometimes writing in different time signatures. His influences are expansive, incorporating inspiration from Bible stories, in addition to the states in which he has lived. It wasn’t until 2005 that Stevens’ began to receive attention from the major music media. Illinois, part of his Fifty States Project, hit #1 on the Billboard chart, exploring state themes like Chicago, poet Carl Sandburg, serial killer John Wayne Gacy Jr., and the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893.
Originally, the Fifty States Project began with Michigan in 2003, “a collection of folk songs and instrumentals inspired by his home state of Michigan. The result, the expansive Michigan (fully titled Greetings from Michigan, the Great Lake State) included odes to cities including Detroit and Flint, the Upper Peninsula, and vacation areas such as Tahquamenon Falls.” Stevens’ intends to write an album for each state and has, thus far, completed two (aforementioned Illinois and Michigan). One may notice, in interviews, that Stevens’ vacillates between “utter sincerity and self-deprecating irony when describing the idea.” Nonetheless, it is rumored that two more states albums (possibly three) are in the works: Oregon, Rhode Island, and perhaps New York.
Stevens’ sound is unusual — he doesn’t follow one path or train of thought. His music ranges from electronic to pop, from folk to gospel. He is both soothing and shattering. His lyrics meld into beauty that confuse and inspire. Sufjan Stevens is one of those things I am almost hesitant to share, as if it is some gift or secret that will lose its meaning. Nonetheless, he deserves a listen. Maybe you will find yourself, like I do, listening to his music without pause.
All quotes in this article were taken from Sufjan’s Wikipedia page.
16 responses so far
Good recommendation. I like him too. I have mostly just heard Illinois which is great. He is great to listen to as you want to go to bed at night, or on a long road trip.
I was actually listening to “Illinois” not too long ago. I wonder when he’s going to make his Maryland album.
Jessica, I absolutely agree. You should see if you can find this B-Sides & Demos album that I have. No clue where I got it from, but it’s the best compilation of his tracks that I’ve heard yet, despite only having about 8 songs.
Man, I HAVE to listen to him now, it’s in my blood. I was born in IL, grew up in MI and I’m back in Chicago. *off to find him*
I cannot agree with you more. I listened to him for hours today. I have all of his albums (even the Christmas ones) and can’t get enough. My favorite album is “Seven Swans.” I almost went to D.C. to see him in concert a few years ago–but because the tickets were being given away through a raffle, I never got tickets.
My life won’t be complete until I can see him live.
Side note, I do not enjoy my rabbit.
Rachel, start with Seven Swans, if you can get that. It’s a great album, one of his first.
Sufjan does indeed have a unique sound…
If you’re looking for something out there, but still accessible, check out:
“Hress” by Nico Muhly on Mothertongue (2008) (Part three of a four part experimental composition. Heavily layered and amazing. You should probably listen to all four parts from start to finish)
And his rendition of an old folk song is also incredible (but absolutely amazing live).
we so have fabulous taste. i have been swooning over him for a few months now. at first i thought he was cat stevens son (they even look similar) but i googled it and they said he wasn’t. kinda a shame cause cat is one of my all time favorite artists!
ha, well regardless of who his dad is or isn’t i think he is all sorts of awesome!
I love chamber pop, and Sufjan Stevens is the cream of the crop. I forgot about Michigan, though, so I will definitely check that out now that this post has reminded me!
i shlove him. AND sigur ros who i’m seeing on thursday! wahoo!
[F]oxymoron, thanks for the recommendation!
margot, I’m jealous! I bet Sigur does an awesome live show. You must report back!
I saw him live and it was quite the experience. I would definitely see him again.
Love, love, love him. His music is so beautiful. I really want him to make an album for my home state (PA).
Ohhh how I love that you wrote about this! Definitely agree with everything you said, I realized how much I enjoyed Stevens when watching Little Miss Sunshine, I SQUEALED when I heard one of his songs.
I haven’t really listened to him since Illinoise. he used to play around my campus every so often and I loved him. A reminder I have to start keeping on top of him again.