Return of the King
Just for the record: Elvis Costello at the Hummingbird Centre last night was just utterly astonishing.
Always one of the finer songwriters of his generation, Costello has matured into one of the most accomplished musicians and performers to come out of the whole punk thing...
The material was flawless, great choice of ballads (‘Almost Blue’, ‘Living in Toledo’, etc.) mixed in with higher energy numbers (jaw-dropping version of ‘Detectives’, outstanding new treatment of ‘Deep Dark Truthful Mirror’, etc.), and excellent sound quality (even for the Hummingbird).
Great rabble-rousing second encore, closing with ‘Peace, Love & Understanding’ at hard-edged, angry full volume.
Elvis was charming, engaging, funny and in great voice. Plus the godlike Steve Nieve of the original Attractions on keyboards, and Kyp Harness opening the night.
I floated home 3 feet off the floor.
Coming down to earth today, I have to acknowledge that one thing the Costello gig confirmed for me is that I am indeed an old fart.
Sitting there last night in air-conditioned comfort, supping my latte, surrounded by hosts of other married, greying 40-somethings – politely applauding at the end of ‘Pump it Up’, fercrissakes.
It's like punk rock goes to the symphony.
The Hummingbird is no place for a rock act. I mean – where are you supposed to dance?!
Still. At least (and this is very, very significant) he was wearing red shoes.
Meanwhile, seems my personal clambake (below) is stirring up an interesting little discussion over at alt.religion.scientology.
Yikes again.
Always one of the finer songwriters of his generation, Costello has matured into one of the most accomplished musicians and performers to come out of the whole punk thing...
The material was flawless, great choice of ballads (‘Almost Blue’, ‘Living in Toledo’, etc.) mixed in with higher energy numbers (jaw-dropping version of ‘Detectives’, outstanding new treatment of ‘Deep Dark Truthful Mirror’, etc.), and excellent sound quality (even for the Hummingbird).
Great rabble-rousing second encore, closing with ‘Peace, Love & Understanding’ at hard-edged, angry full volume.
Elvis was charming, engaging, funny and in great voice. Plus the godlike Steve Nieve of the original Attractions on keyboards, and Kyp Harness opening the night.
I floated home 3 feet off the floor.
Coming down to earth today, I have to acknowledge that one thing the Costello gig confirmed for me is that I am indeed an old fart.
Sitting there last night in air-conditioned comfort, supping my latte, surrounded by hosts of other married, greying 40-somethings – politely applauding at the end of ‘Pump it Up’, fercrissakes.
It's like punk rock goes to the symphony.
The Hummingbird is no place for a rock act. I mean – where are you supposed to dance?!
Still. At least (and this is very, very significant) he was wearing red shoes.
Meanwhile, seems my personal clambake (below) is stirring up an interesting little discussion over at alt.religion.scientology.
Yikes again.
