|
| REVIEWS |
Sufjan
Stevens
Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes State
(Asthmatic
Kitty / Sounds Familyre)
There is only one way to describe Sufjan Stevens' latest release:
it's like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold winter day
with a cup of hot chocolate sitting on the table waiting to
be sipped. Yes, it is just that relaxing and comforting. Enjoy
Your Rabbit, Stevens' last release, was a huge departure
from his singer/songwriter days and with his latest release
he continues that departure by using many different instruments
to paint his masterpiece. His new album is the first installment
of The 50 States, an ambitious recording project by Stevens.
He plans on recording an album for each state and he begins
here in Michigan, his birthplace.
The album opens with "Flint (For the Unemployed and Underpaid),"
a soft beautiful song that starts out with only a piano and
a voice. It barely leaves that format throughout the entire
song with the exception of a well placed trumpet and a vocal
harmony. The lyrics are beautiful and complex and are a perfect
match to the music. Towards the end of the song Stevens sings
"Even if I died alone...” over and over until he
slowly stops and lets his voice fade into the music and then
continues to let the music gracefully bow out to the next track.
One song that stands out to me is the track "For the Widows
in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti." Stevens’
voice is a soft inviting presence; leading the listener into
this world he creates through his lyrics. "If there's anything
to say, if there's anything to do, if there's any other way,
I'll do anything for you," Stevens seems to be telling
those who have been abandoned there is someone out there for
them. With a simple banjo and, once again, a trumpet he musically
conveys what most artists try to do unsuccessfully with a wide
variety of instruments.
Stevens' music may not be for everyone. He does have a few purely
instrumental tracks. "Tahquamenon Falls" is basically
two minutes of a xylophone. Though odd, it does seem to fit
perfectly with the rest of the material. The haunting yet eerily
upbeat sounds of the xylophone seem to be perfect for a song
about a waterfall. Stevens has indeed ventured into the many
different areas of Michigan. He explores each space with delicacy
and insight, and his pensive lyrics and wondrous music make
this album praise worthy.
Reviewed by
Angela Rodriguez
January 9th, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
