It's too bad that three acts along the lines of Nick Lowe, Mink DeVille and Elvis Costello had to play Music Hall. While it's usually a nice place for concerts, Tuesday's show suffered from a lack of intimacy and time.
All things considered, I would have to say that Nick Lowe and his band, Rockpile (featuring Dave Edmunds), fared best with an unrelenting rock 'n' roll set that was way too short. Lowe stuck mainly to his more basic rockers like "So It Goes," "I Knew The Bride" and "Heart of the City." There were no great, ear-searing guitar solos or anything of the like — just a good, straight forward barrage of rock 'n' roll. Lowe and Edmunds work well together, musically and vocally. Suffice it to say that I was impressed.
Willy DeVille sounds more like Lou Reed all the time. Although when it comes to Mink DeVille I can take 'em or leave 'em, they did upstage Lou Reed's concert from the previous week. When they're rockin', they're not bad at all, but I think it was a poor choice to include some of their tedious Dylanesque tunes in the live show. It might work better when they headline, but when working with a limited time, they'd be better off sticking with things in the "Gunslinger" and "Cadillac Walk" vein.
Although his set was good by most standards, Elvis Costello suffered the most as a result of the Music Hall orchestra pit. His show was lackluster only by comparison to his performances in smaller settings. There was a definite lack of communication between Elvis (and both other acts, for that matter) and the audience, making for a one-dimensional sound.
A prolific writer, Elvis introduced some new songs, of which "Boots For Midas" seemed to be the pick hit. One of my favorite moments of the night was an odd rendition of "Stranger in the House," a pure C&W tune that accompanies the English pressing of This Year's Model in the form of a single. Given a new arrangement, the song translates well into rock 'n' roll.
Although visually the Attractions (Elvis' band) was not as aggressive as their leader, there was a definite confidence present that has been building for some time. Arrangements were bolder and the backing vocals have also improved.
Hopefully the next time any of these bands makes the local rounds it will be separately (not one was allotted the time for an encore) and in a more accessible venue that will allow greater visibility and audience participation.
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