Sufjan Stevens, the modern day, more eclectic answer to Paul Simon, Lou Reed, and George Harrison, has two discs out currently. The first, Enjoy Your Rabbit, is an experimental noise composition with wonderful CD artwork. Finding a method to the 'Metal Machine' madness is tricky until track 3, where we are treated to some layered melody that builds nicely to the point of becoming quite engaging. Adventurous to say the least.
The second disc, A Sun Came, appears at first glance to be a more standard singer/songwriter type album, except Sufjan is anything but a standard gentleman. These traditionally based songs are ripe with the rich sounds of wood flute, xylophone, sitar, piano, and a myriad of guitars and percussion. Not to mention with the culture of the Old World, and with deep, profound emotions (some of which we never speak of, let alone express or cause with song, as Sufjan has done), artistry, and meek intelligence. Some songs are spartan, such as "Demetrius" and "Rake," but all are luxurious, well-composed, and inventive in their own way. Especially the first track, "We Are What You Say," with its Celtic melodies that conjure the kind of green that you will only ever see in Ireland or Wales. Or "A Winner Needs a Wand," with its chiming, whirling chorus and the gorgeous backup vocals of former Marzuki band-mate, Shannon Stephens (who has turned in her own share of moving songs since leaving Marzuki).
Justice will surely see Sufjan held up as another example of what man can create when humble before the Artist. And if utilitarian art truly is an immoral endeavor, as many suggest, Sufjan is righteous and holy in his musical pursuits.
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2001Reviewed by Jason MoreheadDid you know that samplers could giggle? That modems could coo like an infant? Well, neither did I, but the more I listened to Enjoy Your Rabbit, those were the visions I had. It took awhile, but after a few listens, I began to detect the order buried beneath the chaos, the countless layers of synthesizer and sampler-induced mayhem. Soon, it was apparent that these were actual songs, with real…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Ken MuellerSufjan Stevens has two of the first releases on Asthmatic Kitty records, but they are worlds apart. A Sun Came offers up an eclectic mix of lo-fi pop music, but Enjoy Your Rabbit is an experimental blend of electronica and orchestrated dissonance. But unlike most electronica, there really isn't anything here with enough back-beat to dance to. Much of the music is generated by computers and loops,…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Jason MoreheadDid you know that samplers could giggle? That modems could coo like an infant? Well, neither did I, but the more I listened to Enjoy Your Rabbit, those were the kind of visions I had. It took awhile, but after a few listens, I began to detect the order buried beneath the chaos, the countless layers of synthesizer and sampler-induced mayhem. Soon, it was apparent that these were actual songs, with…Similar sounding releases
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