Strong Songs

D, A, C, G.

Four chords, placed end to end, repeated over and over again.

D, A, C, G. All that you need to make a great song.

On this episode, Kirk takes a deep dive into Sufjan Stevens's "Chicago," the centerpiece of his brilliant 2005 album Illinois. It's a towering construction supported by four chords, with building blocks of vibraphones, wurlitzers, strings, and choral harmonies.

D, A, C, G. Eyes on the road; all things go.

Artist: Sufjan Stevens

Album: Illinois (2005)

Written by: Sufjan Stevens

Listen/Buy: Apple Music | Amazon | Spotify

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ALSO FEATURED:

• "The Bird Women of Golden Gate Park" by Kirk Hamilton from The Exited Door, 2009
• "Supernova" by Meklit from When The People Move, The Music Moves Too (2017)
• "Come on! Feel the Illinoise!" by Sufjan Stevens from Illinois, 2005
• "X. Section 8" by Steve Reich from Music for 18 Musicians, 1978
• "Clocks" by Coldplay from A Rush of Blood to the Head, 2002

OUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk Hamilton

Kirk is, well, the host of Strong Songs. He decided to finally record an outro solo at the start of 2020. He's playing tenor sax, and there's actually a video of him recording the solo here: https://twitter.com/kirkhamilton/status/1214319584959877123

STRONG TWEETS

You can now follow Strong Songs on Twitter at @StrongSongs. So, do that! http://twitter.com/strongsongs

NOW ON SPOTIFY

Strong Songs is now on Spotify! You can find the show here: https://open.spotify.com/show/5umVTiMQIg2bDpTZaHZqbI?si=mNYpIYq2TqaXSSeUv_JRdQ

'GRAM BY 'GRAM

If you're interested in occasional music and Portland-related photos and videos, as well as teases for upcoming Strong Songs episodes, follow Kirk on Instagram @kirk_hamilton. https://www.instagram.com/kirk_hamilton/

NEWSLETTER/MAILING LIST

Sign up for Kirk's mailing list to start getting monthly-ish newsletters with music recommendations, links, news, and extra thoughts on new Strong Songs episodes: https://tinyletter.com/KirkHamilton

STRONG PLAYLISTS

Kirk has condensed his Strong Songs picks into a single new list, which you can find on both Spotify and Apple Music.

You can also find a recent playlist Kirk specifically designed for listening while staying home and not spreading viruses on Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play (thanks Thomas for making that last one)

SUPPORT STRONG SONGS ON PATREON!

Thank you to all of Strong Songs's Patreon patrons! It has been really incredible to see people signing up to support the show. For more information on how to do that, go here: https://Patreon.com/StrongSongs

MAY 2020 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS

AccessViolation
Aidan Coughlan
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MAY 2020 HALF NOTE PATRONS

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MH
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SUELLEN MOORE
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