New Song "Should Have Known Better" by Sufjan Stevens (Album Due March 31 & NYC Tour Dates April 11, May 1, May 2)

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens has released a second single from his upcoming album, Carrie & Lowell (due March 31 via Stevens' Asthmatic Kitty Records). This song, "Should Have Known Better," is a sweet return to his roots in sound and substance. He sings in that expressive tenor about the "magical age of three," as my own thoughts drift back to when my daughter talked about 'babyland' where she frolicked with others before coming to earth and my son had two imaginary friends at that age. The collection is named after Stevens' own mother and stepfather, eleven songs about life and his personal struggle to make sense of the beauty and ugliness of love.

The last album, The Age of Adz, was full of electronic blasts and multi-layered instrumentation. Not to say I didn't love this amped up collection, as it landed on my Top Ten Releases of 2010 and a tour stop at the Beacon Theater that year is on my list of Top 25 Concerts of all time. It's just that I appreciate this acoustic side of the artist as well.  Take a listen here or on YouTube (where you'll also find the first single, "No Shade In the Shadow of the Cross"). Stevens will be touring in support of the new album with stops at The Beacon Theater April 11 and at the new Kings Theater in Brooklyn May 1 and 2. For more information about the tour and more, check the website carrieandlowell.com.