Albums
the bqe - sufjan stevens

Sufjan Stevens - The BQE (LP)

Name: Sufjan Stevens - The BQE (LP)
Brand: Sufjan Stevens
SKU: 7zRwx1a3u4IByXh5CVHwbU
Rating: 4 (6 reviews)

Sufjan Stevens

LP
1 piece(s)
2009
13 tracks
40 min
chamber pop

The BQE

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Product description

Sufjan Stevens proudly presents The BQE, a captivating cinematic suite inspired by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the Hula-Hoop. Originally commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy of Music, this innovative project was first performed at the Howard Gilman Opera House in celebration of the 25th anniversary Next Wave Festival in October 2007. The album, released on 20 October 2009 via Asthmatic Kitty, is a masterful blend of chamber pop and baroque pop, showcasing Stevens' unique artistic vision.

The BQE is a thought-provoking exploration of the 12.7-mile interstate highway that connects Brooklyn and Queens, designed and built between 1939 and 1964 by renowned New York architect Robert Moses. Through his music, Stevens delves into the essence of this iconic roadway, crafting a rich and immersive soundscape that unfolds over 40 minutes.

The album's tracklist is a testament to Stevens' innovative approach, featuring movements that evoke the dynamic energy of the expressway, from the majestic 'Prelude on the Esplanade' to the frenetic 'Movement IV—Traffic Shock'. Interludes, such as 'Interlude I—Dream Sequence in Subi Circumnavigation' and 'Interlude II—Subi Power Waltz', add an extra layer of depth and complexity to the overall narrative.

With The BQE, Sufjan Stevens has created a work that is both a tribute to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and a deeply personal exploration of the human experience. This groundbreaking album is a must-listen for fans of experimental and avant-garde music, offering a unique glimpse into the creative mind of one of today's most innovative artists.

This is a 2009 Limited Edition released as a LP.

Tracks

Prelude on the EsplanadeSufjan Stevens
2:56
Introductory Fanfare for the Hooper HeroesSufjan Stevens
1:07
Movement I—In the Countenance of KingsSufjan Stevens
5:19
Movement II—Sleeping InvaderSufjan Stevens
4:33
Interlude I—Dream Sequence in Subi CircumnavigationSufjan Stevens
3:33
Movement III—Linear Tableau with Intersecting SurpriseSufjan Stevens
4:08
Movement IV—Traffic ShockSufjan Stevens
3:23
Movement V—Self-Organizing Emergent PatternsSufjan Stevens
3:44
Interlude II—Subi Power WaltzSufjan Stevens
0:28
Interlude III—Invisible AccidentsSufjan Stevens
0:53
Movement VI—Isorhythmic Night Dance with InterchangesSufjan Stevens
3:16
Movement VII (Finale)—The Emperor of CentrifugeSufjan Stevens
3:50
Postlude—Critical MassSufjan Stevens
2:58

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Product specifications

Details

Album: The BQE
Artist: Sufjan Stevens
LP release year: 2009
Album release date: October 20, 2009
Label: Rough Trade
EAN: 656605627861
Available: No

Product information

Format: LP
Quantity: 1 piece(s)
Type: Limited Edition
Mono or stereo: Stereo
Duration: 40 min
Tracks: 13 tracks

EAN

EAN: 656605627861

Other

Limited Edition: Yes
Country: UK & Europe
Genre: Chamber pop
Box set: No
Remastered: No
Reissue: No

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Reviews

4.0

Average of 6 reviews

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Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.

Vinyl Track Order Disappointment
3 out of 5 stars
KkeclvuyrotFebruary 4, 2025United States🇺🇸
Promoted as 180g, but my copy surely isn't, and there aren't any other pressings out there, so I'm clueless about what's happened. If you're acquainted with the album in different formats, you might side with me that the shift from part III to IV is one of the album's highlights; regretfully, because of its spot on the album and vinyl's limits, part III fades out at the end of side A. All the buildup and suspense is gone. I'd rather have a different track order as this is quite a letdown!
Vinyl Track Order Flaw
3 out of 5 stars
PdoqbkujdohJanuary 4, 2025United States🇺🇸
Promoted as 180g, but my copy certainly isn't, and there aren't any other pressings available, so I'm puzzled about what's happened. If you're acquainted with the album in different formats, you might side with me that the shift from movement III to IV is a standout part of the album; sadly, because of its spot on the album and vinyl's limits, movement III fades out at the end of side A. All the buildup and suspense is gone. I'd rather have a different track order as this is quite a letdown!
Misleading Vinyl Pressing
3 out of 5 stars
TpeblcommikOctober 25, 2024United States🇺🇸
Promoted as 180g, but my copy certainly isn't, and there aren't any other pressings available, so I'm unsure what's happened. If you're acquainted with the album in other formats, you might concur with me that the shift from movement III to IV is one of the album's highlights; regrettably, due to its placement on the album and the limitations of vinyl, movement III fades out at the close of side A. All the buildup and tension is lost. I'd favor a different track arrangement as this is quite a drawback!
Beloved Possessions
5 out of 5 stars
wiovcqtlugwugOctober 20, 2024United States🇺🇸
Among my most beloved possessions : )
Beloved Possessions
5 out of 5 stars
qeuwqkgdehpamOctober 20, 2024United States🇺🇸
Among my most beloved possessions : )