Any Sufjan Stevens Fans?

I really like Illinoise but haven't bought anything else. If you like him you may also enjoy Midlake's Van Occupanther album

Regards

Diccus

'Greetings from Michigan' is great-very much in the style of Illinoise. 'Avalanche' is a CD of outtakes and extra material from Illinoise; an unpromising idea but actually it stands up pretty well and if you really enjoy 'Illinoise' then you'll probably like it a lot. I would avoid 'Seven Swans' though, quite different and left me cold.

I've not heard the recent 5 Disc Christmas songs collection, because it really did not appeal.

The man apparently wants to do an album about every US state, so far he seems to be pretty prolific but that is one serious challenge!

Incidentally I'd second the Van Occupanther tip, it is very good and Robert Gomez 'Brand New Towns' is another to consider but neither actually sound much like Stevens who realy seems to be a very original talent.

Bruce

I'm ,and may favorite is "John Wayne Gacy jr" song -beautiful and dark. Realy great , especially if you know something about mr Gacy.

Some prefer Michigan to Illinoise, but I'm not one of them (good as it is though). Seven Swans is simpler, and I like it for that.

The Christams box was loveley at Christmas - apart from the carols and slighter pieces, there are a few absolute gems scattered across the E.P.s. Lovely packaging too. Best at Christmas though!

The album-for-every-state plan looked faintly feasible a couple of years ago when it was mooted and he started off like he might finish it while I was alive, but I can't see that happening now.

Have you all heard The Lord God Bird track that he made for National Public Radio in the States? Simple, magical, totally beautiful.

I stumbled upon Sufjan Stevens on the Austin City Limits TV show and was immediately attracted. Seemed to be somewhat similar in some ways to Polyphonic Spree ... tuneful, colorful orchestration played by a fairly large ensemble, and an obvious debt to The Beatles. But some of the songs sounded too similar to each other, and some of the songwriting and orchestration was even too twee for me, and I like twee.

I totally love his song No Man's Land, which I heard in the great film Little Miss Sunshine. A wonderful song, smart and beautiful. On the other hand, I think his cover of Joni Mitchell's Free Man In Paris, from the upcoming Joni tribute album, was awful ... just wrong in so many ways.

Frankly, I haven't heard enough of his work to form a full opinion, but there's definitely something good there.

All best,
Fred

I have Illinoise, Greetings from Michigan and Avalanche. By far my favourite is Illinoise. Michigan is very good too and, as others have said, along the same lines as Illinoise. I've been disapointed by the Illinoise outtakes album Avalanche though. Maybe I need to listen to it some more.

quote:

Originally posted by Opportunity for growth:

I've been disapointed by the Illinoise outtakes album Avalanche though. Maybe I need to listen to it some more.

That's where No Man's Land is from, yes? Emotionally affecting song, tuneful with clever rhythmic devices ... give it another spin.

All best,
Fred