Sufjan Stevens Live – Dances Through Age of Adz
by Kat
The controversy about Sufjan’s recent Age of Adz Tour doesn’t question his genius in prolific song writing or his reputation as a musical visionary – the disappointment addresses the absence of Sufjan’s individuality. We were brought into the world of Bjork’s Volta Tour and reminded of The Flaming Lips and Jónsi. What’s most painful to admit is that the show’s aesthetic even touched that of Ke$ha’s recent performances – the worst possible comparison for a man excelling in creativity!
Age of Adz shows a new range from Sufjan, unraveling vivid chapters of inspiration through imaginative, saga-like sound – but crossing that with a stage of back up dancers and 11 band members dressed face to limb in shiny metallic clothing and glow in the dark neon, projections of Royal Robertson’s art brought to life, PLUS choreography? Much like having all of your favorite food in one sitting, it’s a beautiful sight until the consequences kick in. The overkill of busy elements and uncoordinated dancers competing theatrics (like some scene from a musical about a midlife crisis) distracted from the actual playing of music. Sufjan joked that Coca-Cola and Nike sponsored the night’s show but the outfits and video montages sadly advertised clichés of a hip lifestyle, made possible by American Apparel. If you’re one to contest by saying you “enjoyed the effect of the alien-dance-party” and were “exhilarated by the far-off-planet-feel,” then you obviously haven’t been to a Daft Punk show. If Sufjan’s older material didn’t exist and this was his debut, would you still find it all so “fun” and “cute?” Would he still sell out Beacon Theatre?
For the record, he closed the set with a few favorites, on simple piano and acoustic. The best part about the night wasn’t the confetti or balloons but the opportunity to see the notoriously awkward Sufjan Stevens finally loose and not giving a damn – dancing, smiling, enjoying himself. Aww Soo-fee-yahn, we forgive you! You’ve battled debilitation recently and we understand, it’s something you had to do. We’ll consider this a Timbaland-to-your-Chris-Cornell thing.You don’t have to continue making the same albums your entire life, just keep that undeniable greatness to move us alive.
Tags: Sufjan Stevens
- November 19, 2010
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