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5CD
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AKR 028CD
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"In December 2001, Sufjan Stevens set out to create a Christmas gift for his friends and family. The result was a 7-song recording that he called, Noel, Vol. 1. Over each of the next few Christmas seasons Sufjan would create a new EP to add to the collection. As he was recording Peace : Volume V (in the summer of 2006), he considered how best to 'officially' release this music. He said he was, 'determined to present the EPs in their original form -- flaws, blemishes, mistakes and all. A compilation would have been a cumbersome compromise. A 'Greatest Hits' would have been heartbreaking (how to choose?).' In addition to the music he wanted to add a 'lavish display of ornamentation' to coincide with the spirit of excess and overindulgence that is the hallmark of Christmas."
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2LP
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AKR 014LP
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Double LP version, available again.
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CD
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AKR 022CD
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"The little secret behind Sufjan Stevens' acclaimed Illinois is that it was originally conceived as a double album, culminating in a musical collage of nearly 50 songs. But as the project began to develop into an unwieldy epic, common sense weighed in -- as did the opinions of others -- and the project was cut in half. But as 2005 came to a close, Sufjan returned to the remaining songs on his 8-track. What he uncovered went beyond the merits of nostalgia. Sufjan gleaned 21 tracks from remaining material; some songs were in finished form, while others were merely outlines. Most of the material required substantial editing, new arrangements or vocals, and much of the work was done at the end of 2005 or in January the following year. As the title song 'The Avalanche' bemuses, 'I call you once my friends,' Sufjan took in the odd musical misfits and gathered them together like a party of good friends."
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2LP
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AKR 007LP
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"Asthmatic Kitty and Sounds Familyre announce the vinyl edition of Sufjan Stevens' Michigan. On two LPs, this special edition includes alternate versions of 'Vito's Ordination song,' 'Romulus,' and five out-takes not included on the original CD release. Also new to this edition is an essay on the songs by Sufjan Stevens. Composed as a geographical tone poem, Michigan follows a Metaphysical expedition through the idiosyncrasies of middle America. Drawing from personal anecdote, regional history, and state heritage, Stevens mixes social and political grievances with songs about snowmobiles, Henry Ford, the Detroit riots, and love."
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