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It was just one big party among friends at the Cain's Ballroom Monday night as singer/songwriter Elvis Costello and his backup band, the Confederates, performed before a capacity crowd of 1,100.
There were a few tables and chairs lining the side of the room, but most people stood in the middle or milled around talking with friends and listening to some excellent rock 'n' roll.
Costello, called new wave's "Last Angry Man," presented a number of good tunes, including "That's How You Got Killed Before," a jazzy, upbeat number; "Honey, Are You Straight Or Are You Blind," a song he termed "rumba rock," but was more like pure rock 'n' roll; "Let Him Dangle"; an acoustic "Green Shirt"; "Alison" and "Pump It Up," backed by a drum machine. There was also "Everyday I Write the Book."
Costello was brought back to the stage several times by an enthusiastic crowd that wanted to hear more.
Many of Costello's songs deal with hurt and bitterness, but many others are simply solid rock with some blues, jazz or country thrown in. He's a people performer, playing to the crowd, giving it what it wants.
Cain's Ballroom is an excellent venue for this type of performer. But for members of the audience, those standing in the middle of the pack had difficulty seeing the show. Those who staked out chairs before the show stood on them throughout the concert and had a good view of the stage and performers.
Before the show, concertgoers were treated to polka numbers, including everybody's favorite "Roll Out the Barrel," as well as the polka version of "Lucille" (the Kenny Rogers version). As strange as it might sound, most people seemed to enjoy it and several even attempted a polka step or two.
Opening for Costello was his longtime friend and producer of several of his albums, Nick Lowe. Lowe performed solo on acoustic guitar and, like Costello, enjoyed the atmosphere of a smaller, more intimate concert showplace.
Lowe brought a country influence to many of his tunes and is best known for the 1979 hit "Cruel to Be Kind." After his set, Lowe took up duties as rhythm guitarist and backing vocals for Costello's show.
Both sets were unique and enjoyable, performed by men who have been in the music business for a number of years and know what to give their fans.
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