The Saga…Is kind of hungry right now

3. The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You (2009)

This is the second most listened to album of my decade. I am hesitant when Rick Rubin decides to work with bands; mainly I hated what he did to Linkin Park. In the end, Rubin didn’t do much of anything but create a fantastic album. I have always loved AB’s ability to make it simple stupid and make that work for them, but Rubin flushes that out here in stunning fashion. This album produced one of the greatest music videos I’ve ever seen, from a song called “Head Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise.” The video shows this stunning animation of a city being built up from nothing and then being destroyed due to age. Stop listening to me and just listen to this.

Recommended Tracks: “I and Love and You,” “January Wedding,” “Head Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise,” “Kick Drum Heart,” “Ten Thousand Words,” “Tin Man”

3. Sufjan Stevens – Illinoise (2005)

This landmark album introduced a lot of people to the work of Sufjan Stevens. Before he abandoned his 50 states project he had one previous album under his belt called Greetings from Michigan. This album took that original concept and perfected it. Stevens is one of the hardest working musicians in the business today. He has recorded a plethora of albums, has toured all over. Perhaps that is what caused the abandonment of the project, but this album still exists as proof of that.

Recommended Tracks: “Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois,” “Come On, Feel the Ilinoise, Pt. 1,” “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.,” “Chicago,” “Casimir Pulaski Day,” “The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts”