I made the mistake of listening to Sufjan Stevens’ new song “There’s Too Much Love” before John Mayer’s new single “Who Says” this morning and, though Mayer’s track isn’t as MOR as I implied on Twitter thereafter, I do suggest cleansing the palate between these two. Sufjan’s song, which was performed live at Castaways in Ithaca, NY the other night, combines the electronic elements of his Dark Was The Night contribution, “You Are The Blood,” with an acid jazz freakout and those instantly-catchy melodies we’ve come to expect from him. Check out “There’s Too Much Love” here or embedded below (via P4K):
Meanwhile, Shannon Stephens, a new member of the Asthmatic Kitty roster, chatted with Stevens on their official site and one question/comment might cause some concern among those hoping for the official follow-up to 2005’s Illinois anytime soon. Here’s the quote in full (via Stereogum):
I’m at a point where I no longer have a deep desire to share my music with anyone, having spent many years imparting my songs to the public. Although I have great respect for the social dynamic of music—that it should be shared with others, that it brings people together—I now feel something personal is irrevocably lost in this process. Now, while I refuse to act wholly on this impulse (I refuse to take my audience for granted in spite of my mood), I’m still trying to find the value of the song in private.
How dare he drop one of the best songs I’ve heard all week on the same day he suggests a possible retreat from the music business? Either way, I think Sufjan is likely just adjusting to the inevitable hype over his future output. Becoming a star in the indie music scene practically overnight can be a lot of pressure. Just ask Jeff Mangum. Okay, now that doesn’t make me feel any better.