Seven Swans, by Sufjan Stevens

Seven Swans

by Sufjan Stevens

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Graham George I find it odd that I cherish this album so much. I'm an adamant atheist, so I'm not affected by the biblical names all over this album, so it should be polarizing to me, but I love Sufjan's songwriting so much that, in it's rawest form here, it is palpably sublime. I adore this man's music. Favorite track: In the Devil's Territory.

Pappelpines smooth as butter

leaaves not one swan, two swans, etc but seven lets be clear about that Favorite track: Size Too Small.

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1.	All the Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands 04:14	buy track
2.	The Dress Looks Nice on You 02:32	buy track
3.	In the Devil's Territory 04:57	buy track
4.	To Be Alone with You 02:47	buy track
5.	Abraham 02:33	buy track
6.	Sister 06:00	buy track
7.	Size Too Small 03:04	buy track
8.	We Won't Need Legs to Stand 02:15	buy track
9.	A Good Man Is Hard to Find 03:16	buy track
10.	He Woke Me Up Again 02:42	buy track
11.	Seven Swans 06:32	buy track
12.	The Transfiguration 05:18	buy track

about

Multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens made a couple of records that slipped under the radar before his third, the astoundingly lush post-rock concept album GREETINGS FROM MICHIGAN, gained him critical attention and cult status. Seemingly bent on not repeating himself, Stevens scales down MICHIGAN's grandeur to a minimalist palette for SEVEN SWANS. Where the previous album was instrumentally comparable to Tortoise or Stereolab, SEVEN SWANS is practically lo-fi, based around simply strummed acoustic guitars, banjo, organ, and hushed vocals. It's more akin to laconic Americana troubadours like Will Oldham and Iron & Wine, though no amount of sonic slimming-down can disguise Stevens's knack for crafty arrangements and accessibly quirky songs. Like-minded spirit Daniel Smith of the Danielson Family produced, and other Family members provide accompaniment that's considerably more structured than their own free-wheeling recordings.

credits

released March 16, 2004

Personnel: Sufjan Stevens (various instruments); Daniel Smith (vocals, bass); Elin Smith, Megan Smith (vocals); Andrew Smith, David Smith (drums).

Recorded at the New Jerusalem Rec Room, Clarksboro, New Jersey.