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The build-up to the fifth night of Elvis Costello's series of Los Angeles concerts was immense. The Los Angeles Times ran daily reviews of each concert, with varying degrees of lavish praise. Every radio station in town was talking about the gimmicks used during the concert, like spinning song wheels or special guests like The Bangles or T Bone Burnett.
So the question is, did Costello's final night live up to all the advance billing?
Yes. Yes it did.
Costello put on show that ranked with any that has been performed in Los Angeles in a long time.
His two and a half hour set focused on a combination of older Costello tunes and a selection of songs from his new album, Blood & Chocolate.
Costello and the Attractions first nimbly took a tour of many numbers the audience wanted to hear including, "Watching The Detectives," "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes," and "Lipstick Vogue." Thus he loosened everyone up for listening to the unfamiliar, but no less enjoyable, Blood and Chocolate.
The selections off the record varied from more upbeat tunes reminiscent of his earlier efforts — such as cuts from his first work, My Aim Is True — to the haunting, brilliant "I Want You," which he used to close the first part of the show.
Before the encores started there were other moments worthy of noting: keyboardist Steve Nieve and Elvis teamed up for a perfect version of "Suit of Lights" off of the King of America album. Nieve reminded everyone during this song that he is probably one of the best keyboardists around.
The encores that followed were the best part of an already brilliant evening.
Elvis's special guest to close his L.A. stand was none other than Tom Petty. With this formidable accompaniment Costello wisely chose to use others material to lend some variety to the show. Petty and Costello shared duties on Nick Lowe's "Peace, Love and Understanding" and then on a masterful rendition of Petty's own "American Girl."
The remaining few minutes were a let-down as Petty left the stage and Costello, along with the Attractions, did a perfunctory "Pump It Up." But it didn't matter, because Costello left the sold-out crowd with a few memories they won't soon forget.
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