Sufjan Stevens - The BQE

When I first heard about the BQE (Brooklyn-Queens Expressway), I didn't know what to expect to hear. I looked it up on amazon, only to find that the album is comprised of 'Movements' and 'Interludes'. I thought that maybe some modern-classical shit, Sufjan-style, was about to go down. And yes, that's what The BQE is all about. Mostly. Sufjan did like to use a variety of strings, oboes, flutes, clarinets etc., and different instruments in his songs, but not to this extent. This is a fully-blown symphony, or suite, or whatever you want to call it. They've got the whole orchestra on this one!

Now, there is only one movement, that's the "odd-one-out". Movement IV, or Traffic Shock, the only time you get to hear lots of spurts of electronic mishap and what-not.

The BQE is filled with action/adventure, drama, hectic moments, romance, and tragic moments. Very unlike the Broolkyn-Queens expressway, which has traffic, dirt, and not much else. Seriously, I don't know how he was inspired by the BQE to make this beautiful masterpiece.

Anyway, here's one possible let-down for some, which I think is alright. You don't get to hear his voice. They're all instrumentals. But that's why the album kind of fits together all so well. 7.5 out of 10.



-Julian