All 1971 Songs

Judee Sill

Among both of Judee Sill’s complex and heartfelt albums, I believe "Crayon Angels" is this Androgynous Angel’s (how Judee saw herself) personal song of truth and on-going faith that after all the misery and torment in her life, her search for redemption will come to light. “Crayon angel songs are slightly out of tune, nothing’s happened, but I think it will soon”. As she struggles to leave her past behind, sacred possessions become meaningless. “Magic rings I made have turned my finger green and my mystic roses died, guess reality is not as it seems, so I sit here hopin’ for truth and a ride to the other side”. Searching desperately for answers she wonders are these visions tangible or just illusions? “Phony prophets stole the only light I knew, holy visions disappeared from my view, but the angels come back and laugh in my dreams, I wonder what it means”. “Crayon Angels” was covered by Fleet Foxes on the web-series “Black Cab Sessions” in 2008. In 2009, Ron Sexsmith, Beth Orton, Nicolai Dunger, Bill Callahan, to name a few, made a tribute album called “Crayon Angel: A Tribute To The Music Of Judee Sill” from a selection of songs that appeared on both of her albums, including one song that she wrote but was never recorded, "Reach For The Sky". Judee was a perfectionist, and you can hear her thoughtfulness in her captivating melodic lines and articulate singing. “Crayon Angels” was first released in 1971 on Judee Sill’s debut self-titled album on Asylum Records. (C.M. 21 July 2025)

Top songs of 1971 by vote