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CINCINNATI — The Elvis Costello ticket was the hottest ticket in town Monday night because:
✓ It only cost $3;
✓ "New Wave" mania is alive and well in the Queen City;
✓ Costello is one of the hottest new imports to hit these shores since Graham Parker and the Rumour.
By the time "Old Four Eyes" took the Bogart's stage for the first of two sets, many of his new fans were a bit impatient. After all, Elvis and his band, the Attractions, were at the Vine Street club for a soundcheck earlier in the evening, but the management announced Costello's bus had broken down when he was to return and there would be a short delay. The delay turned out to be an hour and it wasn't until 9 p.m. that the band bounded onstage and launched into "Welcome To The Working Week."
The Britisher's stance might be considered "punk" but his music is straight-ahead and refreshingly lyrical rock 'n' roll. While Costello's angry young man attitude mirrors much of the English new wave spirit, his short, concise and urgent songs speak to those who are weary of instrumental and technological excess.
Costello was dressed in a dark, thin-lapelled suit that had more wrinkles than Will Geer. He wore a dark shirt and a loose, thin necktie, the kind the authorities won't let inmates keep.
Sprinkling new songs with tunes from his first and only LP, My Aim Is True, Costello and his band kept the heat on throughout the hour set. He hardly said a word to the crowd. Indeed, he seemed aloof. His personality oozed from the short tunes and covered everyone in the packed room so there wasn't much need for banter from the stage. Still, the coldness was a bit disconcerting.
Just to keep everyone on his toes, Costello and band would hit a sour note or series of notes during a song. Keyboard player Steve Naieve would initiate the transgression and Costello would tilt his head at the sound and continue on with the rock 'n' roll carnage.
The instrumental backing was clean and basic. Bass player Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas supplied the bottom while Naieve carried most of melodies. Costello would strum away on his ancient Fender "Jazz" guitar, only occasionally picking out some leads. The no-frills sound was effective and Costello's bitter and sarcastic lyrics were spit out over the backing and were loud and clear.
"I don't wanna be a lover, I just wanna be your victim," Costello spat on "Let's Revolt."
"Don't get cute," he warned on "Watching the Detectives."
Costello's songs revolt against cuteness or smugness. Elvis will deadpan the most biting lyrics, mugging for his fans in restrained fashion. It was a big moment when he made an obscene gesture during "Telephone Junkie" and there was more laughter than excitement when he did a spastic walk during "Pump It Up."
In fact, Costello's strange act was viewed with more amusement than excitement although songs like "Watching the Detectives" and "Less Than Zero" were greeted enthusiastically.
By the end of the set, after the last chords from the encore number, "Mystery Dance," had faded, most in the crowd of 350 seemed to have been rejuvenated and entertained.
Costello's songs are what sets him apart from most of his punk contemporaries and his approach to performing puts the emphasis on the songs rather than on the personalities performing them. After the snotty wretches like Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious have had their last fling, Elvis Costello will be around writing those wonderfully bitter ditties.
I'm reminded what Al Kooper said when he was asked about 1975's Bob Dylan TV special, Hard Rain. The music was rough and different than much of the Dylan records. Still, the image of Bob Dylan playing in the rain to a packed stadium was vivid.
To paraphrase Kooper: "It may not have been such a dynamite show but tomorrow, every kid in Detroit will be wearing a towel around his head."
Well, Costello might not have presented the most dynamic show at Bogart's Monday night but you can bet there'll be kids scouring the Covington bargain basements for old suits and thin ties. And you can bet that you won't be able to find My Aim Is True in stock at any Cincinnati-area record store.
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