”Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens

D, A, C, G. Four chords, placed end to end, repeated over and over again.

On this episode, Kirk takes a deep dive into Sufjan Stevens's "Chicago," the centerpiece of his brilliant 2005 album Illinois. It's a towering construction supported by four chords, with building blocks of vibraphones, wurlitzers, strings, and choral harmonies.

D, A, C, G. Eyes on the road; all things go.

Artist: Sufjan Stevens

Album: Illinois (2005)

Written by: Sufjan Stevens

Listen/Buy via Album.Link

ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:

• "The Bird Women of Golden Gate Park" by Kirk Hamilton from The Exited Door, 2009
• "Supernova" by Meklit from When The People Move, The Music Moves Too (2017)
• "Come on! Feel the Illinoise!" by Sufjan Stevens from Illinois, 2005
• "X. Section 8" by Steve Reich from Music for 18 Musicians, 1978
• "Clocks" by Coldplay from A Rush of Blood to the Head, 2002

OUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk Hamilton

Kirk is, well, the host of Strong Songs. He decided to finally record an outro solo at the start of 2020. He's playing tenor sax, and there's actually a video of him recording the solo here: https://twitter.com/kirkhamilton/status/1214319584959877123

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