@echo: The Avalanche

It wasn’t until I listened to For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti from the Michigan album that I liked Sufjan. His music is so eclectic that it doesn’t sound like anything in particular and the different sounding-ness was what shoved me away at first. But once the songwriting and simplicity of Widows broke in the side window of my brain it unlocked the front door to let the rest of musical compositions in. For the most part I feel like Mr. Stevens is always saying something with his instrumentation… even if he doesn’t know himself what that is. I don’t get the sense that he’s just making noise, but more so putting something complicating on display. I can relate with the thought that some have of his music as being junky – but also understand why his Illinois release was voted as 2005 editor’s choice for both Paste Mag and Pitchfork Media and picked up the 2005 Pantheon prize.


It was from the over abundance of that album that Avalanche was born. Sufjan continues with his folk rock-marching band-modern 80’s-pop with soul-broadway musical jazz flavor; nothing new for him or his listeners, perhaps, but still new for the music industry. You’ll say to yourself, haven’t I heard this before?, and the answer will be Yes, but you can enjoy it yet again.

One of the perks of the album is listening to the different Chicago versions and then resting in the fact that the right one made it to the Illinois album. That’s not to say that they aren’t good – they’re just… err... [insert a synonym for different here]. You got the Good Elevator Music Chicago (adult contemporary easy listening), the Alone in an Empty Room Emo Chicago (acoustic) and then the Clap Your Hands, Who am I Chicago (multiple personality disorder.) My fav of the three is the latter. Sufjan admits he made a lot of mistakes [chuckle at the lyrical pun here] but fortunately it turns out for our benefit and even prompts the psyche question, Which Chicago are you today?

Avalanche is a nice rest area before leaving for the next great state. My two impulsive picks are The Mistress Witch from McClure (Or, The Mind That Knows Itself) and Pittsfield. Both tracks are less busy without being lazy, contemplative with instrumental dignity. Stick around and enjoy the Illinois area a little longer because in time you’ll have moved on without even knowing it.