Sufjan Stevens - Illinoise (2 LP, Black Vinyl, Gatefold)

Expanding beyond the scope of a typical indie folk release, Sufjan Stevens' Illinoise arrived in 2005 as an ambitious, state-themed project that blends personal storytelling with historical references and orchestral arrangements. Sometimes stylized as "Illinois," the album moves through scenes that range from quiet reflections to large ensemble passages. This 2 LP black vinyl edition presents the full album across four sides, preserving its wide dynamic range and carefully sequenced progression.

The musical approach shifts fluidly between acoustic guitar passages, layered horns, strings, and choral backing, creating a varied listening experience from track to track. "Chicago" builds gradually with piano and rhythmic momentum, while "Casimir Pulaski Day" centers on a restrained acoustic arrangement with detailed lyrical focus. "John Wayne Gacy, Jr." strips the instrumentation down to voice and guitar, contrasting with more expansive pieces like "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!," which incorporates multiple movements and shifting tempos.

On vinyl, Illinoise benefits from its wide instrumentation, where quieter passages sit alongside fuller ensemble sections without compression. This 2 LP configuration allows for more space per side, supporting consistent playback across the album's length. The trifold gatefold packaging accommodates the expanded format and provides a structured presentation for the multi-disc set, aligning with the album's detailed composition and sequencing.

• Format: Black Vinyl 2LP
• Standout tracks: "Chicago," "Casimir Pulaski Day," "John Wayne Gacy, Jr."
• Pressing details: Trifold gatefold jacket
• Genre/style: Indie Folk, Baroque Pop, Chamber Pop, Indie Rock
• UPC: 656605892610

Illinoise offers a carefully constructed blend of acoustic songwriting and ensemble arrangements, with each track contributing to a broader narrative that unfolds across the album's full runtime.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Concerning The UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois
2. The Black Hawk War, Or, How To Demolish An Entire Civilization And Still Feel Good About Yourself In The Morning, Or, We Apologize For The Inconvenience But You're Going To Have To Leave Now, Or, "I Have Fought The Big Knives And Will Continue To Fight Them Until They Are Off Our Lands!"
3. Come On! Feel The Illinoise! Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream
4. John Wayne Gacy, Jr.
5. Jacksonville
6. A Short Reprise For Mary Todd, Who Went Insane, But For Very Good Reasons
   

Side B:

1. Decatur, Or, Round Of Applause For Your Stepmother!
2. One Last "Whoo-Hoo!" For The Pullman
3. Chicago
4. Casimir Pulaski Day
5. To The Workers Of The Rock River Valley Region, I Have An Idea Concerning Your Predicament

Side C:

1. The Man Of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts
2. Prairie Fire That Wanders About
3. A Conjunction Of Drones Simulating The Way In Which Sufjan Stevens Has An Existential Crisis In The Great Godfrey Maze
4. The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us!
5. They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From The Dead!! Ahhhh! (Vocals: Craig Montoro)
6. Let's Hear That String Part Again, Because I Don't Think They Heard It All The Way Out In Bushnell
7. In This Temple As In The Hearts Of Man For Whom He Saved The Earth

Side D:

1. The Seer's Tower
2. The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders Part 1: The Great Frontier Part II: Come To Me Only With Playthings Now
3. Riffs And Variations On A Single Note For Jelly Roll, Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Baby Dodds, And The King Of Swing, To Name A Few
4. Out Of Egypt, Into The Great Laugh Of Mankind, And I Shake The Dirt From My Sandals As I Run
5. The Ava Lanche