the smedley log - suburban scrawl

Illinoise

This was not only the first birthday gift I received this year, but also my first encounter with the work of Sufjan Stevens.

Illinois is part of an apparent effort by the artist to record an entire album about each of the fifty states. I wasn’t sure whether I’d like it going in. I know a lot of people cooler than I am dig this stuff, but I wasn’t sure if I’d fit the musical mold. I’m now glad to report that I’m quite enthralled by the material so far.

The first things that struck me were the song listings and liner notes, which were kind of catchy, in a long-winded sort of way (The second song description begins thus, “THE BLACKHAWK WAR, or, How to Demolish an Entire Civilization and Still Feel Good About Yourself in the Morning…” and the sixth song description is, “A Short Reprise for Mary Todd, Who Went Insane, but for Very Good Reasons”).

The music’s not bad either. Offbeat, but with great texture. Stevens is apparently one of the more gifted composers in my collection. There are so many tracks that jump out at me. The first couple times through I thought “Jacksonville” might be the best song on the CD, but then after a few more listens, I’m starting to think I might favor “Casimir Pulaski Day” a bit more. A few more listens and who knows what will impress me next.

Of course, this gift was reportedly the idea of my brother-in-law, whose musical tastes I find almost invariably agreeable. It was also raved upon by my favorite internet music critic, who called it “a flat-out masterpiece, a project of breathtakingly singular vision and voice.”

I couldn’t agree more. If you really want an in-depth review, I suggest you read the rest of Andre Salles’ take.

That is such a cool present…I just read about that project in Wired and wanted to get that album. Fun stuff, especially because I grew up in Chicago. Very cool indeed…and glad you say it’s worthwhile. Cheers.

Andre Salles, whose review I quote from, is an Illinois native, I believe.

Anyway, being a native of the state, you should be more adept with the references.

What a great album! You know, out here in Chicagoland it actually has had some decent radio play on the big stations. “Chicago” and “Man of Metropolis.” Way to go, Sufjan!

Happy Birthday, by the way!

Thanks! And it’s good to hear the feedback on this from yet another “Illinoiser.”

I can’t think of any good reason this album shouldn’t be well played on the radio – well, except for the fact that the majority of radio listeners might not appreciate anything that hasn’t been cranked out by machines and crammed down their throats by marketing… but I think it’s a truly great album.