Sufjan Stevens isn’t afraid of a concept album. Accompanying the release of Michigan in 2003, an evocative, almost breathy love letter to the artist’s home state, Stevens infamously announced the undertaking of a fifty-state project, each record an intimate homage to the cultural landscape of the United States. In 2003, he told of Flint and Holland and Detroit, highlighting the eccentricities of his home state; why not do the same for Rhode Island, or Alabama, or Utah?
Never having heard this artist or been to this city, I think this piece of writing is so good, and I immediately think I should be like, paying for this or something. An immersive and generous piece
This was a great read! I cant explain it but, I too, find myself constantly returning to this album, as well. I've never even been to Illinois (grew up in Philly) yet the album means so much to me. Maybe it's because there is something inspiringly ethereral about the sound, specifically "Chicago". Nolstagia fuel, I guess?
I love how deeply connected your experiences are to the music and the city as a whole. Illinois is probably still my favourite SS album although I have strong memories connected to Carrie & Lowell. All in all, I loved piece.
Never having heard this artist or been to this city, I think this piece of writing is so good, and I immediately think I should be like, paying for this or something. An immersive and generous piece
This was a great read! I cant explain it but, I too, find myself constantly returning to this album, as well. I've never even been to Illinois (grew up in Philly) yet the album means so much to me. Maybe it's because there is something inspiringly ethereral about the sound, specifically "Chicago". Nolstagia fuel, I guess?
I love how deeply connected your experiences are to the music and the city as a whole. Illinois is probably still my favourite SS album although I have strong memories connected to Carrie & Lowell. All in all, I loved piece.
Excellent deep dive write up and reflections. It's one of the top five greatest albums of the last 25 years. Easy.