While the extreme popularity of Sufjan Stevens has often become abrasive, there is no denying he is one of the most talented songwriters currently making music. Though literally thousands of blogs has posted material from Sufjan, I would never miss the opportunity to post something that is very new and exciting. While Stevens is no stranger to lengthy songs, ‘Majesty Snowbird’ is one of his most significant epics, reaching over ten minutes in length. Though no studio version is available yet, the quality for this live version is phenomenal.
Stevens’ vocals are introduced over a simple strum of an acoustic guitar, until a quick twinkle of keys signals the brilliant strings to take part. That’s certainly not all though, as some very effective brass stomps itself in as some heart pounding percussion momentarily appears. The most impressive parts of the song are the musical solos after Stevens’ initial verses, especially in the latter section of the song where Stevens creates an excellent vocal melody to blend in with the musical highlight. The conclusion to the song is also fantastic, as every single instrument previously introduced breaks free for two minutes of breathless awe. I’m really looking forward to hearing the studio version of this one, as the live performance is great.
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Sufjan Stevens – Majesty Snowbird
[audio:https://obscuresound.com/mp3/suf-maj.mp3]——————————————————————————————-
Sufjan Stevens – John Wayne Gacy, Jr.
[audio:https://obscuresound.com/mp3/suf-joh.mp3]Sufjan Stevens – Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois
[audio:https://obscuresound.com/mp3/suf-con.mp3]——————————————————————————————-
sounds like one of his best
Now I like two songs of Sufjan: Chicago and this one, Majesty Snowbird.
Grandiloquence pop at his best. Thanks.
Nice picture.
Thank You Thank You Thank You! I have been listening to the youtube versions of this song, but the quality of this is stupendously better. One of my favorites is quite a while.
mmm, thanks for majesty snowbird, i had been lookin for a good version of it.
This is great. I’m going to analyze the lyrics to figure out which state this belongs to in his 50 states project. I must find out which state is next!
It doesn’t belong to a state project album. The next one is going to be about birds. At least that’s what he said at his show. But with him who knows… he’s so talented he could probably crank out an album about any state in a week.
At Sufjan’s recent show in Ohili, I believe he mentioned this song was done for some documentary film about birds…probably not going to show up on a “state” album. I’ve heard rumors that Rhode Island or New York are his next targets…
Now that Sufjan is releasing his Christmas songs next month, when will he gather all his rarities and B-sides onto a similar package?
Great performance and interview in which he talks about the upcoming states.