Stevens’ comedy state wows Chameleon crowd
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
October 1, 2005
Author: BARRY FOX

Sufjan Stevens’ shtick is he plans to record an album about each of the 50 states.
So far he’s done two, “Michigan” and “Illinois,” which have been hailed as everything from genius to a marketing ploy.

With his soulful, clever songs and a unique stage show, Stevens and his Illi- ìnoisemakers band are earning themselves quite the dedicated following, as evidenced by Thursday’s throng at the Chameleon Club.

Wearing matching cheerleader outfits, Stevens, whose first name is pronounced “Soof-yahn,” and company are part avant-folk, part off-Broadway musical.

“We’re here to bring you cheers and songs about Illinois,” Stevens said.

He and his seven-piece band did just that, performing songs such as “Chicago” and “Jacksonville” interspersed with goofy cheers and dead-on cheerleading stretches, “spirit finger” waves and classic kickouts and pompom shaking.

But while Stevens’ show has an air of the absurd, his songs can be literary, touching and insightful.

He explained to the Chameleon crowd that the tune “Decatur” is about the town with a Caterpillar plant, the Chickenmobile and “a place of reconciliation for me and my stepmom.”

“Casimir Pulaski Day” is about a friend dying of cancer and unanswered prayers.

“John Wayne Gacy Jr.” is, of course, about the serial killer and Stevens’ own questioning, ending with the line: “In my best behavior, I am just like him / Look beneath the floorboards for the secrets I have hid.”

Creative, unique and surprisingly cool, Stevens and the Illinoisemakers now head to Europe, a true test of their staying power.

Shouted questions about what state is next went unanswered. However, Stevens has said in interviews he’s thinking and reading about Rhode Island, Oregon, New Hampshire and New Jersey.