I actually think this is a fair and well constructed list with good arguments. Definitely different from mine, but it's awesome seeing what different things people take out of Sufjan's work. Arbitrarily, here's my list:
1. Holland
2. I Want To Be Well
3. Vito's Ordination Song
4. No Shade In The Shadow of the Cross
5. John Wayne Gacy, Jr.
6. The Upper Penninsula
7. To Be Alone With You
8. The Dress Looks Nice On You
9. Impossible Soul
10. Death With Dignity
Adz and Michigan are my favorite records, so it skews my list quite a bit. I know it's a little heretical, but I've had a much harder time with Illinois. Lots of cool moments, but harder for me to sit through (which I realize sounds silly if I like Adz so much).
I saw the first date of Kamasi Washington's tour earlier this year and I was totally flabbergasted by the crowd. It was mostly younger, early 20s, and everyone was hyped like they were at a Drake concert...during 20-minute jazz instrumentals. It was a beautiful experience seeing people so excited for jazz music. Obviously has to be in part due to the Kendrick cosign that they found out about him. I feel like he might have a chance to convert some people to fans and it's going to be an unsuspecting highlight for most people.
I met Lana Del Rey in 2011 as well.
My roommates and I at the time were really into Magic: The Gathering. We'd play everyday between classes on our dining room table, alternating our background music between Drake's Take Care and LDR's Born To Die. Just 5 dudes who were trying to get through senior year, dropping mad mana, and acting as vehement LRD apologists. So anyway, she announced she was going to do an in-store at the Queen Anne Easy Street Records (R.I.P.) in Seattle. We knew we had to go.
The performance was pretty good, stripped down to piano, and the place was packed. Afterward she did a signing for anyone who bought the record. I had bigger plans though -- I was going to have her signed my trademark Magic card: a Sparkcaster. It's not like a particularly rare or special card, but it was useful and the basis of my red/green deck. We waited in line for over an hour and finally it was my turn. Walking up to her, I doubted if this was really worth it. I was probably going to make an ass out of my self, but I stuck with it. She stood behind the counter in a green jumpsuit, waiting patiently and looking about as dazed as we've come to expect from her. We were told to be quick and that there wouldn't be time for photos. I shook her hand and told her I loved her music, etc. before making my pitch.
"So, uh, this is kinda a weird. But I was wondering if you'd sign this Magic card," I said nervously.
I handed it to her. She briefly examined it and slowly looked up.
"You're so fucking cool right now," she slurred. Instant relief. Then she spoke up again.
"You see this tattoo?" she said, pointing to an 'M' on her hand. "It stands for magic."
Holy shit. I couldn't believe it. Then she clarified "It's also the first letter of my mother's name, but it's also for magic."
I'll never know if she was just playing along or trying to make me feel better, she played it off so effortlessly. She asked for my name, signed the card, and I went on my way. We never crossed paths again. I added the card to my deck (we even made a house rule that gave it an ability called "Blue Jean Walk"). I don't play much anymore, but I've kept the card. It epitomizes that last phase of life in school before "real-adulthood" kicked in.
I like to think some times on tour, Lana looks down at her tattoo and thinks about that moment. Lana Del Rey, you're so fucking cool right now.
http://i.imgur.com/IYd6ejZ.jpg
Getting goosebumps just thinking about Michael Stipe singing "All Apologies". Maybe they could even cross it over with R.E.M.'s Kurt tribute "Let Me In".
Grohl mentioned they almost had PJ Harvey perform "Milk It" on the Sound City Players tour. That could be a viable option. My vote's for Stipe though, or Neil Young. Both of them had a huge impact in the later year's of Kurt's life and they really capture his spirit.
An impossible task to take on, but very commendable list. Here's mine:
10. Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle
9. Breed
8. You Know You're Right
7. About A Girl
6. Sappy
5. Lithium
4. Negative Creep
3. Scentless Apprentice
2. Aneurysm
1. All Apologies
I was already digging the record, but after reading this I went back and listened harder to the drums. Now I can't stop air drumming, Literally, I can't stop. Somebody please help me. My flailing arms are really having a bad impact on my relationships and work life. :(
A bit off topic, but imagine how weird it would be if you were Nirvana's manager in 2014. Constantly living in the past, trying to keep the band's/Kurt's legacy going, using phrases like "whoever looks after Chad Channing", etc. I'm sure it pays well, but man that kind of sounds depressing.
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