Sufjan Stevens' Illinois stands as a landmark release in indie rock, weaving together elaborate arrangements, heartfelt storytelling, and Stevens’ signature blend of folk and orchestral pop. As the second entry in his ambitious "50 States Project," the album offers a sweeping, cinematic tribute to the history, people, and scenery of Illinois, brought to life by Stevens’ inventive songwriting and multi-instrumental prowess.
This carefully crafted reissue features a double gatefold sleeve and a printed insert with lyrics on one side and a striking photograph of "Sufjan Stevens and the Illinoisemakers" on the other. From evocative quiet moments recorded at home to lush orchestration in unique New York studios, Illinois captures a remarkable range of sound and emotion that continues to resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike.
- Format: Vinyl
- Label: Asthmatic Kitty Records
- Genre: Rock
- Remember, for our lowest prices, always order directly from Joco Records!
TRACKS
A1. Concerning The UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois
A2. The Black Hawk War, Or, How To Demolish An Entire Civilization And Still Feel Good About Yourself In The Morning, Or, We Apologize For The Inconvenience But You're Going To Have To Leave Now, Or, "I Have Fought The Big Knives And Will Continue To Fight Them Until They Are Off Our Lands!"
A3. Come On! Feel The Illinoise! Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream
A4. John Wayne Gacy, Jr.
A5. Jacksonville
A6. A Short Reprise For Mary Todd, Who Went Insane, But For Very Good Reasons
B1. Decatur, Or, Round Of Applause For Your Stepmother!
B2. One Last "Whoo-Hoo!" For The Pullman
B3. Chicago
B4. Casimir Pulaski Day
B5. To The Workers Of The Rock River Valley Region, I Have An Idea Concerning Your Predicament
C1. The Man Of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts
C2. Prairie Fire That Wanders About
C3. A Conjunction Of Drones Simulating The Way In Which Sufjan Stevens Has An Existential Crisis In The Great Godfrey Maze
C4. The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us!
C5. They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From The Dead!! Ahhhh!
C6. Let's Hear That String Part Again, Because I Don't Think They Heard It All The Way Out In Bushnell
C7. In This Temple As In The Hearts Of Man For Whom He Saved The Earth
D1. The Seer's Tower
D2. The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders Part I: The Great Frontier Part II: Come To Me Only With Playthings Now
D3. Riffs And Variations On A Single Note For Jelly Roll, Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Baby Dodds, And The King Of Swing, To Name A Few
D4. Out Of Egypt, Into The Great Laugh Of Mankind, And I Shake The Dirt From My Sandals As I Run
D5. The Avalanche
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