Christmas Music and Sufjan Stevens

So I know Christmas has come and gone for almost seven months now. But I had a musical craving for some 'O Come O Come Emmanuel'—a craving satisfied instantaneously by my faithful YouTube. Song after song came up in the results, some of which I listened halfheartedly to until I became bored and clicked the 'back' button. Then I found Sufjan.



I was skeptical of how much better he could make a song made a staple carol of Christmas and Advent tradition (not to mention that it's nearly four centuries old and about the plight of the scattered Israelites), but boy, did he decide to prove me wrong. His gentle banjo-like guitar playing and sweet voice of clarity lured me in as if I was a child and he was the storyteller. I was floored, and maybe even a little emotional.

So he changed around the lyrics and the chorus only consists of one word: "Rejoice". But I've never felt so reached by a Christmas carol before. Until I wanted to listen to the little DRUMMER BOY and subsequently found a performance by Faith Hill.



And damned if blondie didn't blow the roof off the joint. I mean, the choir was on point and synchronized to perfection, but you have never heard her sing like this prior. It's really a shame but it made my predisposition to country singers sucking completely inaccurate. I saw Faith Hill on that stage and she was a powerhouse. And yes, if you're wondering, I did cry.

So I guess what I'm saying is Sufjan Stevens and my girl Faith kick ass, and I've gone back in time because I've been bumpin' Christmas jams all week. LOL

Conclude!