Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell (2 LP)
- LP
- 2 piece(s)
- 2015
- 11 tracks
- 43 min
- chamber pop
Carrie & LowellCheapest atlunchboxrecords.com
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4.3
Average of 67 reviews
47
13
3
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I suppose I got fortunate (all things considered). Side One is quite peaceful, but Side Two has a couple of loud sections; though, it's not a game changer. This album sounds fantastic on vinyl. It's some of the most touching music I've come across in a while; it's even led me to explore his older work.
Absolutely perfect. Hardly any warping, if there's any at all. Minimal surface noise, no pops or skips to speak of. The slipcase is super sturdy and the color on the vinyl is gorgeous. It's definitely worth buying just for Fourth of July (Version 4). Grab it if you have the chance!
Purchased the black vinyls brand new from the web store in Autumn 2025. Disc 1 is an awesome pressing, but Disc 2 Side A has TERRIBLE crackling on the opening two tracks (the Death with dignity and Should have known better demos) that really ruin the enjoyment of the stunning music. The included materials are flawless, considerate, and gorgeous. It's an amazing album that I absolutely adore, but I'm really let down by all the crackling.
Is the lyric sheet ordering messed up on every copy? Eugene's song is listed before Fourth of July
I'm absolutely delighted with this special black, 10th anniversary limited double edition. Sufjan has taken his time to reflect, and even though he's shared some reservations in his inner sleeve essay, the outcome is clear: he's EXPANDED his work. The Fourth of July, now in its fourth version, has finally been unleashed – just eight seconds shy of a massive 14 minutes. When it's quiet, there's a subtle sound in the background that I can only describe as a soft hiss, like air slowly escaping a tire. This sound disappears between tracks, so I think it must be something to do with the recording, not the vinyl itself. I'm curious to know if anyone else has noticed this or understands what causes it. Apart from that, the black vinyl is glossy and flawless, just as you'd expect from a new record. There are no scratches or warps, and the vinyl is heavy, giving it a quality feel. The sound production is fantastic, crystal clear, with high notes that ring out beautifully. The bass is rich and resonant, with no distortion. I'm aware of the history of Asthmatic Kitty reviews, and as I've said before, discussing these disagreements online can be a minefield. So, I'll just say this about the record I have: I'm thrilled. The artistry in this album is truly remarkable. Sufjan's love for his mother and his search for meaning shine through. His voice is a perfect instrument to convey life through art. I was captivated by Sufjan's essay, which is why I've attached a separate review in response. Every word is perfectly placed to express his doubts about the album. I understand his perspective, and of course, I respect it, even if I don't fully agree. His statement that "the world is chaos... in a universal bedlam" is a theme that's widely explored and debated. The essay provides a great balance to the more romantic and poetic approach of the C&L album, grounding Sufjan's position. His struggles and admissions about the weight of futility and grief add an extra layer of depth to the music. The 12" 'book' insert is like a family photo album – filled with endless photographs that hold specific meaning for those close to Sufjan. In a way, it's odd to include such a personal item for strangers, but it's also right, inviting us into his world. There are photographs of Carrie and what Sufjan tells us about her. The music, pictures, and writing all come together as a testament to how the intensely personal can become universally relevant. There are also references to past times and places (perhaps Oregon?). The settings are beautiful, with a child growing up, smiling, but beneath that is another story. The other half of the album's title is Sufjan's stepfather, Lowell, who raised Sufjan, encouraged his music, and runs the Asthmatic Kitty record label. That support is immense. Much of Sufjan's struggle in the C&L album revolves around understanding the events surrounding Carrie. So, there's a seeming imbalance, but no doubt both, in their presence or absence, have their influence. The packaging is perfect – the box, gatefold sleeve, essay, and LYRICS are all there and flawless.
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| Date | Lowest price | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 31, 2025 | $23.98 | €23.98 |
| Apr 30, 2025 | $19.99 | €22.65 |
| May 31, 2025 | $23.98 | €23.98 |
| Jun 28, 2025 | $23.98 | €23.98 |
| Jul 31, 2025 | $23.98 | €31.98 |
| Aug 29, 2025 | $23.95 | €30.84 |
| Sep 30, 2025 | $23.95 | €34.41 |
| Oct 31, 2025 | $19.99 | €31.55 |
| Nov 30, 2025 | $19.99 | €27.41 |
| Dec 31, 2025 | $19.99 | €32.15 |
| Jan 31, 2026 | $19.99 | €28.65 |
| Feb 28, 2026 | $19.99 | €32.99 |
| Mar 7, 2026 | $19.99 | €32.99 |