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Willie Alexander should have felt at home at KSU's Rathskeller, since his main hangout in Boston is also called The Rat. However, despite fair airplay around town, Willie had some trouble convincing the college crowd of his capabilities.
They may not have recognized Willie, but it takes no genius to spot some good rock 'n' roll. Willie's kind of a swishy guy who out-camps even Ray Davies. With sunken eyes and hollow cheeks, he looks like a decomposing Eddie Money. He may prance, but you can't doubt his intentions when he sings "Roll over, hit her with an axe." It's mean, intense music which should have the most passive listener at least clenching his (or her) teeth.
The small Rathskeller stage seemed to hinder Willie's movement a bit, and I would think he could be much more loco elsewhere. The Boom Boom Band proved themselves to be every bit as good as they are on record, with only the usual road adjustment, standing in their way.
I don't know what else I can say about Elvis Costello that I haven't said at least a couple of times before. He turned in his usual good set, although the crowd took its time getting warmed up to him.
The turning point came when a lone dancer sprung to his feet and was quickly moved away by an usher. Elvis broke out of his android trance to shout, "Don't take that! If those ushers tell you to sit down, you stand up!" The Kentoids, who are not known to take such challenges lightly, readily obeyed, causing near pandemonium which lasted for the remainder of the show plus two encores. I've yet to see Elvis fail to get an audience to its feet, a tribute to the energy that he and the Attractions generate. He may be short, but never, never, underestimate him.
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