I suggest Stufjan Stevens. He has a really cool Illinois concept album called "Come On Feel the Illinoise!" It's cool, kinda mellow, has some subtle bible references, and some song just break your heart. And just makes an interesting album with song about everything from John Wayne Gacy to a UFO's to Night of the Living Dead to a a girlfriend passing away quietly one Cashmir Pulaski day. If you promise to give it a chance, I'm sure I could even send you a copy. Come on, you know you want to. . .