Musical Thesis: Sufjan Stevens "Illinois"

Written By Nathan Box

At the center of every album is a musical thesis. To me, Sufjan Stevens' "Illinois" is a concept album of the highest order. Every song is a vivid line in a complete story painting a picture of a state we all know. Within those lines of verse, you meet the most unique people. You can't help, but wonder what life would be like if your paths were to cross. How would you react in their presence? Good, evil or indifferent, each character is someone you might invite to dinner. Stevens creates an album here that reads more like a book; something to be read again and again. Here, are characters to make yourself with which to make yourself familiar. 

 

Thanks for entering my world, 

-Nathan 

Nathan Box
Hello! My name is Nathan. I've always believed I would meet that special someone in one of two places; either a record store or a book store. Maybe I need to amend? I moved to Seattle in February of 2011 from Oklahoma City (Try and not hold the Sonics/Thunder thing against me). I knew I wanted to work for a nonprofit and go to grad school. Within a couple of months, I was doing both. During the day, I work as a Fund Developer and Community Relations Manager for a nonprofit in Kent and at night I try to stay as busy as possible volunteering, trying new restaurants, finding hidden bars and exploring Seattle. The past few years has been both terrifying and exhilarating. I have done things on my own I didn’t think were within my capability. I love being outdoors. On any given weekend, I can be found hiking, on a road trip, volunteering, at a museum, seeing a movie (I see a lot of them). I am passionate about nonprofit work. I feel called to leave a mark on this world. Nothing against those who enjoy making tons of money, I just need to know I am making a difference.
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