I can't see Todd Rundgren as a pop genius - he may well be very talented, but to the best of my knowledge I've never heard anything by him therefore he ain't pop. As for Sufjan Stevens I haven't heard enough, I got Illinoise but it never made much of an impression on me (am at work so can't see the clip).

and Michigan but I think this clip is a bit dodgy ( out of tune, bad mix- the usual problems experienced at live performances ) and is unlikely to win over any 'don't knows'. Methinks that the 'gig' is probably not Suf's natural habitat. He should stay in the bedroom with his keyboard, portastudio and trumpet.

He isn't.

..at a school for precocious rich brats.

That sounds like a spoilt child in Hamleys

Listening to the remarkable Michigan and Illinoise albums and his other work I think he is up there, don't use the working class hero argument, because personally I only care about the music.

I am not in the rich brats fan club myself, but can hear a genuine original talent.

... Sufjan's SONGS FOR CHRISTMAS box-set.

It was released in 2006 and has become as traditional as mince pies in my gaff, at this time of year.

Lovely stuff.

but then like some kind of overly-rich fruit cake, what was once delicious suddenly seems sickly and contrived. Went through a phase a couple of years ago with Michigan, Illinoise and the Illinoise outtakes one. Suddenly went off him. I want to like him but unfortunately I never want to hear any of his music ever again.