I got into Sufjan Stevens on the cusp of the release of Michigan, his breakout album which would insure his rise to the top of the indie rock charts. Here was a guy doing something really new and interesting and, at the time, nobody had really heard of him. But, as it turns out, my future wife knew about him too, having seen him open for her Aunt and Uncle in a particularly unimpressive performance that must’ve surely been among his first as a solo artist—she even had a copy of his CD, I was impressed.
Of all the artists that write great songs Sufjan writes the best; it’s hard to choose my favourite track and if backed into a corner this probably wouldn’t be it. But I love this video too much not to choose it to share with you. So enjoy.
For the Widows of Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti
Thanks for that. Beautiful song.
I collected all the Christmas tracks he’s done. Some of them are amongst the best versions of various carols that I have ever heard. My Dad loves them too. They just get under your skin and into your bloodstream.