Songcrafters.org

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This is a great song by the great Sufjan Stevens off of his 2005 album, Illinois. In my opinion, he's definitely an artist that's at a genius level. I had heard recently that he has been having health issues (plus a new album release) which made me think of doing a cover. This is a more stripped back take (I recorded the main vocals and acoustic guitar as one track) but added some overdubs to liven it up more. It's interesting how this song is only one 4 chord progession, the original version is so filled with arrangments that you don't notice :D. Enjoy...

What a fantastic cover, Keith. Your vocals here are so clear, as well as the rest of the instrumentation. Amazing production on this - so professional.

Super impressed!

I definitely need to check out more of Sufjan Stevens. You may want to check out The Weary Band sometime (I found them on SoundCloud many moons ago, but certainly much later than 2005) - seems they may be big fans of Sufjan as well.

Such a natural, delicate performance.
A gorgeous way to start a Saturday morning.

Fabulous. When I was in Finland at Redler's we had the Sufjan stevens album Carrie and Lowell playing regularly on my phone. Like you I think the guy is a genius. Great cover of a great song. One for the purpose.

c'est magnifique merci pour la découverte de ce chanteur

Just beautiful

Beautiful and a very soothing listen. Great natural, non-pushed vocals Keith. The appearance of the OL' trombone was a nice surprise. Well done.

Keith, I would not have gotten this is you without reading the post.... it sounds quite a bit different vocally to me...I like this very much.
I would guess that had to do with a different way to record the vocals than usual?  Fine fine work and the music sounds amazing too.

Quote from: cuthbert on October 27, 2023, 08:31:38 PMI definitely need to check out more of Sufjan Stevens. You may want to check out The Weary Band sometime (I found them on SoundCloud many moons ago, but certainly much later than 2005)

Cool band! From what I heard of them just now, they have a very nice, old school sound with some definite Sufjan-style songwriting. Thanks Cuthbert, I hope all is well for you and your family down in Maine....

Quote from: StephenM on October 28, 2023, 10:09:04 AMI would guess that had to do with a different way to record the vocals than usual?

Yes, I had used a condenser mic on this one instead of my usual SM 58 so that's why it probably sounds I little different ;). I'm like how the sound turned out though it's definitely a little bit more hassle to record with (it picks up every little sound if you aren't careful!)

A great performance.
Quality recording, mix is spot on.
Nice harmonies.
Excellent.

Quote from: BerryPatch on October 28, 2023, 01:13:14 PM

Quote from: StephenM on October 28, 2023, 10:09:04 AMI would guess that had to do with a different way to record the vocals than usual?

Yes, I had used a condenser mic on this one instead of my usual SM 58 so that's why it probably sounds I little different ;). I'm like how the sound turned out though it's definitely a little bit more hassle to record with (it picks up every little sound if you aren't careful!)

interesting Keith.  I have only recorded using a few mics and three different condensers and some dynamics closer to SM58 (like Senheiser)... it is true mics can make vocals sound very different.  The condensers are sensitive for sure... glad you told me thanks!

Very nice young blood the condenser really made your vocals shine really nice
Tim

Absolutely spectacular.........WOW......love the dynamics with the backing instruments

fantastic cover, your version of the orchestral arrangement is minimal, but very effective and charming: I am almost preferring it lol

Excellent!  I especially like how you doubled the vocals in places, that is very well done!  Glad to be introduced to the artist & song. 

Yeah, this is sublime. The playing, the vocs. It's all there. I'm not familiar with the original song and after the name change i mostly forgot about the artist too.

Wow. This is rather special. I'm not familiar with the original but you've made this your own and it sounds fab. Only 4 chords you say? Well you sure have done some magic in your arrangement cause this keeps me interested all the way through and then some!

Excellent work young man!

Beautiful cover, Keith. So professionally produced and tastefully arranged. Your vocal sounds great on this track and persevere with that condenser mic - lovely clean sound.

some songs make you want to grab the volume knob and turn it all the way up... for me this is the opposite... I want to turn it down, turn inside or toward someone I really love and cozy up into the intimacy of this... amazing work... simply supreme...

what a blessing

Missed this one... what a lovely sounding vocal and a great backer. Very nice indeed !

Pete