Wed. music pick: Sufjan Stevens

Just when you thought it was safe to dismiss Stevens as a novelty act — between his goofy synth-pop album "The Age of Adz" and Christmas variety-show outings — he went and issued "Carrie & Lowell." The album, released in March, is so deep, personal and gimmick-free it leaves you hoping he still has a laugh in him. The delicate collection finds the cult-loved, Michigan-bred indie-folk singer opening up about his recently deceased mother, who suffered from mental illness and rarely spent time with her kids. Like Elliott Smith's best work, Stevens' sweetly melodic voice is the only sugar coating the mostly acoustic and heart-wrenching tunes. Don't expect much dancing this time around. Little Scream opens. Chris Riemenschneider