Best Music of 2015: #1 Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell

It's happened in a number of prior years. Going into December, I basically have my mind made up regarding my #1 album, then I give some late consideration to #2 only to eventually realize I had it right in the first place.

One such year that comes to mind is 2005 when I briefly considered Sufjan Stevens' Illinois over Okkervil River's Black Sheep Boy. 

Stevens was in my top spot most of this year, but in the later months it looked like Kacey Musgraves would end up #1. So, it looked like Sufjan was going to be a bridesmaid once again, but upon giving several final listens to both Carrie & Lowell and Pageant Material, I realized the former was clearly my favorite of 2015.

This being the darkest album on my year-end list, it pairs well with the darkest beer among my 2015 favorites, Bell's Expedition Stout.

Thanks to those of you who tuned into my little best-of-2015 countdown, despite an 11-month absence here. I'm not sure what 2016 has in store for this blog, but I wish you all the best in the new year. Cheers.