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How many pop stars can last the course of nearly 20 years in the charts and still have the same vitality?
Elvis Costello is one of a rare breed. His popularity shows no sign of waning.
Last night was the second sell-out show at the Royal Court in four months.
His music has as much impact now as his early days as a "new wave" rebel.
When he makes a joke about George Foreman, you can't help thinking that Elvis is in a similar situation; older but still on a winning streak.
Back with The Attractions again, he is at his best and so are his songs.
But he neither takes things for granted nor take things easy.
Avoiding the obvious feel-good option, the set opens with a serious-sounding "I Want You," with stark vocal and searing guitar.
But the show itself is far from sombre.
Elvis and the band are in fine form and good spirits; a four-piece human jukebox with a richness of hits.
The first half-dozen songs burst in on top of each other.
When Elvis stops to speak it is with a smile, a bit of repartee, or a lengthy comic anecdote.
The set happily mixes mood, pace, and style.
There are passionate ballads, breathless punk-pop and some intimate acoustic moments.
Styles range from country ("A Good Year For The Roses") to soul ("I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down"), from rock 'n' roll ("Mystery Dance") to pure pop ("Oliver's Army"), not forgetting plaintive protest-song ("Shipbuilding").
Some songs are short and sharp, others given an improvisational feel. stretched out like a number in a soul revue.
The band know how to leave spaces, and when to fill them with energy.
From the first hit "Watching The Detectives" to the latest "London's Brilliant Parade," there is only one word to describe the songs — brilliant.
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