Illinois

the take

One of the few records to capture a maximalist feel, and he recorded nearly all of it himself. His lyricism and musical ability are on full display. There is a truly nothing like it. Concerning and Black Hawk are a really cool prelude to what really feels like the intro: Come on Feel the Illinois, a jazz-fusion ballad of the great state. He then dips his toes, musically, into a pool of many genres: rock, folk, jazz, country, baroque and indie pop—it’s got it all, staggered in a way that isn’t overwhelming or exhausting. John Wayne Gacy Jr.–to compare yourself to a serial killer because you’re gay just heartbreaking. And the Predatory Wasp, I mean. A cinematic tale through love and loss at a Bible camp is such a unique experience but one I’ve actually been through so that worked really well for me. And the song is gorgeous in its own right. Sufjan will never do anything as good as Illinois again. He’s come close, but I don’t think even he will be able to escape the shade of this towering record. Fav Track The Predatory Wasp