|
March 1979, Elvis Costello was to appear in Harrisburg during the Armed Forces tour. I went crazy looking for tickets. Sold out long before I even heard about it. Miss #1.
The new Costello album is out. It is his third album in under twelve months time, but this time there are only sixteen songs. None the less, everyone of them is quality. As you probably expect, I'm about to praise this album, as much as I possibly can.
Some quick figures. At their current output, it will take Bruce Springsteen some nine years to equal Costello's output in one year. Jackson Browne will take over ten. And we aren't even mentioning quality.
Some of the tunes on Trust are the best that Costello has composed. "New Lace Sleeves" and "Shot With His Own Gun" are perfect. "Fish and Chip Paper" is a top forty contender. "Lovers Walk" is great rock 'n' roll. "Different Finger" could cut it on the Country Western charts. The list goes on and on.
January 1981. Elvis Costello and Squeeze are to appear at Penn. State for a concert. Through a friend, I got tickets before it sold out. Psyche hits maximum. I am not going to miss this one!
The Attractions have again outdone themselves. Since Costello writes well in virtually every pop form imaginable, these guys have to be able to match it with playing. And they do. All the songs take the form meant for it, without losing any of its written meaning. Nick Lowe's pure pop production is at the usual peak standard. He may as well be the fourth Attraction.
Penn State, February 8th. It is snowing like crazy. But I'm here. I've been listening to a tape of Trust all week. A voice suddenly comes across the radio to announce the concert is cancelled. Ouch! Every pledge on the planet could not have picked a better revenge than this. The equipment band and crew are stranded out on I-89 in the mountains. The snow got them. Miss #2
Trust is another great Costello record. It is his most listenable, least political and probably most personable lp to date. No more of the anger for anger's sake here. There really aren't any other ways to put.
Back home again, trying to estimate how long it will be before the next east coast American tour. Next time, I'll be there. Maybe I'll sneak backstage or something … get an autograph or interview. What DO you do to see your heroes? I'm going to see you yet, Elvis Costello….
| 
