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Elvis Costello, rock's latest guru, again dared to be great this week at the Long Beach Arena by putting himself on the line.
Costello is regarded as the leading example of the New Wave, but his use of the first name Elvis (real name: Declan Patrick MacManus), combed-back hair, black-framed glasses and relatively uncomplicated music, recall the birth of rock 20 odd years ago.
But who can recall the last time a headliner played only an hour-long set in which the audience didn't feel cheated because there was little talking... just one song after another?
In another break with tradition, Costello played very few songs from his first two albums.
His selections came mostly from his latest album, Armed Forces, or previously unreleased material.
Costello's strength lies not so much in his musicality, but in his lyrical power. That was the rub at Long Beach.
Given Costello's sometimes weak enunciation, the audience was denied the opportunity to understand the words to the new songs.
I can't understand why musicians continue to give short shrift to making lyrics understood in their live performances.
A near riot ensued after the show as eager fans pushed and shoved to get free copies of red, clear vinyl singles issued for Valentine's Day with Costello's version of the Rodgers and Hart classic, "My Funny Valentine," backed with "Peace, Love and Understanding" from Armed Forces.
The opening Rubinoos displayed great musicality. Four-part harmony that was even in tune, decent techniques, stage presence, good balance and sound level.
Their music recalls the pop of the '60s and included versions by the Beatles, Ventures and Tommy James and the Shondells.
Two of their better original numbers were "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" and the heavy metal parody, "Rock 'n' Roll Is Dead (And We Don't Care)."
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