He relates this in the lines:And in my best behaviorI am really just like himLook beneath the floorboardsFor the secrets I have hidThe album ends in a minimalist instrumental track worthy of composer Steve Reich

One of the better tracks on the album entitled "John Wayne Gacy, Jr.", features chilling lyrics about the infamous serial killer of the same name

Perhaps my biggest complaint is that it is very difficult to choose favorite tracks.

John Wayne Gacy Jr" is a chilling, but gorgeous, track that gives a history as well as a memorable perspective on the well known clown killer, Gacy

Sufjan aint stingy though - he provides 22 memorable tracks, no filler material.

This is one of my favorite tracks on the disc

Chicago" has already gotten some play on the airwaves although the best track, in my opinion, is "Concerning a UFO Sighting Near Highland, IL".Matt Zarnstorff

But my favorite track is by far "Cashmir Pulaski Day".

Chicago", I feel is the strongest track as I keep playing it over and over again and everyone that I have "turned-on" to "ILLINOISE" has loved it

Not too into all the instrumental tracks, but the full on "songs," fantastic.

John Wayne Gacy Jr" is a chilling, but gorgeous, track that gives a history as well as a memorable perspective on the well known clown killer, Gacy

Fave track: "Chicago"Highly recommended.

might very well be one of the best tracks that Stevens has ever done (and that's saying a lot)

While previous review rant about the first couple of tracks, I think they bouced over the truely great tracks.

In short, of 22 tracks the only criticism I have is that some of the rhymes for "Decatur" are sort of forced.

The beginning tracks are upbeat and almost childish in attitude, however complex the musicianship is

It opens with a delicate and beautiful piano track entitled "Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois

"Chicago" is probably the centerpiece of the album, but there are a lot of individual songs worth returning to, such as the beautiful opening track, "Concerning the UFO Sighting near Highland, Illinois", and the anthemic "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us

Perhaps the track 'The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts' is most typical of Stevens' eclecticism

A fitting song to end the CD with, a calm soothing track that gives you a mild slap in the face to recover from Sufjan's dreamy world of Illinois.

As cheesy as that may sound, It's NOT

The song is as emotionally poignant as it is stellar

It, unlike michigan, is a little more upbeat and jazzy as it proceeds with perfect lyrics and a story behind every song