Boston Herald, May 22, 2011

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Elvis Costello fans hit the 'jackpot'


Jed Gottlieb

Elvis Costello & the Imposters began Friday's packed Citi Wang Theatre gig sprinting through five songs in 16 quick minutes. One of them, "Uncomplicated," even crammed in three (admittedly clipped) guitar solos.

That was just the beginning. There were 20 more songs in 114 more minutes of mad spectacle, guest stars (Peter Wolf!), go-go cage dancing, one wedding proposal (spoiler: she said "Yes") and genius rock 'n' roll.

Through the night a lovely assistant plucked fans from the crowd to whirl the "Spectacular Spinning Songbook" — a 15-foot carnival wheel tiled with 40 song titles and "jackpot" banners. It's a great gimmick that resulted in a splendid show from Costello, bassist Davey Faragher, keyboard whiz Steve Nieve and drummer Pete Thomas.

The "I Can Sing a Rainbow" jackpot gave us "Green Shirt," "Blue Chair," "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" and a raw, punkish version of Prince's "Purple Rain."

Costello doctored a spin to land on "Napoleon Solo," did "A Slow Drag With Josephine" on his own then brought out brother Ronan MacManus and band for a pair of duets. Costello didn't even need a spin when a girl named Allison showed onstage, he just sat her down at the makeshift bar next to the go-go cage and played the fan favorite.

Then there was the wedding proposal.

"Looking at this big wheel, I have to say there are not a lot of songs for this occasion," Costello said after the acceptance. "Is there one that you'd really like to hear?"

Of course it was "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding?"

By the time Costello welcomed Peter Wolf for "Help Me" and "Cry One More Time," the show was in full-on marathon mode. But that didn't stop the band from pushing on: A four-song second encore ended with a feverish "Pump It Up." It was a final 15 minutes as good as the first 15.


Tags: Wang CenterBostonThe ImpostersPeter WolfSteve NieveDavey FaragherPete ThomasBibleCode SundaysRonan MacManusUncomplicatedSpectacular Spinning SongbookI Can Sing A RainbowGreen ShirtBlue Chair(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red ShoesHelp MePrincePurple RainNapoleon SoloA Slow Drag With JosephineCry One More TimeSociety LoungeHostage To Fortune Go-Go Cage(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding?Pump It Up

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Boston Herald, April 21, 2010


Jed Gottlieb reviews Elvis Costello & The Imposters with guests Peter Wolf and BibleCode Sundays, Friday, May 20, 2011, Wang Theatre, Boston.




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