by Becky Blumenthal.

Sufjan Stevens has made it his goal to write an album about each of the fifty United States. According to his website, Stevens has chosen Illinois as his next subject. In 2003, he released Greetings for Michigan, about his home state, with eloquent folk songs about automobile factories, finding God, and depressed towns. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting to hear what state he would conquer next.

Congratulations to Illinois! The second installment of his massive project, will be released on July 5, 2005. On the upcoming album, Stevens sings about ghost towns, grain mills and the Sears Tower. Illinois also boasts guest appearances by a serial murderer, Superman, a president, and Decatur's famous Chickenmobile.

Stevens promises Illinois to be a 22-track celebration of The Prairie State. By weaving together the sounds of 25 instruments (most of which he plays himself), and numerous musical styles (funk, folk, ambient, jazz), Stevens pushes the boundaries of the folk he is known for.

Sufjan Stevens' upcoming tour dates follow, although more should be announced soon, seeing as though there are none currently scheduled in Illinois.

07/15 - San Diego, CA -- Belly Up Tavern
07/16 - Los Angeles, CA -- El Rey Theater
07/18 - San Francisco, CA -- Great American Music Hall
07/19 - San Francisco, CA -- Great American Music Hall
07/21 - Portland, OR -- Aladdin Theater
07/22 - Seattle, WA -- Triple Door
07/23 - Seattle, WA -- Triple Door
07/24 - Vancouver, BC -- Richard’s on Richards
07/27 - Boise, ID -- Neurolux
07/28 - Salt Lake City, UT -- Lo-fi Cafe
07/29 - Denver, CO -- Bluebird Theater
07/30 - Aspen, CO -- Belly Up Aspen
08/01 - Phoenix, AZ -- Rhythm Room
08/02 - Tuscon, AZ -- Plush
08/19 - New York, NY -- Bowery Ballroom
08/20 - New York, NY -- Bowery Ballroom