Sufjan Stevens 'Songs For Christmas'

In December 2001, Sufjan Stevens set out to create a Christmas gift for his friends and family.

The result was a 7-song recording that he called, Noel, Vol. 1. Over each of the next few Christmas seasons Sufjan would create a new EP to add to the collection. As he was recording Peace : Volume V (in the summer of 2006), he considered how best to ‘officially’ release this music.

He said he was, “determined to present the EPs in their original form – flaws, blemishes, mistakes and all. A compilation would have been a cumbersome compromise. A “Greatest Hits” would have been heartbreaking (How to choose?).”

In addition to the music he wanted to add a ‘lavish display of ornamentation’ to coincide with the spirit of excess and overindulgence that is the hallmark of Christmas.

Enclosed in the box you will find essays, a short story, song chords & lyrics, photos, stickers, a family portrait, and wishes for a Happy Christmas.

Tracklisting:
LP1 Noel (2001) Vol. I (17:12)
Side A
1. Silent Night 
2. O Come O Come Emmanuel 
3. We're Goin' To The Country! 
4. Lo! How A Rose E'Er Blooming 

Side B
5. It's Christmas! Let's Be Glad! 
6. Holy Holy, Etc 
7. Amazing Graze

LP 2 Hark! (2002) Vol. II (24:55)
Side C
1 Angels We Have Heard On High 
2 Put The Lights On The Tree 
3 Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing 
4 I Saw Three Ships 
5 Only At Christmas Time 

Side D
6 Once In Royal David's City 
7 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! 
8 What Child Is This Anyway? 
9 Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

LP 3 Ding! Dong! (2003) Vol. III (22:54)
Side E
1. O Come, O Come Emmanuel 
2. Come On! Let's Boogey To The Elf Dance! 
3. We Three Kings 
4. O Holy Night 

Side F
5. That Was The Worst Christmas Ever! 
6. Ding! Dong! 
7. All The King's Horns 
8. The Friendly Beasts

LP 4 Joy! (2005) Vol. IV (22:14)
Side G
1. The Little Drummer Boy 
2. Away In A Manger 
3. Hey Guys! It's Christmas Time! 
4. The First Noel 

Side H
5. Did I Make You Cry On Christmas? (Well, You Deserved It!) 
6. The Incarnation 
7. Joy To The World

LP 5 Peace (2006) Vol. V (35:55)
Side I
1. Once In Royal David's City 
2. Get Behind Me, Santa! 
3. Jingle Bells 
4. Christmas In July 
5. Lo! How A Rose E'Er Blooming 
6. Jupiter Winter 

Side J
7. Sister Winter 
8. O Come O Come Emmanuel 
9. Star Of Wonder 
10. Holy, Holy, Holy 
11. The Winter Solstice