Sufjan Stevens, What’s Not to Love? (by Eryn)

I am so happy that Sufjan won Artist of the Week, because he is so extremely talented and deserves such recognition. Many have dubbed him a “hero of indie” but this artist holds a special place in my heart. He was a gateway drug of sorts into folk music for me. Words cannot describe how touching his music is, so mellow and melodic. His voice alone is enough to send shivers down your spine. Each song of his holds a story within it, each one of them reaches out and makes you feel something new.

For those of you who have not yet experienced the musical phenomenon that is Sufjan Stevens, here is a list of 11 songs you must hear to fully understand his brilliance.

1. Decatur, or, Round of Applause for Your Stepmother! (Come On, Feel the Illinoise!) I am always a sucker for a song with amazing banjo in it, and this definitely has its fair share of that! It is so catchy though, you find yourself singing the lyrics “Stephen A. Douglas was a great debater, but Abraham Lincoln was the great emancipator” is often my phrase of choice.

2. Say Hello (with Rosie Thomas) This is perhaps the most adorable song I have heard in my life. This makes you want to be friendly to strangers in a non-creepy way. Also, as a side note, you should check Rosie Thomas out because her music is simply beautiful (I’ll write an article about her later, she deserves it).

3. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Seven Swans) Sufjan does have religious undertones, and this is my absolute favorite interpretation of this old church hymn. He takes something simple and takes it to a whole other level, yet another reason to love him.

4. Chicago (Come On, Feel the Illinoise!) Truly I don’t think it’s possible not to like this song. The background music, the voices, the catchy lyrics, everything meshes together into musical goodness only Sufjan could provide.

5. Casimir Pulaski Day (Come On, Feel the Illinoise!) Such sweet sadness in this song, it reminds you of the true nature of folk music, storytelling. This song takes your heart and runs it through the wringer.

6. You Are the Blood (Dark Was the Night) This song shows an entirely different side to Sufjan Stevens. It may have very dark undertones in the melodic composition, but it is so unique and beautiful, you can’t help but love it.

7. The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us! (Come On, Feel the Illinoise!) Again, a storytelling song. It makes you feel like you are floating. In truth, this is the song that made me fall in love with Sufjan.

8. That Was the Worst Christmas Ever (Songs for Christmas) Sure it may be July, but this song is pretty much the perfect holiday song. It truly captures an authentic Christmas experience and almost makes you wish there was some snow on the ground.

9. The Dress Looks Nice on You (Seven Swans) I adore this song because it says so much with so little. If you are a boy, put this on a CD for your girlfriend, please. It is so sweet and pretty it makes me want to cry.

10. For the Widows in Paradise, for the Fatherless in Ypsilanti (Michigan: The Great Lake State) Another song with a lot of spiritual undertones, but it is so powerful. Words cannot describe the way this song affects me.

11. To Be Alone With You (Seven Swans) Part of the reason that I love this song is because of the very first line. “I’d swim across Lake Michigan” I live on Lake Michigan. This song takes some of the very best qualities of Sufjan’s music and melts your heart with it.

Many may not be aware of his versatility. Check this out- http://www.illinoize.biz/ an awesome REmix tape of Sufjan, paired together with some pretty awesome hip hop artists. This was put together by Montreal producer Tor along with Sufjan. As an added bonus, you can download all the songs on there for free! Highly recommended.