Quite possibly the best show EVER!

I just got back from watching Sufjan Stevens play at the Paramount Theater. Wow. This guy is amazing! I mean, I was impressed enough with his albums, but his show was spectacular. First of all, the theater itself is gorgeous--the perfect setting for a show like this. But then about 15 or so people walk out wearing butterfly wings and begin to play a symphonic version of "Sister" from Seven Swans. They played for a couple of minutes before Sufjan emerged from backstage with huge bird wings on his back. Odd as it sounds (and it did garner a few chuckles from the audience), it was actually kind of beautiful. In the background, a huge screen played reels from various old home movies and flashed random images that synced so well with the music, it just added to the grandeur of it all. It was like going to the symphony, the theater, and an indie rock show all at the same time. The set was a nice mix of tunes from his last 4 albums...all made much fuller with the mini-orchestra backing it up. Sufjan admitted to getting more nerdy with every show (and this is only #4 this tour), but the fact that they put on sunglasses anytime there was a "cool moment" in a song was awesome. One of the more endearing moments was when he began to sing "Abraham" and forgot the second line. He had to be reminded by an audience member before he could continue, but he made it through. It ended up being a very worshipful experience...one of a few I felt during the evening. Another highlight was his new song, "Majesty Snowbird". This doesn't really do it justice, but you can watch a clip here.



My Brightest Diamond (who also plays with Sufjan) was a nice warm-up as the opening act. Haunting and beautiful, it left me wanting to hear more. Get a taste yourself with the song "Something of an End."

All in all, I couldn't have asked for anything more from the show...except for more. I could have listened and watched for hours. I had been looking forward to seeing Sufjan live for so long. I was not disappointed.