Of States and Aliens (Not a Political Statement)

The next record on the list that I have listened to is Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois, which was released in 2005. Stevens is a multi-instrumentalist, known primarily for playing the banjo. His musical interests span different genres, and he’s been known to shift between styles on his records. He likes to incorporate many instruments into his music, creating a sort of symphonic background to his songs. He also writes in different time signatures, further enhancing the musical experience in his records. He initially began recording on his own label, Asthmatic Kitty Records.

Illinois is his most widely recognized record, having reached #1 on the Billboard Heatseaker Albums list. Illinois was a part of a project where he intended to write an album based on each of the 50 states. This project eventually fell through (perhaps he got bored or felt confined to the material), but this one stood out for its grandiose feeling and excellent songwriting.

#18 – Sufjan Stevens, Illinois (Metascore = 90)

Illinois is, at its core, a folk record, but the scale of sounds runs from just him and a guitar to a symphony of instruments, all of which he incorporates to success. You would think from the start that Illinois will be an interesting record because the first song speaks of an alien invasion. This is just a retelling of a UFO sighting that occurred near Highland, Illinois. Each song incorporates some story that occurred in the state of Illinois. According to some online sources, Stevens prepared for this record reading numerous historical books about Illinois and literary talents from Illinois.

The songs all are different lengths, as well. More than likely this is the result of the topic he is covering, but also the lengths could be used to set up forthcoming songs. But each song, despite its length, takes on its own meanings. “Concerning the UFO Sighting…” is relatively short, but it’s obvious the aliens have arrived and they’re here for assimilation. “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.” was written about the infamous serial killer. Throughout the record there are references to these famous people/places/stories about Illinois. “Decatur” refers to the great debates of Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.

At times this record can seem slow, but I am excited by this record because of the depth of the songs both lyrically and musically. I feel connected to these songs in some way, and the songs feel well written in all aspects. It doesn’t feel forced as some folk records can be, especially when trying to live up to the overwhelming shadows of greats like Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. But the beauty of what they did and what Stevens does here is telling stories in a way that bring you in, that make you feel a part of the story.

Having listened to the record a couple of times now, I can understand the high critical response to this record. Musically each song is deep, whether it’s sparse instrumentation or a symphony. Lyrically the songs are superbly crafted and inviting. I enjoyed this record and plan to continue enjoying this record.