I really want to do something like this for every weekly thread, but I so easily get sidetracked lately with work. M. Ward is incredible. I got to meet him briefly at Coachella in 2010 after a She & Him set. He's alwys seems so downplayed within himself; relaxed, down to Earth. I really respect the guy. Definitely a musical idol and good symbol for music of this generation. As for s / s / s, I hope they do more together. It's going to be a fascinating few years of music between those three and what they're doing so I'd love to see more. And of course, if you haven't already, go listen to Sufjan Stevens, especially his Age of Adz album. That one... that one I could write pages on, and have before.
I love them both very, very, very much for very different reasons. They're incredibly different albums. The difference, however, is that I feel like Age of Adz is potentially historically important. There are so many facets to that album that make it absolutely incredible and unique, not to mention the blending of traditional instruments with electronic creations. It's funny though, if I'm looking to just sit down and listen to Sufjan, my favorite go-to album is the one almost no one talks of, A Sun Came.
I listen to Michigan more than any other. You're right though, they're all wonderful.