Crucial Track for September 5, 2025

"Casimir Pulaski Day" by Sufjan Stevens

Listen on Apple Music

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What’s a song that helps you focus or concentrate?

To be honest, I like to put on Sufjan Stevens' album "Illinois". It's gentle and soft enough where I can focus, has that folky feel I love and has a great storyline for when I tap in! I really only started listening listening (since I already knew some of his songs) to Sufjan Stevens after going to see the musical "Illinoise" on Broadway with my mom! Shout out to her for picking that, because I know it was not the mission initially for that trip and I wasn't exactly too keen on seeing something I did know at all, but I'm so thankful I got to share that experience with her. One of my favorite memories easily. As expected based on the title, it used this album (and now my favorite) to tell Sufjan's story through a band playing and a group of actors who purely danced. Typically I don't love jukeboxes, but this one spoke to me so much. I cried during 11 of the 18 songs they used to create this musical. I wish it had more time on Broadway! Forever hoping it starts touring or being produced locally. I will share my favorite song from the album for today!