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The idea for this post originated when someone on a web board posted an mp3 from the forthcoming Sufjan Stevens album, Illinois. Stumbling upon the post came as a surprise, mostly because at the time I was celebrating some good news that related to Illinois. In case you haven't followed Mr. Stevens to date, he's a mellow folkster who is attempting to record an album on each of the 50 States, which is either brilliant or ridiculous, or possibly both. He began in 2003 with Greetings from Michigan: The Great Lakes State. After taking a detour in 2004 with Seven Swans, which bore no state-themed obligations, he's releasing Illinois in July. The record isn't really a grand statement about Illinois, per say. That would be a bit difficult for Stevens to deliver seeing as how he's never lived here. (He did live in Michigan, however.) Rather, it's a private collection of musical snapshots of the Land of Lincoln. So, we get a song about serial killer John Wayne Gacy, poet Carl Sandburg, and Chicago. But, Stevens also mines the state for more obscure nuggets, looking downstate for inspiration from the city of Decatur and the dinky, western town of Bushnell. (Methinks that Stevens' familiarity with Bushnell stems from the fact that the town hosts one of the world's largest Christian musical jamborees every summer, Cornerstone.)


As they say in these parts: Go Illini!

Anyway, you can listen to a few samples from the record by checking out the sidebar to the right. I've only heard six of the album's 22 songs, so I can't really say with any certainty whether it's a keeper or not. However, what I've heard so far seems to alternate between warm, joyous music full of a million voices and cold, stark pieces that speak more of moodiness. I picked the ones that I like the best, including the wonderful two-part "Come on! Feel the Illinoise!" (How could The Noiseboy NOT like that one?)

But, getting back to that good news that I was celebrating--central Illinois (of which I am a part), has a real reason to rejoice this week! It was confirmed (no more drug tests pending!) that Jon--whom you know as my fellow skullblogger, Anti-Rove--is moving back to his hometown of Morton, Illinois. He and his wife have decided to flee Denver, Colorado, for the midwest. Some of you may be scratching your head at such a decision. Leave a gorgeous, bustling, mountain city for the somber, blue collar boredom of a downstate Illinois town? But, family has a way of bringing some folks together, and that couldn't be truer for Jon and his bride. They're moving back to be nearer to those they hold dearer, and I think that's just fabulous.

The bonus to me is that my longtime friend will now be a brief 75-mile drive away. That means I get easy-access to a Library of Congress-sized record collection! (Okay, that's actually second on the list of reasons that I'm happy to once again be within his immediate proximity--but it's a close second.)

Downstate Illinois really can be a great place to live. It all depends on your expectations, to a degree, and how you approach your surroundings. There are plenty of things that I bemoan about living here on a regular basis: there's no place to buy a tasty deli sandwich OR Krispy Kreme donuts; exciting concerts are typically a two-hour drive away; soy bean fields are far more common than a state park in which to hike in; the concept of effective public transportation seems lost on smaller Midwestern cities; and there's no grocery store or newstand within walking distance of my downtown apartment. Living in a small city places an emphasis on becoming at least social acquaintances with the urban sprawl that is Super Walmart, Barnes & Noble and Old Navy. There are little, if any, homegrown alternatives.

Still, all that aside, if you're open to adapting, then there's also plenty of good things about living in a small Illinois city. A couple weekends out on the town will provide any friendly newbie with more than an ample opportunity to get to know everyone who's "in the know". Cans of Pabst cost one dollar, and a pint of Guinness can often be had for three. More importantly, you can get a 1300-square foot, two-bedroom apartment with hardwood floors, two porches, and a washer/dryer for $700 a month--heat included! Also, it's much fun to drive past those soy bean fields while cranking My Morning Jacket. Plus, those fields also house the most interesting of dilapidated barns (good for rural photo opps). And, something that I'm sure appeals to Jon, there's that whole big fish in a small pond thing: those who think big can often achieve. Competition in a town of 100,000 isn't what it is in the big cities.

I'm certain that Jon has plenty of grand ideas of his own, so here's to hoping that his move back to Illinois helps him realize a few of 'em. Cheers!