There’s a certain subset of song you write that, depending on a listener’s perspective, can scan as either deeply religious or potentially quite sensual. This is a thread in “John My Beloved” and “To Be Alone With You” and “Javelin (to Have and to Hold).” What inspires that train of thought? The religious is very sexual. It’s erotic. Look at Catholic art through the ages, Baroque art. It’s all very fleshy and sensual and full of naked bodies. I’ve always embraced that. I’ve always felt that my relationship to God is a very intimate and sensual one. Sacraments are. It’s engaging with God in a physical way. You’re literally eating the flesh and drinking the blood of God during the Eucharist. It doesn’t get much more erotic than that. If you’re a vampire, that’s the ultimate erotic experience. Most people who lurk the texts don’t luxuriate in the closeness of Jonathan and David. The Bible’s very gay. Just all men. That’s what you get when there’s a patriarchy that’s endured for so long. Jesus was single, never married; Disciples were all dudes … King shit
here’s the full interview 10 years later, Sufjan Stevens offers a startling reevaluation of 'Carrie & Lowell' : All Songs Considered
https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/sufjan-stevens-carrie-and-lowell-10th-anniversary-edition/ (Deserved) Perfect 10 from the Fork
That was a very personal review - a good read. I love that the album transcended Surfjan’s personal story and fed into all of our personal situations.
First vinyl I ever bought as an early 20-something. Thought I was so sophisticated and mature at the time lol
Anyone else totally vibing out to Fourth of July (Version 4) from the C&L 10th anniversary release, or just me??
Sorry for the bump, hopefully no one gets too excited. I wanted to recommend this album I randomly stumbled up on recently by Dan English and honestly Sufjan’s music was just the closest thing I could think to compare it to. It came out back in the summer but doesn’t seem to be getting a lot of attention or press anywhere that I could find. It’s easily one of the best albums I’ve heard this year.