San Pedro News-Pilot, September 21, 1983

From The Elvis Costello Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
... Bibliography ...
727677787980818283
848586878889909192
939495969798990001
020304050607080910
111213141516171819
202122232425 26 27 28


San Pedro News-Pilot

California publications

Newspapers

University publications

Magazines and alt. weeklies


US publications by state
  • ALAKARAZCA
  • COCTDCDEFL
  • GAHI   IA      ID      IL
  • IN   KSKYLA   MA
  • MDME   MIMNMO
  • MSMTNC  ND  NE
  • NHNJNMNVNY
  • OHOKORPARI
  • SCSDTNTXUT
  • VAVTWAWIWY

-

Elvis Costello polishes his act


Lee Branst

Amazing. That's the word that first comes to mind when thinking about the difference between the performances of Elvis Costello now and when he first appeared.

The point kept popping into my consciousness during Costello's Sunday visit to the Universal Amphitheatre.

It is just short of six years since E.C. made his first local appearance at the now-defunct Whiskey. On the previous evening, Costello had wandered into the also now-defunct Starwood between the sets of keyboardist Jan Hammer and Canadian rock group Chilliwack.

We chatted briefly, with E.C. emphasizing how much better than the record the live show would be. He was certainly right. My recollections and notes invoke images of a weird-looking guy who couldn't sing very well, but who had a way with chords and, especially, lyrics. And then there was that total energy.

Only one other person recognized Costello that night. Now, of course, he is a star, his unique personage stamped on the mind of music. Besides his appearance, other similarities include that way with chords and lyrics and the fact that he still can't sing very well.

But, folks, the show sure has changed. Then, Costello was one of the first in a line of English, angry young men. His set bristled with indignant energy. While his band, The Attractions, was competent, the furious fires were much more important than the musical leanings.

Now his set is soooo smooth and professional. On this trip he brought along a four-piece horn section and two female singers for "backing vocals Afrodiziak."

They were here to help him out on "Let Them All Talk," "Everyday I Write the Book," "The Greatest Thing" and other selections from his latest Columbia album, Punch The Clock, as he showed how he has been influenced by the recent British dance explosion.

On other numbers Costello needed only the consistent excellence of The Attractions, consisting of Steve Nieve, keyboards; Bruce Thomas, bass; and Pete Thomas, drums, as he returned to such standards as "Watching the Detectives," "Alison," "Mystery Dance" and "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes." In fact, The Attractions sounded so perfect that they seemed like studio musicians.

Perfection. That's the biggest difference between then and now. The playing was perfect, the lights were perfect; the sound mix was perfect. There are no rough edges anymore. In fact, I'm waiting for an announcement that there will be shows in Las Vegas.

Opening the bill was Aztec Camera, which features the songs of Scotsman Roddy Frame. His basic musical characteristics are similar to those of Costello with the music being slightly more acoustic. He doesn't sing very well either, but, if E.C. can be a star...

Elvis Costello and The Attractions and Aztec Camera will appear at 8 p.m. Thursday at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre.


Tags: Universal AmphitheatreUniversal CityThe AttractionsThe TKO HornsAfrodiziakAztec CameraWhisky a Go GoLet Them All TalkEveryday I Write The BookThe Greatest ThingColumbiaPunch The ClockWatching The DetectivesAlisonMystery Dance(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red ShoesAztec CameraIrvine Meadows Amphitheatre

-

San Pedro News-Pilot, September 21, 1983


Lee Branst reviews Elvis Costello & The Attractions with The TKO Horns and Afrodiziak and opening act Aztec Camera, Sunday, Sep. 18, 1983, Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City, CA.

Images

1983-09-21 San Pedro News-Pilot page C7 clipping 01.jpg
Clipping.

Page scan.
1983-09-21 San Pedro News-Pilot page C7.jpg

-



Back to top

External links