Sufjan Stevens - The Avalanche [2LP] [ Vinyl ]

Originally intended as a companion to Illinois, The Avalanche is Sufjan Stevens' brilliant overflow—21 B-sides, outtakes, and alternate versions from his 2005 masterpiece that somehow manage to feel just as essential.

This 2LP set is a treasure trove of lush arrangements, whimsical storytelling, and tender introspection, proving that even Stevens' leftovers are better than most artists’ main courses.

Opening with the vibrant title track “The Avalanche,” the album swings between playful and poignant. Multiple versions of “Chicago” offer new emotional shades of the fan-favorite anthem, while tracks like “Pittsfield” and “Adlai Stevenson” showcase Stevens’ gift for finding humanity in the overlooked corners of American life. There’s banjo, brass, choral bursts, and moments of stripped-down fragility—it’s a beautifully tangled web of sound.

Pressed on two LPs, this edition gives the sprawling tracklist room to breathe, making it easier to appreciate the nuance in every banjo pluck and orchestral swell. It’s an immersive experience that feels like paging through an old scrapbook filled with alternate memories and unrealized dreams.

The Avalanche isn’t just a collection of scraps—it’s an essential chapter in the Sufjan Stevens story. Overflowing with charm, melancholy, and melodic brilliance, this double LP is a must-have for fans of Illinois and lovers of ambitious, heart-forward songwriting.