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.
Tracks:
LP1 Noel (2001) Vol. I (17:12)
A1 Silent Night
A2 O Come O Come Emmanuel
A3 We're Goin' To The Country!
A4 Lo! How A Rose E'Er Blooming
B5 It's Christmas! Let's Be Glad!
B6 Holy Holy, Etc
B7 Amazing Graze
LP 2 Hark! (2002) Vol. II (24:55)
C1 Angels We Have Heard On High
C2 Put The Lights On The Tree
C3 Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
C4 I Saw Three Ships
C5 Only At Christmas Time
D6 Once In Royal David's City
D7 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
D8 What Child Is This Anyway?
D9 Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
LP 3 Ding! Dong! (2003) Vol. III (22:54)
E1 O Come, O Come Emmanuel
E2 Come On! Let's Boogey To The Elf Dance!
E3 We Three Kings
E4 O Holy Night
F5 That Was The Worst Christmas Ever!
F6 Ding! Dong!
F7 All The King's Horns
F8 The Friendly Beasts
LP 4 Joy! (2005) Vol. IV (22:14)
G1 The Little Drummer Boy
G2 Away In A Manger
G3 Hey Guys! It's Christmas Time!
G4 The First Noel
H5 Did I Make You Cry On Christmas? (Well, You Deserved It!)
H6 The Incarnation
H7 Joy To The World
LP 5 Peace (2006) Vol. V (35:55)
I1 Once In Royal David's City
I2 Get Behind Me, Santa!
I3 Jingle Bells
I4 Christmas In July
I5 Lo! How A Rose E'Er Blooming
I6 Jupiter Winter
J7 Sister Winter
J8 O Come O Come Emmanuel
J9 Star Of Wonder
J10 Holy, Holy, Holy
J11 The Winter Solstice
