YOU ARE THE BLOOD - SUFJAN STEVENS

Sufjan Stevens cover's the Castanets for a charity album raising money for HIV and AIDS.

"Dark Was The Night will be released on February 17th, 2009. It’s comprised of 31 exclusive tracks and it will be available as a double cd/triple vinyl/download and will benefit the Red Hot Organization – an international charity dedicated to raising money and awareness for HIV and AIDS through popular culture. They are the people responsible for albums including No Alternative, Red Hot and Blue and many more, and this is their 20th year, and this is the 20th release!"

For his contribution to the the disc, Sufjan Stevens has covered his fellow Label mates the Castanets. The track,"You Are The Blood" is 10 minutes long, but don't let that intimidate you. At first listen I couldn't help but be reminded of Chad VanGaalen. Accompanied by lo-fi distortion, the intro to the song introduces you to the more eclectic side of Stevens. He does manage to incorporate small nuances of his own songs Illionis, A Sun Came and Seven Swans throughout the course of the song. Overall, the track takes a few turns here and there which definitely keeps things interesting. It's been a while since Sufjan Stevens' last release, so this is a real treat for those waiting for the next album.

YOU ARE THE BLOOD - SUFJAN STEVENS