Silly-talented singer man Sufjan Stevens has won the first-ever New Pantheon Award in the US, awarded to an artist who has sold fewer than 500,000 copies of an album in the States.
Basically, it's like the now-defunct Shortlist Prize, albeit with only $5,000 for the winner.
Stevens' Illinois (pictured) was voted to first place by a panel including Beck, Dave Matthews and Elton John. No ceremony was held, despite organisers' initial promises of a big show, with the announcement slipping out into the public through the New Pantheon website.
Founder Tom Sarig said: "It's our first year for the New Pantheon [and] the intention has only ever been to set up a completely independent, totally organic effort for creative people by creative people that could help further expose the creative leading lights of the year."
it would be great
if he'd sold enough copies not to be able to have this award...
shortlist
you do get good artists albums in these awards though, the shortlist was a great way for me to discover some amazing acts...
and he is
def amasing, its really sad that americans cant appreciate good music!!!
he rocks
what a silly thing to say
course they appreciate good music. 500 000 is still a helluva lot of albums.
one of the albuns of the year
great album, very ecletic....i love all the choirs that he sings...
folk music made with heart and soul...this album makes me feel happy...
Arcade Fire
well should have won.