Greetings From Michigan, by Sufjan Stevens

I like Michigan. My memories of the state are warm and fuzzy because they are connected to family vacationing there. An entire album about Michigan may seem odd until you hear Sufjan Stevens Greetings From Michigan the Great Lake State. This may be a weird way to describe music, but when I am listening to this album, I feel like I am flipping through a photo album of my childhood. The photos are faded and have that warm tint that comes from time on a shelf. Each image contains layers of memory and nostalgia that evoke forgotten emotions. You appreciate the highs and lows of your history because you recognize that these events shaped who you are. That is kind of like what is happening in this music. Sufjan was born in Michigan, and his songwriting is more than good enough to make 15 tracks about the state stand up to repeated listening. The tone is gentle and consistent throughout the album. Some listeners may get bored or label it as a novelty, but people who give it a chance will recognize Sufjan’s talent.

I like the cover artwork. It reminds me of a brochure from a rest stop, or a paint-by-number picture. For some reason it works for me.