The Staves - Chicago (Sufjan Stevens) | The Influences

The Staves playing a cover of 'Chicago' by Sufjan Stevens for The Influences.
Watch their full session here: theinfluences.com/the-staves/
Filmed & edited by Matthijs van der Ven.
Audio by Matthijs van der Ven.
theinfluences.com
theinfluences
theinfluences

[@HBJSpiegel]

Sibling harmony is a resonance that was gifted to human ears

[@breannewilson2469]

Howard Spiegel yes!!!

[@kendalbrenner22]

Check out Joseph - another band of talented sisters ;)

[@dadadaddyoo]

You are so right. There is nothing else quite like it.

[@georgematthews4090]

music theory calls it a blood harmony. Pretty amazing name for it I think

[@lappleman]

@@georgematthews4090 Yes. check out the "Cocaine and Rhinestones" podcast episode on the Louvin Brothers if you haven't already.

[@JH-yj7kk]

Still coming back to this all these years later

[@TheInfluences]

Glad to hear it!

[@kevinkendrick9063]

I've been listening to this version for years now. It still kills me. So so beautiful.

[@karlsjunior466]

I was so lucky to see them live. They even took the time to talk to this shy guy who knew all the words to a few of their songs after the show. The kisses on my cheek will never be forgotten.

[@samuellocke1343]

hahahahaha

[@davetinoco]

Ladies, today I was listening to this in the car and the harmonies were so beautiful that I got goosebumps, tears in my eyes and I couldn’t stop smiling. It was like being in a magical place full of snow and fresh clean forest air. Please don’t ever stop singing. You are the Sirens of KZbin.

[@lovelearn6023]

🌷🌷🌷

[@stevefletcher4777]

Beautiful comment.

[@pezushka]

Siren is lovely

[@stevoschannel4127]

Apparantly David Crosby mentions the quality of their singing somewhere…funny first thing i thought of hearing this was that this is as good as csn…gives me the same feeling

[@skl31]

So hard to do a Sufjan Stevens song justice,you've done it wonderfully :)

[@Fadingheadlights]

One of the best covers I've heard... maybe ever? Stunning.

[@TheInfluences]

Thanks! So glad you like it.

[@darktower74]

I agree. Finding a cover better than the original isn't super rare nowadays, but finding one THIS MUCH better, I think is rare.

[@darktower74]

Another was Dimash Kudaibergen's version of SOS d'un terrien en detresse. The original was such a dusty, flaky thing and the cover gave me chills.

[@Kate1Chopin]

The harmonies are beautiful and made me think of the effect of Crosby, Stills and Nash from many years ago. Spine tingling!

[@jamesmcmanus3331]

Hell yes

[@Melarancida]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@ahe79]

Anne Marie Callaghan I was coming down here to comment the same thing! I’ve been a longtime fan of CS&N (&Y), and of Sufjan. Second song in (while listening to The Head and the Heart) and now I’m drawn into discovering more from these ladies.

[@dave29123]

I see what you mean, though my first thought was Peter, Paul & Mary.

[@debbiewheeler4066]

Me too! I immediately thought of CSN. Awesome trio on their own and love the CSN vibe in this song.

[@bikramjitsharma7768]

Man what did I stumble into? This must be what music sounds like in heaven.

[@assafshibolet4220]

So well put. Have so much to do, but can't get myself out of their loving world

[@aemyhenry4557]

I clicked on this absolutely certain that I'd hate it. Needless to say, i was very wrong. Those harmonies...I have chills. CHILLS.

[@Jeter21881]

Staves kill it, also Secret Sisters have major talent.

[@scottrauth8219]

Every single time I listen to this, I get chills. And I’ve listened hundreds of times

[@CaitlinCCloete]

Hi everyone. Just came here to cry because this is so beautiful

[@bobrossantichrisst]

once a month

[@shughy1]

I can't stop coming back to listen to this, it's such an important flawless piece

[@jday7767]

I have listened to this song so many times, I've decided I want this song played at my funeral. it has such deep meaning.

[@bbonds7160]

+Jeff Day I just thought the same thing a few minutes ago then saw this lol.

[@joc3902]

Same

[@carsongrable3654]

Jeff Day yup

[@bamemasake1370]

This cover still moves me however many years later. Great rendition of an even ‘greater’ song. Thank you.

[@joc3902]

I think this may be my new favourite song ever. The Staves in my opinion, are literally the meaning of beautiful.

[@tarobarf]

I agree! Their harmonies are so enchanting

[@jackreid5970]

This is so completely and utterly breathtakingly perfect.

[@utubesucks1ass]

This is so pretty. :-) Their voices are like a pianos, song birds, violins, and harps, all mixed together.

[@utubesucks1ass]

I guess I have to go to Chi-town! This is a sign...

[@H2886]

+utubesucks1ass one of the greatest cities in the world! you'll fall in love.

[@squaresoft01]

Wow you really made this song your own. Very beautiful arrangement and performance. Thanks.

[@Dingalingring]

Very beautiful and transcendent, almost. They should release this as a single, it's so great!

[@samhathaway2251]

This brought me to tears. Haven't heard this song years. Absolutely amazing. I want this to play on repeat in my head for the rest of my life ♥️♥️♥️

[@TheInfluences]

👊🏼

[@nnimlot]

That harmony! 😍

[@danstanton1374]

What a beautiful version of Chicago. My brother and I tried to hum like this; didn't go as planned! Keep it up ladies.

[@neilmccann6807]

From 3:15 might just be my favorite piece of singing and music that I have ever heard. I could loop it forever and never, ever no be moved

[@paulgush]

Agreed. So brilliant in places, but some overwrought harmonies earlier in the song. Also, the intro would have been so much better with that guitar picking pattern.

[@lojupitermoon]

I fell in love again All things go, all things go Drove to Chicago All things know, all things know We sold our clothes to the state I don't mind, I don't mind I made a lot of mistakes In my mind, in my mind You came to take us All things go, all things go To recreate us All things grow, all things grow We had our mindset All things know, all things know You had to find it All things go, all things go I drove to New York In a van, with my friend We slept in parking lots I don't mind, I don't mind I was in love with the place In my mind, in my mind I made a lot of mistakes In my mind, in my mind You came to take us All things go, all things go To recreate us All things grow, all things grow We had our mindset All things know, all things know You had to find it All things go, all things go If I was crying In the van, with my friend It was for freedom From myself and from the land I made a lot of mistakes I made a lot of mistakes I made a lot of mistakes I made a lot of mistakes You came to take us All things go, all things go To recreate us All things grow, all things grow We had our mindset All things know, all things know You had to find it All things go, all things go You came to take us All things go, all things go To recreate us All things grow, all things grow We had our mindset (I made a lot of mistakes) All things know, all things know (I made a lot of mistakes) You had to find it (I made a lot of mistakes) All things go, all things go (I made a lot of mistakes)

[@markus808808]

They made a few more mistakes than Sufjan

[@extragalacticlight]

this was my pandemic song

[@MichaelScarborough423]

One room, one mic, three beautiful voices...perfect.

[@mp48930]

The little "who-hoo"s they do in unison are the cutest thing. Sufjan is my fave artist of all time, and I rarely like covers of his songs...but this is dope :)

[@doobieman69]

That was very nearly perfection.

[@corey_el]

i just love everything these girls do. they're incredible, and this is one of my favorite songs, and they covered it perfectly.

[@kenwithaK]

when the guitar kicked in my eyes started tearing up. this is so beautiful its hard to deal with.

[@Felice_Enellen]

While I'm a fan of Sufjan, I hadn't yet heard his version before I heard this cover. I was reluctant to go back and listen to his original version because I love his music and I didn't know how he could possibly sound this beautiful, and I felt like I would hate to be disappointed in him. But I wasn't-not at all. It's just a very different performance when he does it, yet it's still the same song, the lyrics move me the same way, and I still sway to the rise and fall of the melody. He just does with polyphony what they do with harmony. No, I wasn't disappointed at all; rather, I found myself with a gift, because in the end, I now I have twice as much of the song to listen to.

[@TheInfluences]

That's the spirit!

[@matthanrahan6492]

There's something amazing about sibling harmonies. Beautiful ladies.

[@Osheerful]

Thank you. I have nothing else to say really. This is such a beautiful rendition of such a beautiful song. Love from Bangladesh. You guys are beyond amazing. My only complaint is not having found this sooner.

[@ZIVCOOL100]

Very much serving the vocals in Sufjan’s songs, loved it.

[@RW-cz7go]

Most of the time I expect an apology for a remake of a good song, not in this instance. So, so, so remarkably beautiful...chillingly beautiful.

[@gerrett108]

Ummm, just beyond words.... thank you Staves

[@lolarolapastel]

I've just watched Austin to Boston and heard this cover and omg...I'm in love with them right now! ♡

[@clappingpig]

Mind blown!! What an absolutely beautiful cover...

[@swolfcrew]

delivered this song perfectly !

[@tarobarf]

the best cover of one of my favourite songs!

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Didn't think anyone would ever be able to do this song justice. This has proved me wrong. Awesome

[@stevefletcher4777]

beautiful beyond words. Its like I just listened to the most perfect synergy of DNA and music. Simply breathtaking.

[@karencaicero]

I love Emily's voice!

[@missingsock18]

They must be sisters, like First Aid Kit, for their vocals to intertwine so perfectly.

[@Sabouma28]

they are

[@chrisbodum3621]

@Missing Sock , you should search these live performances out on youtube: The Staves & First Aid Kit - Blue Ridge Mountains First Aid Kit ft. The Staves - Hard Rain First Aid Kit & The Staves - Runs in the Family

[@thechazdarby]

I want to be wrapped in those harmonies forever.

[@neilmccann6807]

I cant think of a more perfect performance

[@kaitblock8723]

3:14-3:43 my thoughts after I turn in an exam I didn't study for

[@CNGMrBedlampje]

Hahahha you made me laugh out loud

[@fedotovrodion1317]

lmao

[@freakfire74]

Thanks for the laughs! :D

[@wshutson0304]

Kaitlyn Block 😂😂😂

[@kaizenweisz2120]

HAHAHAHAHA 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Almost wet myself laughing, cheers for that 👍 Edit: 1 month later and still keep coming back to read your comment and laugh myself senseless. Happy COVID-19!~♡

[@robinb5752]

A very special song and a wonderfully, amazing, interpretation that leaves me speechless. This performance opens doors into the song which I hadn‘t seen before. Wonderful! Thank you !

[@tarobarf]

this is absolute perfection

[@AntwaanMusic]

The voices harmonisation give another dimension to this song, nice one!

[@theonepoet]

I love this song. You girls did this amazing song justice!

[@allysondaniel8442]

I just strolled upon this angelic cover... the Staves are in my heavy rotation now.

[@caryharper9190]

Beautiful &haunting at the same time. You three stuck it.

[@kentkrabbe3319]

You Staves: absolutely beautiful

[@Eduludwig1]

Angels singing, wonderful!

[@am-hd3lb]

i cried, this is brilliant.

[@georgiaaustin]

absolutely beautiful

[@jimbobsailor5558]

fuck this is amazing

[@stupasini]

I can imagine the fun between these three sisters...watch the last 4 seconds...It made me laugh too.... They are such bloody good singers!!!!

[@brionoke]

So lovely! The Staves are so amazing

[@Truls26]

beautiful! They should record this and put it on spotify

[@kimg7497]

+truls Fjeldvang YES!

[@TheInfluences]

+truls Fjeldvang They have! It's on the deluxe version of their latest record as a bonus track I believe. Another recording of it, but very beautiful.

[@Truls26]

Sweet! Tnx so much :)

[@Dingalingring]

+Onder Invloed Cool, thanks!

[@DjangoDerDude]

+Onder Invloed hi! on which album? is it a hidden track, because i can't find it anywhere...

[@stevoschannel4127]

Coming back for the many dozenth time…this is one of the very best things on the entire internet.

[@user-ei8uk3is2j]

I can feel 90’s warm mood with this song

[@radioffvoicesnoysyvisionna7643]

this video is gold the way they smile at the end of their play

[@sofsirv1126]

This song is a meditation, a devine mantra

[@kimg7497]

Came here because of the film Austin to Boston, terrific version :)

[@thezachinator1]

Kim G Me too!

[@SuperTarHeel74]

***** Me as well. Can't say it's a better version. It's always hard to beat the original. But, I like this version better. Love the harmonies.

[@umskaa6236]

Kim G Same! Just finished watching it haha

[@MrsGamgee977]

Kim G I miss the cello from that version, that was really amazing the way it made the entire song soar.

[@lea3ify]

Kim G I want to watch this sooooooo much (this one and What happened Miss Simone) but I can't find them anywhere in France :(

[@eldritchbutter44]

You guys just made me cry. Already a touching song and then you had to put the lady power on it...amazing harmony. I love this, thank you for doing it. ❤❤❤

[@c.s.froggis9982]

I remember when Sufjan first sang this. Wasnt that long ago but then it was too.

[@martinrep7212]

You ladies are unique, sublime and at the same time reminiscent of Sandy Denny and Joni Mitchell who I admire very much. Actually I don't want to compare artist with each other, but this just to emphasize how great you are. Please, please continue to expose us to your beautiful music😘

[@arasgoodgin9274]

By far... I prefer this version, very well done! I love their voices, there is something magic in they...

[@gronsicle]

I feel like the original of this song is almost incomparable to this version because of how different they are from one another. Although both are good, I definitely prefer The Staves version!

[@benchase4035]

gronsicle still, something special about the reserved pace and signature breathy mysterious ness of sufjans oh almost like it’s supposed to sound more broken

[@naramendez2059]

Lovely harmonizing

[@cloe6817]

Heaven in my ears. Thanks for this beautiful cover.

[@Marcdrichter]

Hypnotic voices of the angels!

[@tedakem1812]

best cover of this i have found yet, pretty much made it their own, bravo

[@carlytucker-williams2828]

I love this cover! I remember them playing it in Bristol a few years back

[@manzi1hotmailcom]

[@EmmanuelDato]

Elvish.. oh wow. I love that new adjective

[@c123ray]

I can't stop listening + singing each person's part; I love The Staves' rendition of this Sufjan Steven's song so very much! Thank you, beautiful song birds, for singing + posting this angelic harmonizing version of the song, Chicago. 💓💓💓

[@drdavidsands]

Just beautiful. The Staves are beautiful too. Sufjan is too.

[@R0ughxJust1ce]

Brought tears to my eyes. Stunning rendition of this song. Thank you Staves and SS.

[@edwarddunphy5276]

The harmonies always bring tears to my eyes, such a beautiful sound

[@indiego6794]

when jess smiles a little 😍

[@muhannadalohali2864]

Their performance is priceless❤️❤️❤️

[@swallowtail714]

The combination of their voices is out of this world, very peaceful. This has to be my most favorite song though I do have multiple favorites of their music. Lovely women.

[@Lumpus_]

these girls are so beautiful in any possible way i'm about to cry

[@misterbondage007]

Beauty through my ears. Beauty through my eyes. I love you Staves.

[@gerrett108]

Overwhelmingly beautiful

[@jakobandersen3944]

Best cover i've ever heard.

[@sarahrussell4654]

I keep coming back to this video and wishing it was me with my siblings. We have harmonized at times and ut was so much fun!! Thank you for being an inspiration!! Y'all sound so beautiful together!

[@Tigrebleau1]

Magic women - even more magic together.

[@Jimriff45]

I probably said this here awhile back but, with full props to Sufjan Stevens for penning this beautiful song, you guys have made this song your very own with your extraordinarily beautiful interpretation. I’m guessing your audiences are not letting you off of any stage until you perform it for them. I hope to have the opportunity to join them some time so I can hear you perform it live. Thank you!!

[@adamxpaul]

Listening to this makes me want to listen to the original which makes me want to listen to this. Someone help.

[@robertpearce8262]

I don't really like the original. This is far nicer imo

[@adamxpaul]

I felt the same at first, to be honest, but it grew on me.

[@alastairwoodruff6897]

Crying. But good crying. So beautiful.

[@mute3078]

This cover is beautiful, how am I just seeing this 😭

[@AJSanchezRadio]

fantastic! I could listen to it over and over again

[@robsdad]

Voices of angels.

[@Melissab704]

I feel like Sufjan gave birth to this song and the staves raised it to adulthood.

[@lumen8341]

Nothing could be more beautiful.

[@spencerm293]

Heard 3 notes, and knew I'd love this version. Thanks for making great music.

[@abaptiste]

Le passage à trois voix : " You came to take us, All things go, all things go , To recreate us ...You had to find it ... All things go, all things go est absolument une merveille de perfection des harmonies. C'est un véritable prodige de la nature. Music is the best !