Sufjan Stevens – Illinois

Album Info

Artist: Sufjan Stevens

Title: Illinois

Year: 2005

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Tracklist

1. Concerning the UFO sighting near Highland, Illinois (2:08)
2. The Black Hawk War, Or, How to Demolish an Entire Civilization and Still Feel Good About Yourself In the Morning, Or, We Apologize for the Inconvenience But You're Going to Have to Leave Now, Or... (2:14)
3. Come On! Feel the Illinoise! Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream (6:45)
4. John Wayne Gacy, Jr. (3:19)
5. Jacksonville (5:24)
6. A short reprise for Mary Todd, who went insane, but for very good reasons (0:47)
7. Decatur, or, Round of Applause for Your Step-Mother! (3:03)
8. One last Whoo-hoo! for the Pullman (0:06)
9. Chicago (6:04)
10. Casimir Pulaski Day (5:53)
11. To The Workers of The Rock River Valley Region, I have an idea concerning your predicament, and it involves an inner tube, bath mats, and 21 able-bodied men (1:40)
12. The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts (6:17)
13. Prairie Fire That Wanders About (2:11)
14. A conjunction of drones simulating the way in which Sufjan Stevens has an existential crisis in the Great Godfrey Maze (0:19)
15. The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us! (5:23)
16. They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From the Dead!! Ahhhh! (5:09)
17. Let's hear that string part again, because I don't think they heard it all the way out in Bushnell (0:40)
18. In This Temple As in The Hearts of Man For Whom He Saved The Earth (0:35)
19. The Seer's Tower (3:53)
20. The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders Part I: The Great Frontier Part II: Come to Me Only With Playthings Now (7:02)
21. Riffs and Variations on a single note for Jelly Roll, Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Baby Dodds, and the King of Swing, to name a few (0:46)
22. Out of Egypt, into the Great Laugh of Mankind, and I shake the dirt from my sandals as I run (4:21)

Review

Sufjan Stevens' album "Illinois," unveiled on Independence Day 2005, stands out as a pivotal display of artistic achievement in the indie folk genre. This ambitious fifth studio endeavor is part of Stevens' larger, somewhat whimsically conceived project to compose an album for each state in the United States. "Illinois," also known by the striking title "Come on Feel the Illinoise," gained immediate acclaim for its ornate and complex musical arrangements that beautifully blend indie rock, folk, and an exquisite touch of baroque pop with Stevens' tender, stirring vocals. The album offers a vast sonic spectrum, confidently exploring the rich tapestry of Illinois' history, its notable figures, and its quintessential landmarks, crafting a narrative that ranges from the grandeur of the World's Columbian Exposition to the darkness embodied by figures like John Wayne Gacy, Jr.

"Illinois" shines as a testament to Sufjan Stevens' painstaking craftsmanship in both composition and storytelling. Demonstrating an impressive proficiency as a multi-instrumentalist, Stevens cleverly incorporates an eclectic mix of instruments like flutes, trumpets, banjos, and glockenspiels, all played by himself, which further accentuates the album's unique texture. The lyrics artfully entwine personal reflections with historical vignettes, touching upon faith, love, loss, and polarizing aspects of Americana. Acclaimed as an iconic touchstone within the indie music realm and frequently hailed as a contemporary classic, "Illinois" has resonated deeply within Stevens' body of work and has left an indelible mark on the landscape of indie and folk music that endures to this day. - Erika

Artist Bio

Sufjan Stevens is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Michigan, known for blending folk, indie rock, and electronic music since his debut in 2000. He first released music on Asthmatic Kitty, a label he co-founded, and gained wider attention with albums like *Michigan* and *Illinois*, the latter showcasing his lush arrangements and narrative songwriting. Stevens is recognized for his prolific output and experimental approach, often playing a wide range of instruments himself and collaborating with artists such as Angelo De Augustine. He received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his song "Mystery of Love" from the *Call Me by Your Name* soundtrack. Fans of artists like Iron & Wine, Bon Iver, and Elliott Smith may find his intimate, inventive style especially appealing.