Ipse Dixit

"Silver & Gold: Songs for Christmas, Vols 6-10" vinyl box set is available now for pre-order, for the first time since its original release in 2012, via Asthmatic Kitty Records.

More info: "Silver & Gold: Songs for Christmas, Vols. 6-10 expands on the tradition of Sufjan Stevens’ first box-set "Songs for Christmas, Vols. 1-5" and features nearly 60-tracks that investigate the canon of devotional hymns and holiday pop songs, as well as 18-original songs from Sufjan.

Two versions of the release are available now for pre-order, and will be released on November 1, 2024. The LP box set features an array of holiday-themed bonus items designed by Sufjan and friends and is available exclusively via the AKR shop. The collection will also be available at record stores as a standalone LP set for the first time, featuring all 5 releases (6 LPs) assembled in a slipcase. This version includes just the albums, with the additional holiday merchandise available only with the AKR vinyl box set. 

Inside The Box Set:

5 EPs on 6 vinyl records

Christmas sticker sheet

Temporary tattoo sheet 

Three paper ornaments (self-assembly with directions)

An apocalyptic pull-out poster

A 44-page songbook with lyrics and chord charts (sing along with your friends and enemies)

A 20-page Christmas coloring book by Stephen Halker

Hallucinogenic photographs and psychedelic graphic design

Extensive liner notes (introductory salutations and an essay on the Christmas tree by Sufjan Stevens, and a few theological words on the End Times by Pastor Vito Aiuto)

I got two songs about LOVE for Pride Month. One old, one new. I also designed a T-Shirt. A portion of the proceeds support the Ali Forney Center in Harlem and the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit. Peace and love to the world. I LOVE YOU.

Hi Friends. Quick update on my life. I'm very excited about having new music to share, but I just wanted to let you know that one of the reasons why I haven't been able to participate in the press and promotion leading up to the release of Javelin is bc I am in the hospital. Last month I woke up one morning and couldn't walk. My hands, arms and legs were numb and tingling and I had no strength, no feeling, no mobility. My brother drove me to the ER and after a series of tests—MRIs, EMGs, cat scans, X-rays, spinal taps (!), echo-cardiograms, etc.—the neurologists diagnosed me with an auto immune disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Luckily there's treatment for this — they administer immuno-hemoglobin infusions for five days and pray that the disease doesn't spread to the lungs, heart and brain. Very scary, but it worked. I spent about two weeks in Med/Surg, stuck in a bed, while my doctors did all the things to keep me alive and stabilize my condition. I owe them my life.

On September 8, I was transferred to acute rehab, where I am now undergoing intensive physical therapy/occupational therapy, strength building etc. to get my body back in shape and to learn to walk again. It's a slow process, but they say I will "recover," it just takes a lot of time, patience, and hard work. Most people who have GBS learn to walk again on their own within a year, so I am hopeful. I'm only in my second week of rehab but it is going really well and I am working really hard to get back on my feet. I'm committed to getting better, I'm in good spirits, and I'm surrounded by a really great team. I want to be well!

I'll keep you posted as I progress. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. And a huge shout out to all the incredible caretakers of the world working night and day to help us heal. They are living saints.

Be well, be joyful, stay sane, stay safe. I love you.