Sufjan Fever Hard To Catch

Stinks is probably a tad bit to harsh, but disappointing certainly fits when describing Sufjan Stevens at the Chicago Theatre this past Friday night. Maybe it was the fact that the hype and expectations were too high? I'm not sure really. What is for sure though was the feeling that I was missing something that everyone else saw. Sufjan fever? Apparently it is hard to catch.

The first taste of Sufjan Stevens that I had was with his album Illinoise. After hearing about it from various sources and people that I trust musically, it was a natural fit as something to check out. Again, I was a tad bit disappointed after the first listen. Not that it was bad or anything. I found myself enjoying many of the songs including Jacksonville, Chicago, and Casimir Pulaski Day. The album, as a whole, just did not deliver like I thought it would.

Friday night was the same. While the rest of the sold out crowd was bobbing their heads and singing, I was glancing around wondering if they had their Ipods on and were listening to something else. Virtually the entire set list revolved around Sufjan's new record "The Age Of Adz," which makes sense considering the album just came out October 12th. The fact that he played only his new stuff was not the problem. The problem was that nothing clicked. Sure, it was unique, quirky, and sounded nothing like anything being released these days, but it still was just boring. The songs weren't pleasant to listen to or thought provoking. If it wasn't for the artwork corresponding to the certain songs on the video screen, I undoubtedly would have fallen asleep. The crazy thing though? I would have been awakened by all the cheering from the audience once the song had concluded.

After a few days to digest the show and listen to some more Sufjan material, the only conclusion that I could make as to why I was so out of touch with the rest of the audience on Friday goes back to that element of unique. Obviously, people listen to music for different reasons; but it truly felt that the majority of the Sufjan audience was there to listen to his music strictly because it was different. Not necessarily because it is good. And to their credit it is different and it is very unique. But is it worth two hours of your time? Sure, if you're looking to take a nap.

All in all, I can't catch the Sufjan fever. I've tried the albums and I've tried him live and I just can't understand what the fuss is all about. To me, good music is good music. If it is played on an electric guitar with a traditional four piece band, great. If it is played on a piece of wood with a rubber band, even better. Good means good, not different or unique.

As for the Sufjan fever? Wake me up when they find a cure.