Sufjan Stevens Extravaganza: Writings and Music

I went through a period when I wasn’t listening to Sufjan Stevens on a regular basis, but that is no more. The break I took made me appreciate his music all over again. In particular, I have been obsessed with the first track on Illinoise, “Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, IL.”

You may not be aware of the fact that Sufjan is a writer, outside of being a lyricist, having received a MFA in creative writing. Over the years, he has written many short stories and essays. Several months ago, I found a site, All Good Naysayers, that has many of his published works. I haven’t had a chance to go through everything he’s written, but am impressed and entertained by those which I have read. If you are a Sufjan Stevens fan, and want to get a little more intimate with him as a person, and his music, I highly recommend you go read these. Perhaps to start out, you can read the 2006 cover story Stevens’ wrote for Topic Magazine. He discusses music experiences he had while growing up as a kid. I have posted the whole essay below, click on the pictures to read. Then go to All Good Naysayers (linked to writing section) to read additional short stories.

Illinoise (2005):

Sufjan Stevens- Concerning the UFO sighting Near Highland, IL

Sufjan Stevens-Chicago

Sufjan Stevens- The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!

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Seven Swans (2004):

Sufjan Stevens- A Good Man Is Hard To Find

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Michigan (2003):

Sufjan Stevens- Romulus

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Enjoy Your Rabbit (2001):

Sufjan Stevens- Year Of The Ox

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A Sun Came (2000):

Sufjan Stevens- A Winner Needs A Wand

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Extras:

The Avalanche (2006):

Sufjan Stevens- Adlai

B-Sides and Demos:

Sufjan Stevens – God’ll Ne’er Let You Down

2007 Believer Music Issue CD:

In The Words Of The Governor

I’m Not There OST:

Sufjan Stevens – Ring Them Bells

Bob Dylan – Ring Them Bells

Songs For Christmas (2006):

Sufjan Stevens – O Holy Night

The BQE (more info):

Sufjan Stevens – The BQE (part 3)

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12 thoughts on “Sufjan Stevens Extravaganza: Writings and Music

  1. I also had bit of time that i couldn’t stand to hear Sufjan Stevens, due to over playing his stuff last summer, but this redeemed my love his stuff. Thanks.

  2. His cover of ring them bells from Im Not There is amazing. He really makes his own of it, leaves the original for dead.

  3. This was a really nice article thanks,
    i read the topic magazine article and burst out laughing at some of the parts.
    he’s a fantastic writer.

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