Top 31 of 2006: #17

Sufjan Stevens: "The Avalanche"

Released: July 11, 2006

How do you follow up one of the best albums of all time? You don't. You milk it for all it's worth. At least that seems to be Sufjan Stevens' plan. "The Avalanche," a collection of outtakes and extras was released this July, a year after his 2005 masterpiece "Illinois" came out. So the big question is, how is it? The answer is a resounding "fantastic!" Ever since Stevens' first foray into making albums about states, he hasn't really disappointed. In many ways, "The Avalanche" is so good that it really shouldn't be considered an outtakes album, but rather a sequel to "Illinois." It has the same spirit, craftmanship, and love as its predecessor, and it's even longer in minutes! So I ask you, everyone, what is not to love about this album? How can you not want to ride the hatch, just to try it out? Also, how can you not have mad respect for Sufjan Stevens? After releasing his album last year, he releases two this year! Over 60 songs in 2006 alone. And they're all pretty awesome. So admit it. You have a giant man crush on Sufjan Stevens. It's okay. I do too. But you already knew that.

For being awesome, Sufjan Stevens makes it to #17 on the list.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #17

Bonnie "Prince" Billy - "Cursed Sleep" from the album The Letting Go.