Behka’s Secret Stash: Sufjan Stevens

Today on the Secret Stash, what I thought we'd do is play something that is, in a way, like musical reporting. The song is by a young man named Sufjan Stevens.  Sufjan is an independent type of musican, but known for his enormous amounts of ambition.  At one point early on in his career, he said he was going to make a theme album about every state in the US.  So far, he's made two, but he's in his mid-thirties, so he's still got some time.  He made one in 2003 called Michigan, and another in 2005 called Illinois.

Many of the songs, lyrics, artwork and themes of the album discuss various places, cities, and famous people who live in/are from Illinois.  There are references to historical events and also holidays that are famous in Illinois, like "Casimir Pulaski Day."  The song from this album that I'm going to share with you today is an attempt to understand Illinois native, creepy clown and convicted serial killer, John Wayne Gacy, Jr.

Now before you think I and Mr Sufjan have lost our collective minds, this is not a glorification or a celebration of his murders or other crimes.  What it is is an attempt to understand how this could have happened.  Gacy came from a normal family and helped out a lot with local charities.  Everyone who knew him was incredibly surprised that he committed these acts.  So the question became, "How did this person who came from a normal upbringing and normal family become this monster?"  It's a permanent question - what happened?  Why?

It's a beautifully written and performed song, that's very thoughtful and introspective.  It tries to tackle the subject delicately, yet respectfully.  So I thought I'd share that with you, and you can share some with me, if you like.  Whether it's any thoughts about this song, or about the idea of the song, whatever you'd like to talk about.

Illi-noisily yours,

Behka