Elvis Costello surprised the music world by choosing Loughborough for a one-night stand.
But, curious as that decision may have been it was nothing compared with the mystifying organisation of a two hour set which left a large audience breathless.
As if trying to prove that the real Elvis Costello still existed he ran through an impressive routine of old hits coupled with more recent album tracks.
While ignoring his own single in the live set, one of the highpoints of the evening was saved for another chart entry — Robert Wyatt's "Shipbuilding," which was co-written by Costello.
His choice of songs ignored the Country and Western album Almost Blue and took little but the singles from Armed Forces. He staked his all on the two more recent albums Imperial Bedroom and Trust with occasional snatches of Get Happy to keep the tempo up.
Costello rewarded the crowd with a breathtaking encore of fast moving hits that left most convinced that when his contractual wrangles are behind him he will be back as strong as ever.
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