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Elvis Costello's early Milwaukee appearances were marred by unenthusiastic audiences and Costello's own outrageous responses, but not the March 9th crowd at the Uptown Theater.
From the moment he launched into "Accidents Will Happen," it was easy to see that here was a new Costello. He was almost friendly. Hints of this change were present on Armed Forces — instead of dealing with himself and a few people around him, Costello turned his anger loose on society. Costello lashed out at perpetual college students ("Chemistry Class"), fascism ("Goon Squad," "Two Little Hitlers"), the welfare state ("Senior Service"), the military/industrial complex ("Oliver's Army") and TV ("Green Shirt").
Armed Forces material comprised the bulk of Costello's 75 minute set. Some notable early songs ("Alison" and "Less Than Zero") were absent, but he did smashing versions of "Watching The Detectives" (Costello actually jumped into the audience during that one), "Radio, Radio" ("radio's got worse since I've last been here," said Costello) and the biting "I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea." Costello even unveiled an unrecorded song, "Opportunity."
Costello's band, The Attractions, provided an ideal setting for his music. Keyboardman Steve Naive jumped around behind his organ/synthesizer console, dominating the melodies with his playing. The rhythm section of Pete Thomas (drums) and Bruce Thomas (bass) drove the songs along with a pulsating beat.
The Rubinoos, a mid-'60s oriented pop quartet, opened the show with a refreshing collection of lively originals and covers of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" and "I Think We're Alone." Their closing song, a parody of Ted Nugent, was the highlight.
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