A&E
By Noah Zeidman
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April 8, 2015
“There’s only a shadow of me; in a manner of speaking I’m dead.” So remarks Sufjan Stevens on “John My Beloved,” the ninth track on his latest release, “Carrie & Lowell.” Although the line ostensibly pertains to Stevens’ Christian faith — the song acts as an exchange between Jesus and John the Baptist — it also serves as a fitting epithet for his current musical identity.
At just under 45 minutes in length, “Carrie & Lowell” is Stevens’ shortest release, particularly in contrast to 2010’s “All Delighted People,” a so-called EP, which is stretched across a full hour.