The best things come to those who wait. It's getting late in the day but there's still time to celebrate this 8th day of advent with a cracking song from the album Carrie and Lowell by the excellent and criminally underappreciated Sufjan Stevens.
For the uninitiated, Sufjan Stevens is one of the most original artists alive today. From releasing folk songs that will make your heart soar one minute, then providing an alternative soundtrack to the usual Christmas dirge the next, through to scoring a ballet and even a rodeo documentary, Sufjan Stevens has most bases covered.
Carrie and Lowell saw a return to his folk roots but more than that, it is his most personal work to date, reflecting on the relationship with his mother following her death. The songs explore some deeply personal themes and is forever thought provoking throughout. No shade in the shadow of the cross is a highlight of the album with it's horrific closing lyric leaving the listener shocked by a painful truth being laid bare amidst the stunning beautiful sound.
It's an album I regularly revisit and I never tire of the simple melodies. If you're yet to discover Sufjan Stevens, I recommend spending the next week of your life streaming his back catalogue. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
At this late hour on the 8th day of this advent of indie music, my gift to you all is the stunning Sufjan Stevens' Death With Dignity. Happy listening!
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