I Just Read About That…

SOUNDTRACK: SUFJAN STEVENS–Hark! Songs for Christmas Vol. II (2006).

If we imagine that Sufjan had fun with vol. 1 one, then he must have had twice as much fun with vol. 2.  It’s nearly twice as long and full of a lot of short ditties.  “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” are short (less than a minute) instrumental versions (on keyboards which almost sound like a music box) of those songs (something that will become prominent throughout the series).  I love his version of “I Saw Three Ships,” the instrumentation is exotic and wonderful.

“Put the Lights on the Tree” is an original that sounds the most like Sufjan’s Illinois record.  It has those Michael Nymanesque fugue-like keyboard/orchestra bits and lots of backing vocals.  It’s only a shame it’s so short.  “Come Thou Font of Every Blessing” is a another mellow banjo folkie song that dates from the 18th century.  And “Only at Christmas Time” is another original, delicate and mellow.  I love that he can do such mellow songs even though he is known for his full orchestration.

“Once in Royal David’s City” (with lead banjo) and “We Three Kings” are sung by a guest vocalist: Vito Aiuto.  His voice is quite similar to Sufjans’s but is a bit more powerful.  “What Child is This Anyway” is a 6 minute keyboard-infused epic of the traditional song.  It’s very cool, with some interesting fuzztones on the keybaords.  And finally, “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella”  is a subdued ending to the disc, sounding like it was recorded on an old phonograph.

It’s a nice progression from the first EP.

[READ: January 5, 2009] “Another Manhattan”

Some stories move along at a very brisk pace.  This is one of those stories.  Admittedly, in the beginning it was a little tough keeping the characters straight, but after a few paragraphs, it all falls into place.

The story is about two couples: Jim and Kate and and Elliot and Susan.  Jim & Kate are married, and Elliot & Susan are married.  But, Kate and Elliot are sleeping together and Jim is interested in Kate (I’m unclear if they have actual consummated anything).

The complication of the story is that Jim has just come out of the hospital because of depression/suicidal/self destructive behavior.  And so, to make it up to his wife and to try and win back her affection, Jim decides to buy her flowers, which, given his unstable state turns into a hilarious ordeal (although not for him).  And the extent to which he is unstable really complicates the proceedings.

There’s also a lot of amusement with regard to cell phones.  All four of the characters are meeting for dinner that evening [awkward!], and there is much confusion.  The story doesn’t play out as slapstick (thankfully), although it is still a little funny.  Mostly, though, it is a dark tale (again, somewhat refreshing for what could have been slapsticky)

The brisk pace and satisfying conclusion really made this story a good one.  Plus, the double meaning of the title was also very smart.  It’s available here.