Over the last week and a half I have been lucky enough to see two of my favorite musicians play live: Sufjan Stevens and Ben Gibbard. This was a first on both accounts, as its been practically forever since Sufjan has played here and every time Death Cab has been playing I seem to miss out. Since I was so blown away at both shows, I feel the need to express my joy and maybe boast a little at my good fortune!

I'll start with Sufjan. This was, hands down the most impressive performance I have seen. He played almost exclusively new material from his recently released(and reviewed) album, Age of Adz and his shorter, but sweet EP, All Delighted People. Each song was performed perfectly, improving on its recorded counterparts in almost every way. With over ten people on stage, including two trombones, back up singers(and dancers,) two drummers at times, guitars, banjos, bass, synthesizers, and a whole lot of costumes, this is that much more impressive. The music flowed organically, bordering on the edge of insanity at points, but you could see, at all times Sufjan was in control and we were witnessing his creations taking life and exploding before us. I haven't even touched on the stage pieces, artwork and screens that were being layered, lowered, and projected in front us, within, and all around them. In between pieces, we were treated to descriptions and stories behind the new songs and the concept underlying the album. It was impressive.

The next show was the one and only Ben Gibbard, head-man of Seattle's Death Cab for Cutie. Put on as a benefit show for his sister's organization, Teen Feed, we were treated to an intimate performance by the man himself. While not at as grandiose location as the Paramount Theater, The Crocodile has a special place in Death Cab's past. The venue was packed, but once he took stage everyone fell silent. He played mostly DCFC songs, while treating us to a new one as well as a little Postal Service and some work with fellow musician Jay Farrar(from Son Volt). Then, for one amazing encore, Mr. Gibbard brought out wife, singer and actor Zooey Deschanel. They played two duets together, and then finished out the show with "Such Great Heights."

Simply put: two amazing shows. I highly recommend catching Sufjan next time he is in town, and if we're lucky enough to see Ben Gibbard doing another solo…go.