Search - Sufjan Stevens :: Come on Feel the Illinoise

Let's Hear That String Part Again

George J. Perkins | Madison Wisconsin | 10/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who programs a 0:40 track aptly entitled "Let's Hear That String Part Again, Because I Don't Think They Heard It" has definitely got me by the throat. I absolutely love this CD, first listening, re-listening, narcotic-like, hearing something different every time. Call it hypnotically engaging because of its layer upon layer of sound (no category does it justice: twisted folk, perhaps performance sound art, or someone's fine arts degree thesis?) The lyrics, like the song titles, are infinitely dissectible, and after each incision, reveal messages which must be played sideways to be heard."

Illinoisy

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 06/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Only time will tell if Sufjan Stevens manages to churn out enough albums for all fifty states. Since 2003, he's covered only two of the states. Maybe he can combine some state names...



But whether or not he covers the whole USA, Stevens' will keep charming people with his music, as he does in his latest album "Illinoise." And no, that is not a typo. It's sort of folk -- dreamy acoustic pop, with songs about aliens, God, and wacky interludes. This is folk music for the Wes Anderson fans.



It opens with a dreamy intro about a UFO, written in elusive language that could hint at either aliens or a religious vision. Your pick which it is, but Stevens' sweet voice and birdlike instruments make it sound ethereal... before it switches over into the choral singing and inspiring horns of "Black Hawk War." By the time it's over, you'll feel like saluting.



Stevens uses that as a springboard for lighter material -- inspiring rock anthems, mellow acoustic music, and vaguely ominous balladry. Some of the songs wouldn't be out of place at a down-home barn dance, and others are sparkling indie bliss. And yes, some songs dabble at both styles, like the sweeping dancey "Man of Metropolis."



By the last stretch of the album, Stevens switches over to a folk-dreampop style, with cute little interludes between the songs. "They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!!" wins for most unique title, but it also shows Stevens off in his eerie folk best. It's a sound that continues its melancholy way, right to the end -- the sparkling "Out of Egypt."



Yep, "Illinoise" is one of those albums that qualifies as an experience -- it's the sort of music that transports you away, and doesn't set you back down until it ends. Though it borders on maudlin in places, Stevens' songcraft and musical skill are enough to make every song on this album a treasure.



Stevens has your basic folk voice, but he uses it with such sweetness and smoothness that he sounds amazing. Sometimes he just sings as is, and sometimes he lets the chorus of backing vocals swell up behind him, singing harmony to every line. And then there's the music, which adds further harmony to his vocals. Ah yes, the music. It's a colourful patchwork of basic folk -- acoustic guitar, drums, bells, horns, piano and what sounds like a xylophone. It's bright in some places, dismal in others.



And it's full of Stevens' bittersweet lyrics, where he manages to make us pity a serial killer, mourn a city's passing, and wonder what those lights in the sky are. He has a definite way with words ("i can't explain the state that I'm in/the state of my heart... he was my best friend"). And though Stevens often plays coy about the spiritual undertones of his songs, the passion in them is undeniable ("In the tower above the earth, we built it for Emmanuel....").



It's going to be hard to top the eerie folk of "Illinoise," but Sufjan Stevens will undoubtedly do it. Whatever state he chooses next. Bittersweet and beautiful."