Sufjan Stevens - The Ascension (25 Sep 2020)

I got one of those cancellation notices too from Bullmoose but they still shipped me one and it's out for delivery today...

 

Nice, I guess? Just kind of confirms for me that their stock situation isn't very well managed and I'm happy to spend my money elsewhere for places where it is. I had a couple other open pre-orders with them that I cancelled and switched over to Plaidroom - no regrets.

 

Of course I meant to say Mystery of Love.

 

Looks like they're doing a second pressing of the America 12", by the way.

https://twitter.com/asthmatickitty/status/1289291490762530816

 

They had plenty of copies of America at Rough Trade on Friday.

 

Bob's background is in software, so he writes all the software for the website himself. If the site has an item available to order, then it's in stock. Often they will also state how many are available when stock is running low.

 

Can't wait! Been a big fan of his for along time.

 

I'm only guessing of course but I don't think it's aimed toward who most people would think it is.

I really don't know.
Just my gut.

 

I have my own theory on who the song is addressing, but it's probably a bit controversial. And no I am not referring to DT.

 

If you were, it wouldn't be controversial.

 

I feel like that surprise party lady on SNL.
I need to shut up.

 

Same thing happened to me!! On that night I got a beautiful copy of her first LP signed and dedicated to me with some additional messages - priceless!​

 

Annie saw her first lp under my arm while we were talking and motioned for it than personalized it - wonderful

 

I did get the 12" today and finally heard the b-side. These songs do sound like extended Carrie & Lowell era noodly jams. Which they are, and that's not a bad thing in my book. But I am eager to hear the rest of the album now to see if there's any change in direction in the sound.

Is it also supposed to be a secret who we think he's singing to in America?

 

I've heard "America" a couple more times now and it's growing on me. It's not a pop song, not a song with an instant hook like "Chicago". It's a thing that takes time to digest.

 

America.
The first time I heard that track I dropped everything else and then listened again.
I have on purpose not listened to the other tracks.
America is a masterpiece to me, but thanks for the reminder. I had no time when the album droped, but I hope to find some time now soon.

 

But the album hasn't "dropped" yet. Has it?

 

Oh, I just wanted to queue it up, but the album has not yet dropped. So I have not (yet) missed anything, and I'll just wait a bit more and keep away from the pre-release tracks. I just hope that the album will be similarly awesome.

Edit:
@bob_32_116 yes, you are right. Had not seen your post when writing this.

 

New song. Kind of groovy. I will be into it if the whole album sounds like this. It definitely makes me think of Video Games by Lana Del Rey. A kind of response to that song?

 

Well, that's certainly different. A somewhat more conventional pop sound, that harks back to the likes of "Chicago".

 

It's over 80 minutes long but it seems it will be released as a single CD. A bit strange.

 

Illinois and The Age of Adz both come in at around 75 minutes, so there are precedents. 80 minutes is pushing the capacity of a CD, but they are supposed to be able to hold that - just.

 

Heard the 12 minute track in NPR. Wow. Moody beautiful psychedelic ambient and somewhat out there towards the end. A stunning piece of work

 

Sufjan Stevens’s Problem With America

Sufjan interview which clarifies some questions in this thread.

 

Apparently "My Rajneesh" is not on the album. Too bad! Such an excellent song.