Something old; this was one for the faithful, for the mature (polite terms for the predominance of over 30s) Costello fans who believed that the song was mightier than the band, meaning the Attractions were not missed as Costello wise-cracked his way through an acoustic greatest hits. "Alison," "Shipbuilding," "Girls Talk," "New Amsterdam," "Red Shoes," "Oliver's Army," a haunting "Accidents Will Happen" and the back door aisle intro "Pump It Up" provided the thread through a night of variety.
Something new; teaming up with T Bone Burnett provided Costello with the chance to hang loose, enjoy himself without the weight of band responsibilities. Burnett, who opened the night, was a mild revelation of limbs and self-effacing gawkiness — a nice guy with just enough bite to be taken seriously. He later joined Costello to form the Coward Brothers for "Tennessee Blues" and "Tom Dooley."
Something borrowed; like robes, man. Costello, avec beard and black duds and shades, was like a bohemian Peter Sellers as he did a straight, shivering version of the Who's "Substitute," was helped by Burnett and the audience on "Twist and Shout" and drew some uninformed laughs from those who didn't recognise Jerry Dammers' "What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend." This was the fun.
Something blue; he did "Almost Blue" from behind the electric piano and his new songs are shrouded in sadness. "Fireworks" and "Next Time Around," working titles only, had the customary Costello acid but he presented a brace of songs that leaned on heart-wrenching folk sentiments, a direction perhaps prompted by his recent work with the Pogues. This was the business. And this was how he ended the night.
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