Sufjan strikes NPR (and other various news bits)

Yet another Sufjan post, my last for a while. I promise. Sufjan did have a new song debut on NPR today on 'All Things Considered'. To listen to the whole story, which clocks in around 13 minutes and tells the story behind the ivory-billed woodpecker which is the inspiration for the song, you can go here. On the same page, there is also a link to download an exclusive mp3 of the new song, 'The Lord God Bird'. It's actually a really good song, so check it out.

Also, I did read today that 'Illinois' has gone back on sale, complete with Superman on the cover. Future pressings will not include the image of the man of steel, but since so many copies were already circulating, the parties involved decided to let it go for now. The album is also available for download on iTunes and features two exclusive tracks, 'The Avalanche' and a remix of 'Chicago'. I believe both are included on the LP release, but not on the CD. I heard a clip of the 'Chicago' remix and it sounded really bad.

I actually just looked on iTunes, and 'Illinois' is the #5 album on their top 10! WHAT? They're ahead of The White Stripes, Black Eyed Peas & Foo Fighters. Quite a shock.