Sufjan Stevens/Osso – Run Rabbit Run

2001′s Enjoy Your Rabbit was Sufjan Stevens’ answer to his folksy debut, A Sun Came. Where the latter was a timely entrance, the former was a shocking turn of events. Everything from the glitchy electronics to the Chinese-influenced artwork conveyed a strikingly different sound. Regardless, it ended up finding its way into many people’s hearts as a specially unique and gifted album from a talented musician.

When the idea was brought up by Bryce Dessner (Clogs, The National) in 2006 to re-arrange and write Enjoy Your Rabbit for New York City string quartet, Osso, there was some casual dissention. Following the idea head-on, Dessner commissioned horn player/conductor/composer Mike Atkinson to arrange the first four compositions (“Rabbit”, “Ox”, “Lord” and “Boar”). It was with the hearing of these first (and arguably the best) re-workings that everyone quickly jumped on board. Now, with Atkinson adding another for “Monkey”, the rest were written by some of the quartet’s own members- Russian composer Maxim Moston, Nico Muhly and Gabriel Kahane. And they’ve fully given the quirky electronic album its due with the affective and magical, Run Rabbit Run.

This entire introduction is, in my eyes, necessary to fully explain that this isn’t just another Stevens side-project or something that he carelessly signed off on but rather, a terrific album in its own regard. Atkinson’s arrangements breathe such glorious life into every bit of space that they come off as entirely original recordings. “Year of the Ox” places all four of the musicians at the core of the song with the violins complimenting the sole viola’s screeches. The cello serves as the lone supporting cast but each instrument is increasingly important to the composition’s success – and that “shushing” at the end is brilliant. Gorgeously crafted, exceptionally performed and creatively written, it’s a remarkable way to start things off.

A true family affair, poet and illustrator Jessica Dessner (sister of Bryce and Aaron of The National) created the visually stunning artwork on the album. It provides an American sense of feel to contrast Stevens’ original Chinese homage. It’s especially inviting to listen to these songs side-by-side with their counterparts from the initial release. Even the lesser-moving pieces like the ambient drone of “Year of the Snake” are transposed into a budding, delicate, peacefully graceful composition.

But it’s Muhly’s re-writing of “Year of the Dragon” that puts everything into perspective. Starting off with dueling counter melodies, the violins then tear into furiously rapid articulation. Muhly didn’t shy away from the vision: this is music written to deliver the appearance of a rousing symphony by way of four genius string players. After the search for survival is achieved, the second section is a gorgeous amount of melody and harmony fused into one layered sound. Growing into a startling climax that finds the cello tearing away while the viola spins into a high-pitched fly, Muhly fantastically turns what was a nine-minute adventure into three-minute euphoria.

Stevens hasn’t been making new albums for quite some time now. He’s definitely been around with a slew of activities that include playing piano on The National’s perfect Boxer and writing and composing an epic cover of Castanets’ “You Are the Blood” for the Dark Was the Night compilation effort. While many fans sit around and salivate for new music, there will be many moments like these, where his music will still find a new method of touching and moving. Easily getting lost within these thirteen extensions of life, they’re able to command a definite amount of attention. With such powerful emotion of lush vibrancy and flourishing passion, Osso pour their heart and soul into bringing these compositions to life. Even the slow drive of “Year of the Lord” can function as a breathtaking ending; ultimately there’s a lot of beauty to behold on Run Rabbit Run.

Asthmatic Kitty Records