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Elvis Costello's face breaks into a joyous smile as his tumultuous Attractions pounds through the opening chords of "Pump It Up." Elvis is simply ecstatic, and hip sweet-soaked admirers are convinced that he couldn't possibly be faking his excitement.
Where is that angry, obsessed misanthrope who infamously ripped through 50-minute concerts displaying contempt for his audience, or else failed to acknowledge them altogether? What is he celebrating here? How did this man get (so) happy?!!
Having not played Pittsburgh since 1978, Elvis burst upon the stage before anyone could even notice that the lights had gone down, and began urgently with "Oh, I just don't know where to begin...," the opening of "Accidents Will Happen." And for the next two hours he took the audience by force and surprise, armed by the ferocity of the Attractions and the sheer magnificence of Imperial Bedroom, which brought cheers upon mention.
The band covered over 40 big hits (yes folks, count 'em, FORTY) highlighted by the fresh keyboard arrangements of Steve Nieve, which replaced the usual lead guitar inserts, and Elvis' rhythm guitar powered with Steve Thomas' bass.
But, of course, the main instrument is his emotional voice, which is strong and self-assured. Whether it caressed the lovely "Alison," or bit into the frenzied demands of "You Belong To Me," he knew exactly which of his classic lines to emphasize, leaving them to linger in the air with the crowd's reaction ("And it's the damage that we do and never know / It's the words we don't say that scare me so.")
His various influences were apparent in the diversity of the songs, and also in the several covers. The O'Jays "Back Stabbers" led into "King Horse," and Sonny Boy Williamson's "Help Me" fit somehow into the middle of a haunting version of "Watching The Detectives," complete with a shadowy visual effect of white lights projecting from behind him.
Elvis' encore exit turned out to be more like a two-minute intermission, because his assault was only half over. Elvis and the crowd fed off of each other's energy for another fifteen songs. By normal concert standards the show was over, but Elvis was clearly sticking around for the fun of it.
He had his fans in his grip, squeezing them with furious rockers — "Red Shoes," "Mystery Dance," "Radio, Radio," "Peace, Love and Understanding" — and alternately slackening with the slower "Almost Blue," "Watch Your Step," and an unforgettable, Dylanesque version of "I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down."
It is inspiring to see so much honesty in rock 'n' roll, especially from a man we found so hard to — well — trust.
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