Futile Devices

"Futile Devices" is a song by American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens. Originally a track from Stevens' sixth studio album, The Age of Adz, remixes of the song were released in 2012 and 2017, respectively. It was also featured in the 2017 film Call Me by Your Name.

"Futile Devices"
Song by Sufjan Stevens
from the album The Age of Adz
ReleasedOctober 12, 2010 (2010-10-12)
Length2:11
LabelAsthmatic Kitty
Songwriter(s)Sufjan Stevens
Producer(s)Sufjan Stevens

Background and composition

As the first track of The Age of Adz, "Futile Devices" is described as a combination of "piano and acoustic guitar" and "tippy-toed grace".[1]

Remixes and cover versions

The song was covered by American band Rituals of Mine (then-known as Sister Crayon) in 2011.[2] A remix of "Futile Devices" by American musician Shigeto was released on February 29, 2012.[3] The remix incorporates "bass-clouds and IDM clicks".[4] In 2017, a new remix of the song by American producer Doveman was commissioned for the romantic drama film Call Me by Your Name.[5] The film's director, Luca Guadagnino, specifically asked to include the song in the film.[6] Doveman's remix was physically released on limited edition 10-inch vinyl in February 2018 alongside the songs "Mystery of Love" and "Visions of Gideon", all three of which were featured on the Call Me by Your Name soundtrack album.[5]

Critical reception

In his review of The Age of Adz for The Guardian, Alexis Petridis praised the song's "delicate guitar figure" as well as its "beautiful Simon and Garfunkel-ish melody".[7] Also writing for The Guardian, Alexandra Pollard ranked the song eighth on a list of Stevens' ten best songs.[8]

References
  1. Mackay, Emily (October 8, 2010). "Album Review: Sufjan Stevens – The Age Of Adz (Asthmatic Kitty)". NME. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  2. Fuentes, Catherine (December 21, 2011). "Exclusive Download: Sister Crayon's Cover of 'Futile Devices'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  3. Cragg, Michael (February 29, 2012). "New music: Sufjan Stevens – Futile Devices (Shigeto remix)". The Guardian. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  4. Breihan, Tom (February 24, 2012). "Sufjan Stevens – "Futile Devices (Shigeto Remix)"". Stereogum. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  5. Caulfield, Keith (February 22, 2018). "Sufjan Stevens to Release 'Call Me by Your Name' Songs on 10-Inch Vinyl for Record Store Day: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  6. Willman, Chris (February 20, 2018). "Sufjan Stevens on How His Wary Dance With Hollywood Led to an 'Outrageous' Oscar Nom". Variety. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  7. Petridis, Alexis (October 7, 2010). "Sufjan Stevens: The Age of Adz – review". The Guardian. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  8. Pollard, Alexandra (May 11, 2017). "Sufjan Stevens – 10 of the best". The Guardian. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
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