Sufjan Stevens - "Come On Feel The Illinoise" (Asthmatic Kitty)
To quote many of the music reviews coming in on singer-songwriter Sufjan
Steven's new album, "this might be the year's masterwork." Every once in
a while a record comes along with such breathtaking creativity and audaciousness and Illinoise is this year's model.
Two years after the release of Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes
State, a fifteen song concept album, produced and performed by Stevens -
about his home state he has returned with the second of his ambitious
"50 States" project, the 74-minute spectacular Illinoise, his take on the
Windy City.
A lush, excessive, strange and giant record, Illinoise is as accessible
as it is challenging. It is an extraordinary musical achievement that is
equal parts Yes, The Band, Aaron Copeland, Stephen Foster, John Philip
Sousa and somewhere in there - a little Bob Dylan. Illinoise co-mingles
folk-epics, rock and roll, and charming orchestral arrangements with
lyrics that speak to some of Chicago's most historical people and
events. And the release is more notable by the fact that Stevens himself
plays almost every instrument with support from the "Illinoisemaker
Choir."
Illinoise is truly remarkable; I can't wait to hear what he does when he
records his Pennsylvania album.
Written by Bruce Warren
Release Date: July 5, 2005
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