Today marks 10 years since the release of Carrie & Lowell, the culture-shifting Sufjan Stevens album that introduced legions of new fans to the revered singer-songwriter's catalogue back in 2015. To celebrate the milestone, Asthmatic Kitty has announced a deluxe edition reissue that compiles the original album and previously unheard tracks for an anniversary box set due out on May 30.
Introduced by a new essay from Stevens himself, the collection also includes a 40-page book, seven unreleased bonus songs (including demos and outtakes), an updated cover and more. The effort is previewed today by a demo version of "Mystery of Love," the song that would go on to be reworked for Luca Guadagnino's Call My by Your Name, earning Stevens an Oscar nomination and stage performance, among other recognitions.
The set compiles the original album on the first of two discs, with demos of "Death with Dignity," "Should Have Known Better," "Eugene," "The Only Thing," and "Fourth of July" included on the second disc alongside the "Mystery of Love" demo and an outtake of "Wallowa Lake Monster," which was previously included as the opening track of Stevens's The Greatest Gift outtakes album.
Hear "Mystery of Love (Demo)" below, where you can also find the box set's tracklist. Carrie & Lowell (10th Anniversary Edition) is available for pre-order.
Stevens's catalogue has been reappraised for several anniversary reissues; Seven Swans, Silver & Gold and Songs for Christmas have all been pressed to vinyl in recent past. Arguably his most well-known album, 2005's Illinois, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on July 4 this year, so we might be in for another reissue in 2025. In the meantime, that record got its due recognition in the form of a theatrical dance performance created by frequent collaborator, Justin Peck.
The artist's most recent album remains 2023's Javelin. Shortly after its release, Stevens revealed he had been hospitalized with a rare autoimmune disorder following the death of his long-term partner, Evans Richardson. Since then, he's remained relatively quiet, producing a children's album for John Legend and growing hearts three sizes with his Christmas Yule log.
Carrie & Lowell (10th Anniversary Edition):
Disc 1:
1. Death with Dignity
2. Should Have Known Better
3. All of Me Wants All of You
4. Drawn to the Blood
5. Eugene
6. Fourth of July
7. The Only Thing
8. Carrie & Lowell
9. John My Beloved
10. No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross
11. Blue Bucket of Gold
Disc 2:
1. Death with Dignity (Demo)
2. Should Have Known Better (Demo)
3. Eugene (Demo)
4. The Only Thing (Demo)
5. Mystery of Love (Demo)
6. Wallowa Lake Monster (Version 2)
7. Fourth of July (Version 4)