Happy 175th Birthday Arkansas!

The Natural State is celebrating 175 years of statehood today. I have spent most of my life in Arkansas and have become very fond of my home state, and am therefore excited to celebrate that on June 15th, 1836, Arkansas was admitted to the Union as the 25th state. In honor of this occasion I am sharing with you the one and only song that Sufjan Stevens has written for the state of Arkansas.  I had once hoped to someday get to dissect and digest an entire album of work inspired by this great state, but that dream seems to be nothing more than wishful thinking anymore. If you are fortunate enough to live in Arkansas right now, go outside today and enjoy some the natural beauty that this great state has to offer.  If you have never been to Arkansas and laugh at the idea of it being one of the more beautiful states check out these phenomenal photos that give just a glimpse of some of the wonders you will encounter as you explore the Ozarks or the Buffalo River Valley.

Sufjan Stevens – The Lord God Bird

And as an added bonus I give you the magnificently titled single from singer/songwriter Damien Jurado.

Damien Jurado – Arkansas