Elvis Costello played six songs from his new recording, Momofuku.
And despite a late-arriving crowd that missed part of it, Elvis Costello's opening performance proved just as compelling, making this one luminous double bill.
Listening to Costello spit out "Watching the Detectives" for the first time about 30 years ago was as jarring as hearing "Roxanne." And just like The Police, he showed Sunday that reliving past glories can be enthralling, with Costello and the Imposters — Steve Nieve, Pete Thomas and Davey Faragher — trotting out songs from his first few albums: "Watching the Detectives," "Pump It Up" and "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?" which made a fine set-ending anthem.
Recent material from the album Momofuku was every bit as bracing. That may explain why Costello played six tracks from the new recording, including the raucous "Stella Hurt" and terrific, upbeat "Go Away," a recent addition to his live set. Another recent addition to Costello's set: Sting joined him for a splendid duet on "Alison" to the crowd's delight.
While the sound mix wasn't always ideal during Costello's set — which included a somewhat slapdash "Radio, Radio" — the bespectacled guitarist played with real vigor, as did Thomas and the inimitable Nieve, who supplied his trademark organ accents and special effects flourishes.
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