Friday May 17 8:16 AM EDT

REVIEW/MUSIC: Elvis Costello In Jovial Form

Elvis Costello (Troubadour; 350 capacity; $20)

By Phil Gallo

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Smart move by Elvis Costello to introduce the intimate
songs of his new album ``All This Useless Beauty'' in intimate settings such
as the Troubadour.

From a marketing standpoint, Costello gets to take these songs -- all of
which were written for other artists -- to his core audience and industry
players with the simple backing of his acoustic guitar and Steve Nieve's
opulent pianistics. Everyone's left with the feeling Elvis -- now a jovial
and smiling performer -- has been revitalized.

The Troubadour show was part of an eight-day promotional campaign that
included an appearance on ``Late Night'' (in San Francisco), several radio
performances, a lunchtime gig Monday for executives at his Warner Bros.
label and a show at the John Anson Ford Theater.

While it should grease the wheels for the summer tour with the Attractions
that will stop at the Universal Amphitheater, increased returns at retail
remain in doubt.

Costello's acoustic program -- more than two hours long -- played up
adulthood and reflection, sliding in the old faves (``Alison,'' ``Angels
Want to Wear My Red Shoes,'' ``Accidents Will Happen'' and ``Watching the
Detectives'') to keep interest piqued with steel-sharp intensity.

His voice rested and assured, Costello pumped the evening with vigor, humor
and a pile of wordy songs that bordered on a Brechtian revue. The songs of
``Useless Beauty'' have far greater commercial appeal than those from
Costello's last outing, the spotty ``Brutal Youth.''

Greatest revelation Tuesday was the introduction of ``Give Me Strength,'' a
number composed with Burt Bacharach for Allison Anders' Brill Building
fable, ``Grace of My Heart.'' The song is a pure throwback to Bacharach's
great '60s work with Hal David, starting with a simple and drifting melody
before climbing an emotional mountain that Costello's voice reached with
strength to spare.

From the new disc, Costello supplied a stunning one-two punch with the title
track and ``It's Time,'' a pair of tunes that deserve a shortcut to
familiarity and a prominent place in one of rock's greatest canons of the
last 20 years.

Presented inhouse. Band: Costello, Steve Nieve. Guest: Pete Thomas. Reviewed
May 14, 1996.

Reuters/Variety