Sufjan Stevens has shared “My Rajneesh,” which serves as the B-side to “America,” the 12-minute song he released last week. The Ascension, Stevens’ first solo album in five years, was announced last week as well.
The Rajneesh movement was a cult that was around in the 1970s and ’80s that, after being forced out of India, settled in Oregon, and has a colorful history, to put it mildly. The song seemingly refers to a bioterror incident involving the cult in 1984.
As for “My Rajneesh,” it was originally from 2015’s Carrie & Lowell sessions and is a sprawling song in its own right, clocking in at 10-and-a-half minutes that tackles a number of subjects surrounding the cult.
“America” and “My Rajneesh” will be released as a 12-inch single on July 31. The Ascension will be released on Sept. 25 on Asthmatic Kitty.
Listen to the song below.
