Sufjan Stevens (The Forum, January 17th)

This show was like nothing I've seen before. It almost belonged at Hamer Hall rather than the Forum (although the venue was still pretty good, other than the house lights being on during the encore), especially with the silent reverence the audience had for the performance. A great change, I must say, from the Jose Gonzalez gig where people talked carelessly with no regard for genuine fans. The music was complemented by amazing visuals- a bit like the Gotye gig last year, although better- video, animations, lights. Sufjan was supported by his orchestra who kicked in at all the appropriate moments. The saxophonist pulled off a great solo during one song in particular.

Sufjan opened with Seven Swans, a song from Michigan and then The Avalanche. It was difficult, for three albums full of long track titles and someone who doesn't know two of the albums terribly well, to pick out individual titles, but this didn't matter too much. Sufjan told us stories too about his childhood in Michigan and his fears (including woolly jumpers) which endeared him to the audience even further. He also wore wings and a funny hat for a reasonable chunk of the show.

The performance of the material from Illinois was particularly well received. Highlights included Concerning the UFO Sighting, The Black Hawk War and Come On, Feel the Illinoise! all played in sequence. Also, John Wayne Gacy Jr, The Tallest Man The Broadest Shoulders and The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us were performed beautifully. My favourite three songs were Casimir Pulaski Day, a song I've loved since I first heard it, Chicago and the closer Jacksonville which were all spirited and had an extra dimension in live performance.

I'm a little ashamed I don't know his other material well enough to name the songs, but some seemed familiar (I think the opener from Michigan was there). It was a gig set to be one of the year's highlights. Too bad there's no new album in sight anytime soon. Which state of the USA will be next?