The Journey Unfulfilled Part I

Almost exactly a month ago, I decided to take a "hiatus" from the blogisphere. What did I learn? What did I find? I'm not quite sure but I'm pretty sure the answer is nothing.

My journey unfulfilled begins in the state of Illinois. Not as in the actual state, but as in a state of complete immersion of Sufjan Stevens' most current masterwork. I was captivated by the scope and the ambitiousness of the record. Superman or no Superman, the Illinois soared with intricate arrangements and rich history. But the thing that elevated it above all was it's showmanship. The theatrics plays the album out like like Corky St. Clair production. If only Sufjan can perform his album live like the town musical of Blaine, Missouri. Xylophone player Katrina Kerns would make a terrific Libby Mae Brown; put her in a DQ outfit... wowee zowee!

Ultimately, I could not solve the undefined conundrum that had been placed upon me. Not even the trancendental album of Illinois, nor the realization that Steven's is the chamber folk answer to Christopher Guest really gave me any direction. All I could do was tie my sack back on the stick and mosey on back down the dusty trail with a great new understanding of the Prairie State. Loaded up with warm, hospitable sounds, I knew I might have to ration it wisely as my trip looked daunting and potentially very harsh.


"Just do the cones... make sundaes, make Blizzards, and... put stuff on 'em"

Sufjan Stevens: http://www.sufjan.com