They say that “talking about music is like dancing about architecture.” Well, I’m about to do something worse: blog about a multi-media, pop-avant-garde, performance art experience. (A.k.a. The Jonsi concert tuesday night). I had high expectations, and they were blown out of the water. A couple highlights…

First, Jonsi is a stunning singer. He began the show alone on stage, acoustic guitar in hand, sing/whispering a haunting, heart-stopping song. The sold-out Vic Theater sat on pins and needles, holding our breath in honor of such sublime beauty. And even as the show ebbed and flowed in dynamics and energy, his voice soared over it all…intensely fragile and powered by a deep ache.

Second, it was truly a multimedia, multisensory feast. The images, songs, noises, videos, stage set, art, etc…all mingled together into something that transcended a mere concert. I can’t describe it, but can’t stop thinking about it. (the video below gives a taste)

Third, I was deeply inspired by his display of gratuitous creativity. Art for art’s sake. So much of what I create is “functional art” – music made for some kind of purpose. This isn’t always bad, but a steady life of functional art can easily skid into a life of poor art. Or at worst, it merely becomes marketing propaganda. But Jonsi seems to be completely following his deepest muse in big and small ways. I want to be more like him.

Fourth, the last five minutes of the show were the most intense performance I’ve ever seen. Ever. It built and built and expanded and exploded and took me farther than I thought I could go. With weak knees and glazed eyes, we all staggered back to our cars…ears ringing and hearts pounding…exhausted but ignited.

If you don’t have his CD “Go”, please check it out. Or if you have never heard his band “Sigur Ros”, may today be the day!