"Run Rabbit Run" by Sufjan Stevens
Although "Run Rabbit Run" can hardly be considered a "new release," being simply a rearranged version of indie folk artist Sufjan Stevens' 2001 album "Enjoy Your Rabbit," the re-recorded songs are almost entirely unrecognizable. And, in this case, that's actually a good thing.
While "Enjoy Your Rabbit" is a triumph, showcasing the composing chops of Stevens, having been entirely produced electronically and instrumentally by him, "Run Rabbit Run" kicks things up a notch. The songs have been rearranged by composers Michael Atkinson and Olivier Manchon, among others, for the string quartet Osso, who previously recorded with Stevens on his 2005 album "Illinoise."
The string arrangements on "Run Rabbit Run" are a welcome change from the entirely computerized "Enjoy Your Rabbit." While "Run Rabbit Run" lacks much of Stevens' personal "white noise" touches fans have come to associate with his albums, the bizarre styling and harmonies of the strings are about as quirky as Stevens himself. However, this new release feels much less personal than the previous, and it leaves the listener wondering just how much involvement Stevens had in this new project.
Each track focuses on an animal in the Chinese zodiac, such as the sly and smooth "Year of the Snake" or the amicable and steady "Year of the Ox." Unfortunately neglected from the new track list was "Year of the Asthmatic Cat," an homage to Stevens' record label, Asthmatic Kitty. The piercing electronic ring that comprises the 24-second introductory song would have been interesting to hear converted to strings.
Other highlights of the album are the pulse-quickening and rhythmically driven instrumentation "Year of the Boar" and melodical "Year of the Tiger." The title track from 2001's "Enjoy Your Rabbit" is also included on "Run Rabbit Run" and is easily the track that converted best from electronic to a strings arrangement. The up-beat phrases flow more easily, making it the most listener-friendly on the new album. "Run Rabbit Run" closes with "Year of the Lord," a hymnal-esque composition, which has been made more emotional by the new all-string arrangement.
Overall, "Run Rabbit Run" appears to be superior to "Enjoy Your Rabbit." The new instrumental interpretations are more aesthetically pleasing, as well as more easily accessed by the public. Anyone who appreciates good instrumentals really will enjoy the new and improved "Rabbit."
*Published in 2009 Issue 6 of The Globe.
http://www.pointparkglobe.com/2.7417/rockin-reviews-1.1039975
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