University Of Delaware Review, February 5, 1981

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Costello's aim still true at Tower triumph


Alan Spooner

Elvis Costello, the Bing Crosby of the new wave circuit, rolled into Upper Darby's Tower Theater Thursday and Friday nights to debut material from his sixth album, Trust.

How has the man who first hit the air waves in '75 with "Red Shoes" avoided the shortcomings of his contemporaries? The answer became apparent to the Upper Darby crowd Thursday night. With every light in the theater out, the concert started with a classical piano riff and Costello's inimitable voice singing:

What's on his mind, now it's anyone's guess
Losing his touch with each caress
Spend every evening looking so appealing
He comes without warning and leaves without feeling
Shot with his own gun

When the lights came up, it was surprising to find that such a big voice belonged to that small, wimpish man in horn-rimmed glasses and grey suit.

Costello's crooning voice, coupled with the dynamic sounds of his back-up band, the Attractions, allowed him to handle everything from the subtleties of Learner and Harts' "My Funny Valentine" to the power pop sounds of songs like "Pump it Up."

Costello brought the crowd to their feet when he sang "Alison" by inflecting and repeating the line that has practically become his motto — "My Aim Is True — OO."

Costello has become notorious in his concert performances by frequently playing for less than an hour. After playing for an hour Thursday night, Costello comically tapped his watch and put it up to his ear. Apparently, his watch had stopped. He played for an hour and 45 minutes.

Perhaps the most memorable moment of the concert occurred during his first encore. While the Attractions beat out "Watching the Detectives," Costello held up his hand to stop the music and said, "It only takes my little finger to blow you away."

Appearing with Costello was Squeeze, whose latest disc, Argybargy and its single "If I Didn't Love You," have garnered quite a bit of airplay. Costello himself produced the band's upcoming album, and used the vocal talents of Squeeze's singer Glenn Tilbrook on his new song "From A Whisper To A Scream."

Costello performed "Clubland," the album's single, Thursday night and dedicated it to the people who saw his first Philadelphia appearance at the Hot Club. The song's lyrics take aim at sleepy audiences and their half-hearted ambitions.

Although the majority of the audience hadn't heard the songs off Trust, the rhythms and melodies kept the more beat-crazed individuals dancing in the aisles. The way Costello writes songs, it looks like they'll have plenty to dance to in the future.

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The Review, February 5, 1981


Alan Spooner reviews Elvis Costello & The Attractions and opening act Squeeze, Thursday, January 29, 1981, Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA.

Images

1981-02-05 University Of Delaware Review page 07 clipping 01.jpg
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1981-02-05 University Of Delaware Review page 07.jpg
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