To preview the upcoming 10th anniversary edition of his album Carrie & Lowell, Sufjan Stevens has released the demo to album’s opening track, “Death with Dignity.”
With a similar arrangement to the finished version on the 2015 album, the demo for “Death with Dignity” strips back the song’s polished sound for something more raw. Without doubling, Stevens’ voice is more intimate, almost bare, gently easing into his upper register coo as it introduces the album’s themes of time and loss. Throughout, the plucked arpeggios and piano interludes fill the sonic space with a nostalgic feel.
Watch the newly-released lyric video for “Death with Dignity (Demo)” below.
Due on May 30th via Asthmatic Kitty, the 10th anniversary reissue of Carrie & Lowell was announced last month with the release of another Stevens demo, “Mystery of Love.” Upon arrival, the new edition will include 40 minutes of bonus material, consisting of more demos and outtakes. It will also include a 40-page book of family photos, artwork, drawings, and more. Pre-orders for the Carrie & Lowell (10th Anniversary Edition) are now ongoing.
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The original Carrie & Lowell was released 10 years ago last month, and was recognized by Consequence at the time as the 2nd best album of 2015.
Stevens released his most recent studio album, Javelin, two years ago, dedicating it to his late partner Evans Richardson. It also earned our praise, placing 3rd on our rundown of the best albums of 2023. Last fall, he collaborated with John Legend on the children’s album My Favorite Dream.
Content shared from consequence.net.