Elvis Costello's show "Spectacle", now in its second season on Sundance, just keeps getting better. Not only is Elvis looking younger and more fit than he has for years, he's managed to pull together some of the most diverse and interesting musical guests you'll ever see play on stage together. Costello has always been a brilliant, if eclectic, performer. It turns out he's also a tremendous interviewer, getting musicians to open up about their influences and song writing in a way that a non-musician never could. Some have called the show a musical equivalent to "Inside the Actor's Studio" and I think that's a good comparison.
If you haven't seen the show, check it out on Sundance or get the first season DVD
The second season has included Bono and The Edge from U2, Bruce Springsteen, Lyle Lovett and Niko Case. My favorite recent episode has featured New Orleans pianist Alan Toussaint, Nick Lowe, Ray LaMontagne and drum legend Levon Helm from The Band. To see the these musicians talk about the influence of "The Big Pink" on their styles and then play "The Weight" together with the Imposters was just tremendous.
Costello fans can also rejoice in the long-awaited complete release of "Live at Hollywood High" after more than 30 years. I remember the three song EP that came out with "Armed Forces" back in 1979 when Costello was just 23 years old. It's been a long wait, but worth it.
- Elvis Costello: Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..., Elvis Costello Wiki
- Amazon: Live at Hollywood High, Elvis Costello: Spectacle
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