REVIEW BY BWIL: SUFJAN STEVENS - THE AVALANCHE: OUTTAKES AND EXTRAS FROM THE ILLINOIS ALBUM....

So, I as a poor student, have resorted to ripping off music from the internet, and before we get into the moral dilemma of how horribly wrong that is, let us take some time to review a cd that, well, just isn't out yet. Sufjan Stevens has already produced albums with brilliance and vigour of someone twice his age. Stevens' Illinois album struck a chord with me for being one of his best yet. And for there to be almost a "part two" if you will (and i think you will) for his latest makes me as giddy as a school girl, on speed, at the fair, eating cotton candy.... you get the picture. Not to mention the fact that there are three brilliant versions of "Chicago", one of my favourites from the previous album. Versions include a mellow “acoustic” version, a swooning “adult contemporary easy listening“ version and a static “multiple personality disorder“ version.

Once again, in "soofyan" style, as I like to call it, his songs have the long titles to match long heart-felt songs. And the more exciting, good walking songs, like "Dear Mr. Supercomputer" add to this album the elation that I felt for Illinois. As well the title track “The Avalanche” (the bonus track on the Illinois vinyl) has to be one of my favourites, bringing back banjo/piano solos and brilliant lyrics that lead me to believe that Sufjan outdoes his father Cat many times over. (Don’t hate me for that, it’s just how I feel).

So, as the release date for this album is over a month away (July 25th to be exact), I very much recommend picking it up when it does come out. And for those of you who decide they can’t wait… feel free to download and enjoy before you purchase.

For my man Sufjan, a 10/10.