Sufjan’s third album from 2003. Michigan is the first of a proposed series of conceptual albums from the indie folk singer, based on the 50 states of the United States. Every song on the album references Michigan in some way or another; whether it’s places, people, or important events – they’re all linked to the Great Lake state. As with previous efforts, Stevens handled all the writing and composition here. Interestingly though, he recorded the album in an intentionally lo-fi and super budget way, using cheap gear and a low sampling rate which gives a purposefully lackluster gloss over the lush instrumentation and complex arrangements. 20 tracks with digital download and gatefold sleeve.

• black double vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• original release year: 2003
• music label: Asthmatic Kitty Records 2015

reviewed by Bo Linas 06/2015

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