Blessed with such a distinctive voice, you'd have to remind yourself that Elvis Costello is also a very fine guitarist.
And his musicianship isn't the only surprise. While the years haven't really softened his acerbic edge, today's Elvis has more of the charmer about him, and less of the cranky ageing rocker that you might expect.
Mind you, he doesn't need to try to hard. With such an incredible back catalogue of songs, just trotting them out would probably be enough to keep most crowds happy.
But he does also interact so well. "You all look beautiful tonight. Actually, it pitch dark so I'm guessing because you sound beautiful," said the smooth showman.
Who could resist classics like "I Can't Stand Up for Falling Down," "Oliver's Army," and "Pump It Up"? But, while the energy of some of those edgy post-punk pop songs is as powerful as ever, there's a richness and passion to the lounge-style gems like "She" that really fits the mature Elvis like a glove. Highlight from the just over 2-hour set? Acoustic ballads "A Slow Drag With Josephine" and "Jimmie Standing in the Rain."
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