As part of the promotional campaign for his new Christmas box set, Sufjan Stevens shot seven videos collectively titled "Friendship Slay Ride." Created by Stevens, his tourmate Rosie Thomas, Jeff Shoop, Deborah Johnson, and starring Stevens and Thomas (outfitted as her alter ego, Sheila Saputo), they include a fake "informercial" for the very real Silver & Gold, an ad for a monster truck rally, talk show "Betwixt Two Furs," and much more delightfully awkward material.
Stevens' tour--Surfjohn Stevens Christmas Sing-A-Long: Seasonal Affective Disorder Yuletide Disaster Pageant on Ice--starts Friday in Philadelphia. If these videos are any indication, attendees should be ready to get their cheer on (or go to hell). Watch the "Friendship Slay Ride" series below. [Pitchfork]
"Silver & Gold Informercial"
"Betwixt Two Furs"
"Monster Trucks"
"It's Just Sheila"
"Law Office"
"Sheila Campaign"
"Friendship Slay Ride"