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You Can't Hear it on the Radio is a blog about the current golden age of music. At no time since the 1960s has there been such an output of quality music by so many varied artists. Add to that technology that makes it easier than ever for the curious to find good music today. But, like an unlimited selection at an all-you-can-eat buffet, there's no table service. You will have to seek it out. The old model is dead. Generally speaking, you can't hear it on the radio. You can learn about it here, though.

Noah: Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz/All Delighted People

Steve: The Age of Adzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Noah: Is that a sign you're bored with the album?

Steve: I found it boring, yes. I listened to it probably five times preparing for this review and it never really registered with me.

Noah: We might be giving away the store early here, but I prefer the All Delighted People EP.

Steve: I do too. So, we're done.

Noah: There's a "but" though...

Steve: Go ahead...

Noah: I do actually like The Age of Adz. I think it's important to note that All Delighted People is a significantly more accessible work than The Age of Adz.

Steve: If by that you mean it sounds better and is more enjoyable to listen to, I'm with you.

Noah: If nothing else, I give him credit for the sheer stones to leave what are probably better songs off of the full album. Again, there's a "but".

Leaving aside whether or not he succeeded with it, The Age of Adz is clearly a very specific vision for Sufjan Stevens. I don't particularly love the electronica and weird beats on The Age of Adz. But I do find that the album (like most of his work) is like an onion.

So many layers, so much going on.

Steve: I too, found it to be like an onion, in that it made me want to cry.

Noah: I'd like to hear more about that.

Steve: When sliced, onions emit a gas that irritates the eyes and causes them to water.

Noah: Am I speaking to Julie or Julia?

Steve: Oh, you meant you wanted to hear more about my impressions of the album. Okay, being serious here. I agree with you the album is an impressive piece of work. There is a lot going on, Sufjan seems to be working with a purpose, as he himself says on "I Want To Be Well," "I'm not fucking around." I can appreciate all that at some level, but I found the music and the vocals cold, and the lyrics mostly did not resonate.

Noah: Again, I don't totally disagree, but I do find it a fascinating listen. I think the difficult thing is that Illinois is such a beautiful listen, a complete concept album that manages to go everywhere without losing the thread...comparatively The Age of Adz just doesn't work as a companion piece. Or even a successor.

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