Album is just unreal and keeps getting better as the temperature drops here. I can't wait to listen to "My Little Red Fox" on a snowy night
So You Are Tired > Javelin > Shit Talk might be one of the best sequences of tracks I’ve ever heard. Shit Talk is god tier.
Just today got to listen to this album while walking through the crisp fall evening. It’s such a great album for the season.
I did yesterday, they're very nice but I don't think they necessary belong on the album, so I get it. Feel slightly more demo-y. Worth listening though
Suf's discernment about what belongs on an album and what doesn't is off the charts. Still crazy to me how The Avalanche has so many (really solid) songs but there's still not one I would switch out on Illinois.
Also, I've come to the conclusion that, for all the tragedy this guy has faced, I think Javelin might somehow be Sufjan's "least" sad record since Illinois. That might just be a testament to how sad the last three were, but there's also a level of forward momentum in these songs that I haven't heard from him in a while.
This took a couple listens but with the leaves changing and driving around listening I’ve fallen in love, glad to see the My Red Little Fox love, song lives in my head
It’s a great encapsulation of the emotions that occur when a long relationship ends. The sadness of it ending for whatever reason - obviously we know why his ended - but also the necessary optimism and reflection on the joy of the past. Using the example of Shit Talk - yes, it’s a heartbreaking song but it’s also a very heartwarming song because the basis of it is he wants to hold on to the good memories of the relationship and the positivity that comes from that. So much of the album follows similar themes. It’s an emotional album, one that has made me tear up, but it’s one that expresses growth and positivity amongst the heartbreak.
Yeah, I need this on vinyl. Does anyone know what copies come with CDs? I see a lemonade variant on both Bandcamp and Rough Trade US.
alas mistress witch woulda been top 5 on the album and majesty snowbird not making anything is a true head scratcher
The extra CD came with the Rough Trade exclusive green, and that's long gone. They (Rough Trade) also had it listed with the indie lemonade variant at one point, but it's not listed anymore so either that was an error, or they're out of bonus CD's.