Sufjan (pronounced Soof-Yahn) Stevens is one of the most intriguing, unique artists that I've ever heard. He has the soul of a singer/songwriter, but within him is the talent of the greatest of composers. His music can go from banjo-led, hushed and contemplative songs one minute, to songs that sound as if they contain a 15-piece orchestra within them the next. While the sound of Sufjan's compositions are quite varied, he always retains the singular ability to describe the lives of every day, working-class people in the greatest of detail.
The 'Michigan' album came at the start of what many thought would be an eventual tribute to all 50 states in the Union. Having been born in Detroit, it was a natural beginning to what would have been an immense undertaking. Unfortunately for everyone, it seems that this idea has stalled after only the second album, 'Illinois', which is an absolute masterpiece in its own right. While 'Illinois' is the more popular, highly rated album of the two, I chose this album due to the fact that it's one of my favorite records to listen to around Christmas time. While the themes may be depressing at times, as Stevens was writing about a region that had dealt with quite a few economic blows, it still contains a message of hope that always manages to put me in a good mood around this time of year.
If you like this, try:
Sufjan Stevens - Seven Swans (2004) [especially if you enjoy the quieter, banjo led tracks]
Sufjan Stevens - Illinois (2005)
Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days (2004) [a fairly similar folk musician]
As a result of the new Cradle of Filth album releasing, I have been listening to their discology over the last few weeks. Upon dropping in Sufjan Stevens, the first listen through was a real snoozer in comparison. As much as I listen to music for adrenaline, there are a few instances where the slow tempo album hits the spot. Those instances are typically Imogen Heap, Death Cab for Cutie, and Gary Jules’ ‘Mad World’. I hear all of these through ‘Michigan.’ ‘All Good Naysayers….’ sounds like it is right off of an Imogen Heap album. As a father and a product of a divorce, ‘For The Widows In Paradise; For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti’ really touched a nerve with me as it sums up my mother’s struggle. Just when I think I have a moment with the artist, he breaks out some horns which simply don’t belong on ‘Say Yes! To M!ch!gan!’. I absolutely love the intro to ‘Upper Peninsula’ and ended up captivated by the lyrics. Strangely enough, this one reminds me of my dad. Like the Decemberists, Sufjan is a great storyteller. After these few highlights, I find the rest of the tracks are good, but not great. I think the pace wears me down without the emotional connection. I would have typed this up Friday night, except my brain was absolutely fried at that point and I knew this pace would put me to sleep, regardless of the content. I see Sufjan has many albums, I am curious from David how different the rest of the albums are from this.
ReplyDeleteI have always liked Sufjan Stevens - even when I've not known it was him. Remember "Fake Empire" from The National week? The instrumental breakdown in that song was my absolute favorite moment from that week - and although The National was certainly great in its own right, it was this highlight, courtesy of Sufjan, that really got me excited about listening. I've since made it my default ringtone. I also am a an of "Illinois" (which all of you should listen to being that we live in Illinois. That's exciting unto itself, and that album is much larger, more orchestrated, than this one.
ReplyDelete"Michigan" is a solid album - yes, it can be slow at times, but everything this guy does is absolutely beautiful, and that, I think makes up for a lack of excitement at times. I see where David's connection with Christmastime comes in as well - I see similarities with Vince Guaraldi's "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
The opening track is a bit slow, but what do you expect from a somber tune about one of the state's most downtrodden communities? "All Good Naysayers" is a little more uplifting - even Christmassy. It's one of the first tunes to me that sounds like something out of Vince Guaraldi's catalog. I love the banjos on "For the Widows in Paradise..," the storytelling here is endearing and the chorus is beautiful - by far one of the best tracks on the album for me. "Tahquemenon Falls" sounds so surreal, but isn't one of my favorite tracks. "Detroit" brings the energy up quite a bit, and even though its tempo is faster than the rest of the tracks on the album, it does seem to fit the overall theme really well. I think the lyrics are kind of touching because Detroit and St. Louis have some similiarities economy-wise, so it's easier to relate. Love the banjo again on "Romulus." I thought "Redford" also was beautiful, but am liking the first half of the album better than the second for some reason.
Overall, this guy really can't go wrong with me. His music is beautiful and both compelling or great for ambient background music, so it's very versatile. I'm going to spend some time this Christmas listening again to Illinois (I still want to impress on all of you that you need to listen to it as well). It's something so beautiful and so special to be able to connect with the music on such a deep down personal level. And who doesn't like a good shout out?
Sufjan’s delicate singing can be a roadblock for first time listeners. It was for me, but like Matt’s deep croon from The National, it grew on me and now I am a big Sufjan fan. I always take his Illinois album when going on roadtrips, and will now add Michigan to my annual winter holiday listening.
ReplyDeleteI’ve listened to this album briefly before, but never sat down with it like I did this week. There is really no one else today making music the way Sufjan does, his music stands alone and stands above most other contemporary folk artists. His lyrics overflow with poignancy and potency that brings me back to Bruce Springsteen week; instead of headstrong nights in New Jersey, we are given heart-wrenching stories of despair from a state that has been crippled by a struggling economy.
No other song could have set the tone for this album as well as “Flint”; with just a piano and a horn that sounds like it’s crying, it’s too easy for me to envision abandoned automobile factories with empty parking lots and families packing all of their belongings into their cars. Though the music comes off very tragic at times, it is dripping with purpose and necessity. I almost feel like I’m on a rollercoaster with the way the arrangements swell and turn, and his marriage of unlikely instruments is remarkable, like on “Say Yes! to M!ch!gan!” when brings a sitar underneath a cluster of horns. “Upper Peninsula” is one of my favorite Sufjan songs to date; the fuzzy electric guitar at the end punctuates the story perfectly. When is the last time you heard a guitar riff like that on a “folk” album?! The short instrumental interludes deliver a lighthearted beauty to the album; the chimes on “Tahquamenon Falls” get me in the Christmas spirit. The storytelling takes a front seat on “Romulus”, the narrative of a delinquent mother who’s children feel her shame for her, the innocence of lyrics like “we touched her hair” are further punctuated by the bitterness felt when their grandfather and caretaker passes on.
There is a complex beauty to his arrangements; the layering of chimes, xylephone, banjo and what is seemingly every other instrument under the sun is something unique to Sufjans music. He undeniably has the ear of a composer and a producer; he knows when and how to build a big sound and depending on the subject matter, knows when to scale it down. You can hear the time and care put into making this album when you listen to it; it is very earnest and always puts me in a contemplative and serene state. This music is deserving of everyone’s time and attention.
I have tried Sufjan’s music before and really gave it an honest effort. Being someone who truly appreciates mellow music I thought he would be a sure fit for me. Unfortunately I may have been listening at the wrong time of year, and/or been turned off early and not gave it a full effort. Therefore it will be interesting to see what I think of it now after doing the blog, and at the one time of year where I am NOT in the mood to listen to anything but Christmas music……here we go.
ReplyDeleteThe first track is a great example of why I was turned off initially from Sufjan’s music before. While I know all about the struggles of Michigan, and Flint in particular, this song is very down and depressing to me. While I totally understand that you really can’t make an upbeat song about Flint, I guess I am always looking for an upside and this song brings me nothing but down. Looking at it from a non-personal standpoint I think he makes good decisions in keeping it simple with just his piano and horn. It really makes for a lonely, down on your luck feel. “All Good Naysayers” is not at all what I have ever heard before from a Sufjan song. It is so upbeat and fun and I see the resemblance between Vince G. and Sufjan on this one. This has a jazz/folk vibe to it that is right up my alley and can definitely appreciate its quirkiness. “For the widows” is beautiful lyrically. I love the simplicity and the story of the mother on her own with her child, and how she would do anything for her child whatever sacrifice that may be. “Tahquamenon Falls” was the first track that I could really envision listening to at Christmas time. The bells and chimes are so relevant at Christmas and that is what the entirety of this song is. It makes for a nice intermission on the album. I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of Sufjan’s voice, but the backdrop to his songs are beautifully done so it makes it much easier for me to look past his kind of quivering voice. His voice is somewhat reminiscent of Paul Simon to me, however I think I would be his biggest fan if Paul was the one doing the singing. “Alanson” is another Christmasy track, and I must say that I am becoming a big fan of xylophone music. “Holland” and “Redford” were the only real standouts for me on the second half of the album.
I was greatly pleased that I found myself enjoying quite a few tracks. I see the beauty and uniqueness to Sufjan’s music and will have to give his other albums a shot after the holidays.