It seemed to be the show that everyone was waiting for — Elvis Costello and the Attractions, back in New York after too long away. What with the success of Get Happy, Taking Liberties and the latest, Trust, Costello fans were expecting an evening of hot, tight, witty and impassioned rock and roll. And they pretty much got it.
Looking a touch chubby in shorter hair, suit jacket and floodwater pants (well, this Elvis was never what you'd call suave), Costello emerged from the darkness with pianist Steve Nieve for "Shot With His Own Gun," a dramatic tune and a perfect vehicle for Costello's almost schlocky, but strangely impressive crooning. Although a little short and unbalanced by the inclusion of too many three-minute blasts from Get Happy at the expense of other songs, the show was most remarkable for its surprises.
Wearing his guitar as often as he actually played it, Costello was really quite affable. His only move was a quirky pseudo-Latino step during "Clubland," but Elvis somehow made minor revelations of "Alison" and "Watching the Detectives" (during which he snuck in a bit of Stevie Wonder's "Master Blaster"). With Rumour guitarist Martin Belmont, the Attractions packed an aggressive, sharp-edged punch. Like the Rumour and the Joe Jackson Band, the Attractions easily burst out from under their group leader's shadow.
The only real drawback during the evening was the sound. Showcase pieces of production, Costello's albums display a richness of texture perhaps impossible to duplicate live, and this did detract from a few songs. Still, the liveness of it all seemed to compensate. With highlights like "Radio, Radio" and (with opening act Squeeze's Glenn Tilbrook) "From a Whisper to a Scream," it was impossible to be truly disappointed. The biggest disappointment would be if Costello never came back again.
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