Planetarium
by 101b on 7/25/17Fox Theater - Oakland - OaklandSufjan Stevens put on an unforgettable and witty performance. If you get the chance to see him, you'll definitely get your moneys worth.
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SUFJAN STEVENS IN CONCERT:
For the past 15 years, indie folk hero Sufjan Stevens has been an emblem of genre-busting creativity and perpetual sonic reinvention. As his palette has shifted over the years Stevens' painstakingly crafted songs have remained as ambitious ever, employing an ever-growing arsenal of human voices, classical instruments, and electronic textures to achieve epic, spiritual proportions. It's powerful stuff on record, but it takes on entirely new proportions at his wacky, wonderful live shows. Stevens is a creative visionary on multiple fronts, and his awe-inspiring concerts combine state-of-the-art stage design, outré costumes, extensive audience participation, and a talented backing band that often approaches double digits. Whether he's leading the band through soaring tunes like "Chicago" or returning to the stage with a banjo for a solo encore of the heartrending "Romulus", Stevens always takes ticket buyers on a wild, life-affirming ride.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Detroit-born Sufjan Stevens grew up playing a variety of instruments including piano, oboe, and English horn. After attending high school at Michigan's prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy he attended Hope College, where he learned the guitar and banjo. Post-college Stevens cut his teeth in the folk rock band Marzuki, which he left to release 2000's A Sun Came, his debut solo album that impressed critics with a far-flung range of influences that included Indian, Celtic, Middle Eastern, and American folk music. His 2001 sophomore effort Enjoy Your Rabbit was also well-received, but it was 2003's Michigan, an expansive love letter to the state where he spent his formative years, that really landed him on the national stage. The record was a critical smash, topping year-end lists and drawing him out for extensive touring that introduced fans to his outsized live show. He paid tribute to the stars and stripes once again in 2005 with Chicago, a sparkling concept album that peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart and was named the best album of the year by NPR, Amazon, and Pitchfork Media. Following a foray into electronica on 2010's The Age of Adz LP, Stevens returned to his folk and Americana roots for 2015's Carrie & Lowell. A renowned performer known for his infinitely creative live shows, Stevens continues to inspire and entertain every time he takes the stage on tour.
Sufjan Stevens put on an unforgettable and witty performance. If you get the chance to see him, you'll definitely get your moneys worth.
I've seen Sufjan a few times and this group project 'thing' called Planetarium was... boring. The auto-tune on his voice (think Cher 'I believe') was over used and his overly clever news reports in between songs didn't offer enough humor as a break from such heavy and weird music to warrant such breaks. I really dig him and will see all things he does, but I wouldn't see this again....unless I want another nap. The worst part is that I bought this recording before hand to prepare for the show and I don't think I'll ever listen to it again. It's reminiscent of one of those mid-career YES albums that was just full of such long and disjointed songs that you feel like you 'should' appreciate it....but you never really listen to it again.....even tho you tell your friends....'Oh, it's so progressive and amazing!' Being 54 and having seen thousands of shows now gives me the right to say it like it is.
I've seen Sufjan perform multiple times, so I was excited to see Planetarium performed live. I've wanted to see it ever since it came out in its initial run. Amazing lightshow, just the right amount of between-song banter, and really incredible arrangements of the album songs. (Mercury's ending is a highlight, with its swelling horns.)
Loved the venue and a few of the songs. Overall, a curious theatrical performance and something I will remember - though not attend again. I felt that Sufjan was overdoing the robot voice and after a couple of songs, most of them seemed very similar to each other.
Sufjan Stevens is a true artist of our time. Everything about the performance was lovingly crafted, from the over-the-top neon outfits to the choreography to the absolutely perfect setlist. The best thing about the performance was how unselfconscious Sufjan seemed onstage - he gave the impression that he was just having fun performing (especially while he was wearing an outfit made of multicolored balloons during Impossible Soul). The things he said between songs were insightful and often inspirational. He finished the set with a performance of Chicago that had the whole crowd on its feet, and then came back for a three-song encore that ended with a cover of Kiss as a tribute to Prince. If you get the chance to see Sufjan live, don't miss it - this concert was a work of genius.
His voice is even better live (through speakers at the Bowl) - strong vocalist, writer and surprising to see dance and fun costumes
Sufjan Stevens sings a lot about death and upon starting his first ever Hollywood Bow show he told the crowd he sang a lot about death in 2015, so tonight he was going to sing about living. If you are familar with the Summer shows of 2016 by Sufjan, you would know that the man would be seen as an oddball. Neon colors and ballons come to mind when watching his set to reflect a more fun and strange performance, yet nothing less than captivating. The crowd appreciated the artistic approach by Sufjan and even got up to dance along to "Impossible Soul", "Chicago", and the much welcomed late Prince cover "Kiss". I would love to see Sufjan sing more of his mellow songs next time, but I had one great time witnessing his more upbeat and strange songs that definitely went well with the crowd and the Hollywood Bowl.
Insane show! :D the set list was great, as well as the visual show c:
I've seen him twice now and you never know what the show will be like, but it will always be amazing. He is absolutely one of the most creative people in music right now.
In my 30 years on this earth. This was by far the best concert I've ever seen. It was odd to see some older aged folk in the audience leave during Sufjan's set. Simply because they were not expecting such a vibrant and energetic youthful zesty show from him. He successfully and creatively infused his signature Folk sound with modern hip hop/soul/funk flavors. AMAZING!