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It's a weird one, but "Sufjan Stevens" is a name that you are sure to be hearing more often.
This ambitious 29-year-old has been quietly releasing albums since 2000, but his recent project has put him and his music in the limelight: he intends to release an album for each of the 50 U.S. states. This project began in 2003, with an album about his home state, Michigan, and continues with this year's Illinois. And the way he approaches each album is so unique and fascinating: he spends about six months intently studying and researching each state, reading about its history, exploring maps; and then he writes songs inspired by his findings.
The results are really amazing. Sufjan has a beautiful gift for lyrics, not too surprising given that he studied writing at the New School for Social Research in New York. The musicianship on this album is also impressive: there are gorgeous string arrangements, banjo, a horn section, and Sufjan's own impressive piano playing. He also did some exquisite choral-style vocal arrangements. And between each song, there are little instrumental snippets, giving the whole thing a sorta musical-style feel. These songs are just so good they kill me; they're all soaring and majestic and breathtaking and awe-inspiring!
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In case you can't tell, I'm really blown away by this guy! I'm just such a nerd: I love research, and I think his "50 States" project is so amazing. I mean, the Dambuilders tried to do it with songs, but they only got six under their belt before they broke up. (janice.08.05)
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