Sufjan Stevens - Come On, Feel the Illinoise!

[Disclaimer: This poor reviewer had to fight the inclination to water down his review in order to save it from sounding over-dramatic. In the long run, buy this album and you will surely sympathize with this reviewer’s plight of putting such a work into words.]

30,000 feet in the air, I am forced to put down my book - what is coming through my earphones has stolen all of my attention. My eyes drift from the gloom that is my Nietzche book to the glowing clouds that are covering any one of our 50 states. Somewhere far below, stories are being woven together for future narration by Sufjan Stevens. As my body moves rapidly in a northwestern direction, Sufjan heads southwest from his last stop in Michigan. I peer out my airplane window in time to see the clouds part, giving me my first true glimpse of Illinois…

I-L-L-I-N-O-I-S spells an introduction to a cold river that runs bold and crisp, carrying news of a curious occurrence near Highlands, Illinois. Afloat between reality, legend, and biblical cues, Sufjan drifts smoothly in his notes to bring a message of glorious wonder. As the album progresses, we encounter a plea for cognition, reinforced by alluring melody. We mustn’t say no when the cloud of witnesses are singing in agreement!!

I-L-L-I-N-O-I-S spells pompous fanfare and worshipful declaration. Stronger support from a collective choir (and various background titillations) heightens the air of incredulous praise. Sufjan reaches, as to the heavens, into a higher vocal range as his elevated release of emotions sustains unison with the drifting melodies and instruments that weep for joy. Declared or not, Sufjan is a natural worship leader.

I-L-L-I-N-O-I-S spells commonality with all men, even men like John Wayne Gacy, Jr. reminiscent of Father Brown, Stevens puts his humanity on par with a serial killer’s in a deeply disturbing, yet equally impacting piece. Songs of a somber hue are noticeably more prevalent on this album. Sufjan’s lyrical climax occurs at track 10, “Casimir Pulaski Day,” when he recounts the loss of a loved one in a way that exposes honest faith and humble adoration.

I-L-L-I-N-O-I-S spells holistic perfection. Even a familiar beat (but with a new twist) on the last portion of “The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders” acts as a nod back to Michigan, almost to remind us that he is in the business of continued refinement. Although a colorful map of Illinois inside the booklet is lacking, Divya Srinivasan (Waking Life) contributes his ink to aid as a map, with which one may follow the concepts behind the songs rather than simply the locations.

I-L-L-I-N-O-I-S spells an absolute success, hands down. In fact, this is possibly the most impacting album I have ever purchased.

Sufjan Stevens, Come On, Feel the Illinoise! = a very solid A

Sam Albertson and his wife just moved deeper into the portal that is East Portland. They both think Sufjan may be a musical Rainman - a prodigy in one area, yet completely inept in other areas.

Editor’s note: The folks at the Burnside Writer’s Collective would like to congratulate Sam and his new bride on their recent marriage. Salut!

Posted on October 9, 2005 5:30 PM