A lot of times concept albums can be vague or fantastical, leaving even us a little confused about the intended meaning of the artist. Some artists leave that part open-ended, letting the listener decide what the concept really is. Sufjan Stevens' "Illinois" is not one of those albums. From start to finish, song titles to song lyrics, this album is all about Illinois. It's definitely also about Stevens' personal life and spirituality, but all through the lens of Illinois historical events or landmarks. As the second and final album in his "Fifty States Project," the album serves as a love letter to the heartland of the US. Stevens spent about half a year just researching the state of Illinois for the project, and it shows. With sounds varying from indie folk to electronic to rock n roll, including a short tribute to jazz, it captures Illinois' musical landscape, even utilizing a few Illinois-based choir groups for some of the album's songs. If you hail from the midwest, you can't help but feel some pride while listening to it.

Speaking of the midwest, today we have an immense midwest talent, Wisconsin-based filmmaker, Kristin Peterson, on the podcast!!! She's here to promote her indie film "Ringolevio," which just screened last week at the Dances With Films: Los Angelos film festival (click here to see a trailer). To keep up to date with Kristin's work and to support future content, like the Two Scoops Productions facebook page.

Ringolevio movie on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ringolevio-Nicole-Velasco-Lockard/dp/B097JMHN7B

Two Scoops Productions: https://www.facebook.com/twoscoopsprods

Coming up: (09-14-20) The Who - Tommy part 1

(09-21-20) The Who - Tommy part 2

mc DJ (Donald Glover) remix of Illinois: https://youtu.be/0FJ2GQE-btI

Links:

www.twitter.com/RevoloverAudio

www.anchor.fm/AlbumConceptHour

www.twitter.com/AlbumConceptPod

www.myspace.com/AlbumConceptHour

www.ko-fi.com/RevoloverAudio

Link to support important cause in the Madison area:

https://freethe350bailfund.wordpress.com/(Madison bail fund)