He is the same quirky Englishman who branded the new wave scene with indelible Costelloism in the '70s.
How reassuring it must be for wave compatriots to see the skinny face still overtaken by Buddy Holly horn-rims, and to watch him shake, rattle and soothe a capacity crowd at Popular Creek Music Theatre.
After seven years it's still there. A style alternatingly insecure and savagely confident, withering and electric.
But what more of a treat it must have been Wednesday night to see what the same Elvis Costello is doing differently. The changes have taken place where it counts most — in the execution. No need for panic. The ballads of lonely, loveless men, the rock 'n' roller tunes, and the eccentric blues numbers of Costello are intact.
It's the way he's giving them that's exciting now. It's slick, pumped up by a four-man horn section. His new album, Punch the Clock, first introduced the power of the brass and showed what it can do not only to the new material, but to Costello classics as well.
"Watching the Detectives" from his My Aim is True album is even more complete with the horns as a finishing touch. The lyrically complicated "Ode to a Secret World" still is one of Costello's most pleasing tunes. And "TKO," showed the potential of Punch the Clock, an album that has drawn mixed reviews.
If there is criticism to go along with the advantages of a more complete instrumental section, it would be that the horns drown out Costello's singing at times.
The inability to understand his lyrics, however, cannot be totally blamed on loud backup music. Costello weaves complex tales with his tunes. He is biting and loving and vulnerable and caustic. In concert, whether the cause is a less-than-perfect sound system or a screaming crowd, much of what Costello says is lost.
Thankfully, "Alison" was spared. One of Costello's most recognizable songs was an appropriate encore to bring a rush of fans to the stage and soothe their savage souls.
The Englishman is still worthy of high marks for keeping his aim true. His dedication to a style that has been sharply criticized and abandoned by many of those who began on the new wave road with him has paid off. Though Costello's music is still a rare commodity even on big market radio stations, the rocker/balladier is managing to attract a loyal following.
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