Sufjan Stevens must be some kind of frigging genius. First off, he has the audacity of a genius, planning a 50-album homage to the United States of America, one disc devoted to each state. Furthermore, he has a band called The Michigan Militia, consisting of a Polyphonic Spree-worthy number of members wearing Boy Scout uniforms in their press photo. And second, he's just about the most talented musician and songwriter in indie rock today. He wrote and played everything (save for some horns) on Greetings from Michigan, a paean to the state in which he was berthed. Though he currently resides in Brooklyn, it must have personally been the ideal choice to begin this lengthy project.

The first track is "Flint (For the Unemployed and Underpaid)," a first-person account of the economic hardships faced in said town, as also seen in Michael Moore's Roger & Me. Stevens' gentle voice is accompanied by spare use of piano and trumpet on this subdued, though depressing opening track. Things pick up immediately, though, on "All Good Naysayers, Speak Up!" one of about 4 Stereolab-ish pieces, built on jazzy structures and complex time signatures.

"For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fathers in Ypsilanti" is just about the most beautiful song ever. Some bare banjo riffs begin the song, before Stevens' soothing voice comes in at the verse. Everything flows smoothly until a piano and female voice enter the mix, as Stevens sings "I'll do anything for you," sounding his most desperate and emotionally affected. The harmonizing of all parties involved forms an emotional tidal wave that consumes even the most stone-faced of listeners.

After the listener is done wiping away tears, next up is "Say Yes! To Michigan," which is majestic, but brief, transitioning into "The Upper Peninsula," which ends with the only guitar solo on the album. "Tahquamenon Falls" is one of two Philip Glass-like minimalist pieces played on glockenspiel and vibraphone, adding some abstract textures to the otherwise emotionally-charged album.

The album centerpiece, "Detroit! Lift Your Weary Head!" is where Stevens shows off just how jaw-dropping his songwriting and arranging can be. Another one of Stevens' jazz-influenced tunes, "Detroit" is built on a 9/8 time signature. A horn section plays the lead before Stevens' verse begins. Again, Stevens is joined by back up singers chanting words associated with the state, like "Industry! Industry!" and "Saginaw! Saginaw!." If Sufjan isn't opposed to commercialization of his music, he might be wise to consider selling use of this song to the Detroit Chamber of Commerce. But then again, it's his music.

Greetings from Michigan is unlike any album to come before it. Never before has a concept album, or concept legacy for that matter, been so sonically enjoyable as it is thematically cohesive. And there's still 49 to go.

Similar Albums:
Eric Matthews - It's Heavy in Here
Badly Drawn Boy - The Hour of Bewilderbeast
Stereolab - Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night

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Jeffrey Terich
04.04.2004