The Avalanche (2006)

Image credit: Sufjan Stevens: Denny Renshaw

STATE SECRETS Excellent songs Stevens held back from ''Illinois'' finally come tumbling out on ''The Avalanche''

This isn't a new geographic-themed CD from indie heartthrob Sufjan Stevens, but a set of outtakes and extras from his 2005 boho Americana masterpiece, Illinois. Though the cover says The Avalanche is ''shamelessly compiled,'' Stevens has nothing to be ashamed of: These wistful folk-pop leftovers are better than most acts' A game. Tunes about Prairie State notables Adlai Stevenson and Saul Bellow are charming character sketches, while the baroque arrangements suggest Stevens could have a second career as a baton-wielding composer.