#76 Sufjan Stevens - Casimir Pulaski Day (Demo Version)

Sufjan Stevens - Casimir Pulaski Day (Demo Version)
Illinois (2005) [note - Demo version isn't on Illinois, but the regular version is]
Other Songs to Check Out: "The Upper Peninsula", "To Be Alone With You", "For the Widows in Paradise, For the Featherless in Ypsilanti"

Sufjan Stevens is so awesome that it's necessary to profile him again, even though GIRL! already had this song among her "other songs to check out" recommendations way back near the birth of our blog. "Casimir Pulaski Day" wasn't the first song I fell in love with from Sufjan, but it's now my new favorite. I have a real soft spot for depressing music, and this song could take the cake for sad songs. When searching for a YouTube video, I came across a demo version that he must have made way back before Illinois. I find that I like it more than the final version - the subtle differences make this version sound more deep and natural than the recorded version (in my mind). Both versions are tops in my book though, so to each his own!