*rumbling in the distance*

Sufjan Stevens' collection of b-sides and outtakes from Illinoise, The Avalanche is due out on the 25th of July from Asthmatic Kitty, but looks like it has sprung a large number of leaks already. Sounds like it's going to be an amazing collection of culls from the final edit of the Illinoise, ranging from a sweet acoustic version of 'Chicago', tracked through 'Chicago (adult contemporary easy listening version)' to the electronica-flavoured 'Chicago (Multiple Personality Disorder version)'; it's not all variants of old tracks, with the sumptuous 'The Pick-Up' and 'Pittsfield' evening out those folk inspired Sufjan-fests we've all come to love (although the excellent 'Pluto' brings electronica further to the fore).

I'm really pleased at the way the record marries these twin approaches to the material; as far as electronica goes, I wasn't that much of a fan of Enjoy your Rabbit, but I do hope that he picks it up again for the next record too...

Sufjan Stevens - Perpetual Self (yousendit / megaupload)
Sufjan Stevens - Chicago (Multiple Personality Disorder Version) (yousendit / megaupload)