Oh My Rockness

I never thought I would like banjo songs about Michigan. But when Brooklyn's Sufjan Stevens does it, it just sounds perfect. Stevens is quickly becoming one of the most impressive singer/songwriters in indie rockdom. And unlike a lot of singer/songwriters we know, he can actually sing.

Using complex metaphor as the foundation for simple songs, he writes smart, compellingly spiritual music rich in both imagery and message. His critically-acclaimed album, Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes State, could very well be the long lost soundtrack to the documentary "Roger & Me," with songs aching of poverty and despair.

Yet his faith leaves room for hope, and not in a cookie-cutter, half-assed theological way that is so prevalent with "Christian" musicians. Stevens' optimism seems to stem from the reality of his despair. He has said he wants to make an album devoted to each of the fifty States, a more than ambitious goal. And my money says the guy will do it.

Published 03/12/10