This must be Costello’s most understated tour. Little promotion and no interviews led, disappointingly, to a half-full Hall. Fortunately, this did not detract from The Sugarcanes’ set, which covered the Costello chronology, old songs sitting alongside unreleased tracks from the next Sugarcanes album. All were met with enthusiastic applause, and the bawdy, rowdy climax of "Sulphur To Sugarcane" was appropriate. A fragile, sincere "Everyday I Write The Book," given country treatment, highlighted how versatile Costello’s songs are. But the highlight was a mesmerising "I Want You." It prompted a standing ovation. While it was a great set, including the hits ("Alison," "Shipbuilding" and, of course, "Oliver’s Army"), that alone was extraordinary.
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