Since sophomore year of college, one of my favorite musicians has been Sufjan Stevens. His music blows me away due to its pure beauty and inspiration. For those who do not know of him, he is an indie folk artist that utilizes a multitude of various instruments, and has a knack for meaningful lyrics. Some of his music is very upbeat, such as the first video below. Sufjan also has the ability to tell a gripping story, and in this case, a very gruesome story at that.

The song John Wayne Gacy Jr. is about a serial killer from Illinois. It found its way onto Stevens’ album Illinois because each track, in some way or another, related to the great (in some peoples’ opinions) state of Illinois. I really like this concept, and it resulted in an amazing album, released in 2005. It’s really one of those records that I can put on while I’m studying, and enjoy all the way through. There’s very folky songs (Decatur, or, Round of Applause for Your Step-Mother!), easy-listeners (Casimir Pulaski Day), uplifting songs (Chicago), and songs that tell dramatic stories (John Wayne Gacy Jr.).

Avalanche (2006) – The Avalanche, Inaugural Pop Music for Jane Margaret Byrne, The Perpetual Self, and Pittsfield (favorite on this album)

Illinois (2005) – Come On! Feel The Illinois!, John Wayne Gacy Jr., Jacksonville, Decatur (or, Round of Applause for Your Step-Mother), Chicago, Casimir Pulaski Day, and The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out To Get Us (my favorite song by this artist).

Greetings From Michigan (2003) – All The Good Naysayers, Say Yes! To Michigan!, Holland, Romulus, Redford (For Yia-Yia and Pappou), and Vito’s Ordination Song

This far, he has released eight albums, with another coming in only one week. It’s titled, Run Rabbit Run, and is sure to show off this musicians’ talents. It will be a reworking of his 2001 effort, Enjoy Your Rabbit, yet will sound completely different due to the replacement of electronic sounds with the work of New York composers and the Osso String Quartet.