Sufjan Stevens brought is larger than life stage show to the Olympia last night, complete with visuals on screens in front of and behind the band, a variety of stage costumes and an 11 piece band (approx head count, 2 drummers, 2 brass, 3 guitars/ bass, 2 piano, 2 backing singers).

The main reason I went to the show is because of the videos below, showing his performance at the Sydney Opera show a few months ago. It’s a chance to hear the album ‘Age of Adz’ as it could have (should have) been recorded. I’m not a big fan of the new album, but mostly because of how much messing around Sufjan does with the production/ sounds of the new album. He said himself last night, that he based the songs on noises and effects, and improvisations around them, which broke him free of the constraints of normal verse/ chorus song writing. In my opinion, this wasn’t a good thing!

They play again tonight in the Olympia, and Sufjan’s show is worth hearing if you’re a fan, and playing for over 2 and a quarter hours like he did last night, you’re getting your money’s worth. A recessionary tout outside the venue last night was offering tickets at half price, so might be worth heading along on the night!

Two notes: DM Stith starts bright and early at 8 (I missed him) and you’ll only hear about two songs off the early albums. Sad but true!