In December 2001, Sufjan set out to create a Christmas gift for his friends and family. The result was a seven-song recording that he called "Noel Vol. 1". Over the next several years, he created new EPs to add to the collection. This 5-CD box set includes all five volumes, plus a 42-page booklet with an original Christmas essay by acclaimed American novelist Ricky Moody, two essays, a short story by Stevens, a holiday sticker, chord charts, lyrics, comic strip, family portrait poster, photos, and an animated video. Never one to lack ambition, indie-pop hero Sufjan Stevens takes the tried-and-true holiday album to a new level with this five-disc Christmas box set. A mix of Stevens originals and Yuletide classics recorded between 2001 and '06, the collection presents the amiable singer/multi-instrumentalist performing festive self-penned tunes such as the bouncy, piano-driven "Come On! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!" and the White Stripes-referencing, ELO-influenced "Get Behind Me, Santa!" along with no less than three versions of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." While five discs may seem exhausting to some, for those who adore both Christmas and Stevens, this lovingly assembled compilation makes for hours of smart, celebratory fun.
CD Details
- Release Date: November 21, 2006
- Record Label: Asthmatic Kitty Records
- UPC: 656605602820
- Number of Discs: 5
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