From: Michael Burch <73132.3377@CompuServe.COM>


Here's some rambings from the Philadelphia show on 6/9 (sorry I just got
home to Orlando and haven't had acces to the net)....

Sat in the first row of the balcony at the Mann Music Center in Fairmont
Park.  With binoculars, had a great view!  It was a beautiful night for a show and there was a good crowd.
Arrived mid-way through the CTD set.  Heard "Mmmm x4" with an alternate 3rd
verse, the only song I recognized (not a CTD fan).  The band seemed very reserved but the crowd
enjoyed it.

Watched the stage hands prepare tea for EC to go with his water and towel.
Enjoyed the parrots which Pete Thomas had placed around the drum set.  EC
looked thinner than recent appearances.  The sound was average (EC guitar wa
s very muddy) on the really rockin numbers but excellent for the slower
tunes.  Thought EC was in fine voice for the show. I didn't read any of the
song lists from earlier shows so some of the following notes may not be surp
rises..
Did four encores.  Was surprised he didn't do 20% Amnesia.  Enjoyed 13 steps/radio radio which
closed the show before encores (this was alluded to on Letterman performance
when he ended 13 steps with radio, radio ending.  Called all the fans to the
front of the stage for final encore including What's so funny... and Pump It
Up.  Said that it had been eight years since he'd been in front of the fans
in Philadelphia and didn't know if or when he would see us again.

Bruce Thomas looked ancient.

Highlight of the night was waiting outside the Mann following the show
hoping to get a glimpse of EC.  Saw him walking around inside (had some fat
guy in a blue striped shirt following him around) twice.  Waited with four
other fans to get a glimpse of him getting on the bus.  When he came out,
one guy yelled "Elvis, get over here!"  Here turned to his assistant, gave
him the hanging bag and duffel he was carrying and came over to us.  Was
very nice.  Asked how we liked the show, how long we'd been waiting.  Came
outside the chain-link fence around the Mann and signed autographs for us.
One guy had all this albums.  EC patiently signed each one.  Also signed a
pack of Marlboro's and admonished the owner to give it up.  I got him to
sign an extra ticket (untorn) I had for the show.  A fried of mine is
framing it along with the CD and booklet from Brutal Youth.  Should be a
pretty cool piece.  I wished him luck on his upcoming European tour and he
said he had to get going.  He shook everyone's hand and was off to the bus.
Of course I forgot to ask him about the one over eight line in "Whisper.."
Oh well, how often do you get to meet one of your idols up close?

Had several T-shirts on sale, one with the album cover photo on front,
another taken from BY with him holding a guitar on front and the tour cities on back
(I got that one), one with a picture of EC and the Attractions on back with
Elvis Costello and the Attractions, more than you deserve on the front and
one with "Life intimidates art" on the front and Elvis Costello Brutal Youth
on the Back (almost got that one).  T's were $23.  Also had Elvis Costello
Caps.

All in all it was a great show.  It was the fourth time I'd seen EC and
probably the best show.  Although the eight year lay-off probably faded the
other memories.

Hope you enjoyed this little rambling....

Take care

-Mike
"Good manners and bad breath get you nowhere"