I'm sure Norman, Okla., has had bigger concerts (Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones to name a few), but I doubt it's had better.

The Polyphonic Spree, a 23-piece symphonic rock choir came to historic downtown Norman for a two-hour celebration of music and performance, part of our first-ever Norman Music Festival, which looked and felt as if it was a giant success generally.

However, I'm guilty as can be for underestimating the Spree, a group whose first major CD I bought three years ago but had never taken the time to see live.

Wow, that was a mistake. Tim DeLaughter's brainchild is meant to be seen in person. The Polyphonic Spree is one half rock show and one half church choir gone mad, and frankly there was more charisma on that stage than I've ever seen in a performance anywhere, anytime by anybody.

For all I wrote about the Chainsaw Kittens and various other bands appearing in our Oklahoma paradise on Saturday, I should have spent every second imploring you to come see the Spree.

Dressed in pseudo Army outfits for the first part of the show, The Polyphonic Spree played a lot of its initial hits, many of which I didn't get to hear because I was helping Toad get his festival-sitting equipment (i.e., chairs) back to his house, less than a half-mile from the festivities.

However, I was sure to return, and I got back in time to see them perform the Paul McCartney classic, "Live and Let Die." This YouTube clip from another user is better than the video I took, although I might try to get that posted soon as well.

The Polyphonic Spree is primarily known for original music in terms of its repertoire; however, they paid homage to Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips and, I hear, they're working in a ton of Tripping Daisy songs. Daisy was DeLaughter's original band before going on hiatus to run Good Records near downtown Dallas.

Speaking of covers, they showed off their version of Nirvana's classic, "Lithium," and again, instead of inflicting my poor video on you, I'll show you a better online version of the performance, this time from a fan in Atlanta.

However, it's the group's originals and originality that have fans worldwide hooked. At one point, thinking the show was over but prepared for an encore, I see the entire group in white robes -- different from the military outfits they wore through the first part of the gig -- running through the audience to get back to the stage.

I was literally next to them as they ran by, and I'm thinking, "How cool would it be to be part of The Polyphonic Spree?"

Do they need an extra piano player?

What has me excited is that it seems as if the Spree isn't a one-hit wonder. The music I've heard on the band's new album, The Fragile Army, is better than what's on its previous albums, including "Running Away."

However, my favorite thus far from what is actually the Spree's third album is "We Crawl," whose video gives people a glimpse at the people who make up the band.

What makes this group tick with fans though is the live performance, and I am pretty sure I've never seen a better live performance. We're lucky in Norman that this was a free gig, and I definitely hope The Polyphonic Spree will consider a return at some point.

But even if you have to drop some hefty dollars, I can't encourage you enough to go see The Polyphonic Spree in person.