Word: costello
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...unenviable task of critiquing a talent-laden but inconsistent show falls to me, a lowly typewriter hack. Some parts of the monarch's performance were very good, especially when he steered clear of his past hits and focused on his recent or lesser-heard material. Watching Costello churn out perfunctory versions of "Alison" and "Every Day I Write the Book," however, gave me the distinct impression that, for all his barbed wit and rebel posturing, Costello is not above pandering to a hit-hungry crowd...
...longtime producer and drinking buddy of Costello, Nick Lowe opened the show with a short but spirited set of smooth pop. Lowe has neither the vocal talent nor the songwriting ingenuity of Costello, but his straight forward approach provided nice variety in the show. The best tune in his set was "The Rose of England," a somber and folky piece delivered without any of the irony that characterized Lowe's early work. With his cuffed jeans, loafers, and Everly-Brothers-inspired vocals, Lowe took the crowd on a pleasant ride back to the future, to the innocence and simplicity...
...FIRST part of Costello's show was anything but innocent and simple. This section was a true fan's delight, focusing on bitter songs from King Of America and lesser known chestnuts from such overlooked albums as Taking Liberties and Get Happy. More animated than at previous concerts on his college tour, Costello virtually spat out the words to "Brilliant Mistake" and "Suit of Lights," two songs from America which deal with the ups and downs of his career. These songs gave the audience a glimpse behind his pop chameleon posturing. The pain on his face was genuine when...
Avoiding his hits, Costello made few mistakes indeed. The show was highlighted by some well-chosen medleys, combining Costello originals and covers, with the latter enhancing and illuminating the former. The attachment of "Not Face Away" to "Uncomplicated" revealed Costello as a latter-day Buddy Holly who goes to meet Peggy Sue with lexicon in hand. His interpretation of Van Morrison's "Jackie Wilson Said" gave an easy swing to its companion, "Radio Sweetheart." And the way that the Beatles' "Hide Your Love Away" flowed out of "New Amsterdam" clearly displayed the desperation that inspired the Costello original...
WHAT WAS not tremendous was the show biz gimmickry, from stupid patter about Jim and Tammy Bakker to the vastly overrated spinning song wheel. This business detracted from the music itself--and for no apparent purpose. It is strange that someone like Costello, generally acknowledged as one of the greatest lyricists in music, resorts to pat jokes about the Beastie Boys, CNN News and Oliver North. It's almost as if he wants to start a second career as Jay Leno...