In terms of sheer volume alone, few artists can match Elvis Costello's output. Since his debut in 1977, he has released six albums containing a total of 90 songs. This deluge of material would be meaningless, of course, if he had nothing original to say, but that is far from the case.
It's easy to call each succeeding album his best, since each one shows him growing as a singer, songwriter and bandleader. (Although last year's Taking Liberties might be more accurately called a "collection" instead of an "album," since it consisted of hard-to-find singles and B sides and shouldn't be considered as a "new" work). And Costello's latest, Trust (Columbia), shows an even more mature songwriting style and increased musical input from his excellent backing unit, the Attractions.
Pianist Steve Nieve is particularly noteworthy, as he shifts from wailing organ, tinkling honky-tonk and almost orchestral piano with ease. The album sounds fuller than last year's Get Happy, and Costello's voice is more relaxed.
His three-night stand at the Palladium last weekend and this Saturday's Capitol concert were sold out almost as soon as tickets became available, and with good reason. Elvis Costello has always been an intense, exciting performer and his concerts are fast and furious examples of the power of rock 'n' roll.
This time out, the maturity found on Trust is also evident in his live work. His often abrasive personality has been mellowed a bit. Indeed, during Sunday's show he was even cordial at times. introducing some songs instead of constantly banging them out at a rapid pace, thanking the audience and seeming generally less hostile and more at ease.
The intensity of those early shows was still to be found, though, and the set-ending succession of "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding," "Radio, Radio" and "You Belong to Me" brought down the house with characteristic chaos.
Our only complaint was the slightly muddy sound, which obscured several of the vocals and all but buried guest guitarist Martin Belmont (of the Rumour) who played with Elvis and the Attractions for most of the evening.
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