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Elvis Costello may not be angry anymore, but a lot of people who saw his performance Sunday night at the Fox theater were very angry. Playing to a sold-out audience, Costello and the Attractions were tight and polished, while they played — the problem was they only played for 50 minutes, which included a five minute wait for the encore.
Opening the show with "This Year's Girl," Costello went on to do 12 songs, four from his latest album, Armed Forces. Although he put out a lot of energy throughout the show, the audience didn't pick up on it until the last 15 minutes, when Costello did "You Belong to Me."
Usually when he performs that particular song, a frenzy develops in the audience. If the audience doesn't come alive for that number, then nothing will do it.
There was a glimmer of hope when the audience — who had been sitting passively in their seats watching the show as though the San Diego Symphony were playing — suddenly came alive with great fervor. Realizing they were losing their heads and were acting in a highly unmellow, anti-Southern California manner, they quickly returned to their seats, not to rise again until the encore.
Costello's evolution from My Aim Is True to This Year's Model to Armed Forces was obvious in this performance.
Live, as well as in the studio, Costello seems to be concentrating on his singing more than ever. Gone is the raw, angry emotionalism of the new wave punk, although it does surface from time to time.
In its place is a polished and seasoned rock 'n' roller, who has grown his hair and added lights that are reminiscent of Blue Oyster Cult, although not nearly as intense. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be a rock 'n' roll star, but Costello was a lot more powerful and exciting when he was just an angry, sometimes maudlin. punk.
Opening for Costello were the Berkeley-based band, The Rubinoos, who are always a lot of fun. Performing such tunes as "Pushing Too Hard," "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" and "Rock 'N' Roll Is Dead," the Rubinoos provided enjoyable entertainment for anyone who's a sucker for pop.
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