Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly and James McAlister: PLANETARIUM

I've been meaning to do a post on this phenomenal album for quite a long time now.  I first heard of it through some references online, but didn't make time to give it a listen until a personal recommendation from my boss (who has spectacular taste in music).  It's a fascinating album.  All of the vocals are done by Sufjan, and much of the musical style seems right in line with the rest of his work in the last few years.  Some songs are strongly reminiscent of Carrie & Lowell (and are just as masterfully simple yet powerful), while others are more similar to the Age of Adz (i.e., somewhat electronic and decidedly dark...and occasionally terrifying).  The range of emotions on the album is incredible.  I highly recommend listening to it, even though you will likely have a hard time listening to some of the songs.  The tuneful ones make up for it.