Sufjan Stevens "Sister Winter"

Stone Arch Bridge, Minneapolis

Here in Minneapolis, people are crazy about riding their bicycles. I have recently discovered why, as I now ride my bike to work. But much like dancing and music, I could try to tell you in words why it is wonderful, but my words will never suffice to describe the feelings.

Anyway, this post is not about biking, but about music. Late last night, as I finished my shift at my beloved workplace, I hopped upon my bike for the ride home. The air was heavy with humidity and the city skyline was partially hidden by a humid haze. The city was quiet and forward movement of riding my bicycle created a nice breeze. And the song that was playing on my iPod fit that moment and the way I felt.

That song was Sufjan's "Sister Winter" from Songs for Christmas. It may not be Christmas time, but the ambiance of the song was perfect for that moment.

This song is almost cinematic. It starts with the soft chords of the piano and the sounds of violin join in soon after, as Sufjan softly sings along to echo the same delicate sentiments. But as the song moves on it builds into a hopeful and promising energy. It was a beautiful song to start my bike ride home in my wonderful city of Minneapolis.



If you like this tune, you can find a free download, along with a few more from Sufjan, here.

Sufjan Stevens

There are certain songs that force you to pause, soak in the lyrics, and respect the story it is telling. I’m sure I’m conveying nothing new to many of you, but Sufjan’s music often has that effect on me, whether he knows it or not.

Through the subtle crescendos, each pick at the banjo, and the soft sweet female vocal accompaniment, Sufjan mastered the scene of his story and told it with vividness. And we, the listeners, have the opportunity to “witness” this sweetly, sorrowful tale. 

My favorite song of his, "For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fathers in Ypsilanti," is the same way. It is the type of song that stirs something from within and moves you to experience melancholy emotions of awe/appreciation/thoughtfulness. Together with the banjo, the horn section adds such a lovely sorrowful touch.  As Sufjan and his female accompaniment's voice crescendo with the lyrics "I'll do anything for you, I did everything for you," there is this sense of longing, pleading, but yet still appreciation. The emotions that Sufjan can stir makes it hard to ever grow tired of his songs.
Here is an acoustic version of the song:

 
I love folk, so I deeply enjoy this side of Sufjan, but if you would like to listen to something different from him, I highly suggest you listen to "You are the Blood" (a Castanet's cover) from the Dark Was the Night compilation.