Elvis Costello

Press, 29 June 1985, Page 8

Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello at the Theatre Royal last evening supported by T-Bone Burnett. Reviewed by Tony Green Even without the attractions, Elvis Costello is as potent as anyone in modern pop music. This was proved conclusively at last evening’s solo performance at the Theatre Royal, which held a large crowd enrapt for three hours. Using only acoustic and electric guitar, a grand piano, and the abrasive voice which is his best instrument, Costello went through an unpredictable set of hits, covers, country and western songs, and new tunes. He was supported by TBone Burnett, a gangly American with a great sense of humour, and a nice line in folky pop songs. Highlights of his set were covers of “King Of The

Road,” and “Anything Goes,” a Cole Porter song given a wickedly funny last verse by Burnett. Of his own songs, “Quicksand” stood out with a passionate lyric, as did “Fatally Beautiful,” later in the set. After a break—during which the opulent foyer of the Theatre Royal contrasted nicely with the denizens of Christchurch’s pop underworld—Costello emerged, sporting a beard, a massive jacket, and an unusually playful mood. The hits were welcomed, of course. “Everyday I Write The Book,” “Red Shoes,” and “Oliver’s Army” sounded fine, as did the lesser known “Green Shirt” and a speed-of-light version of the Specials’ “What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend.” The songs were quite different from the records, as Costello twisted the melody to suit his stuttering guitar. Only on the gorgeous “Just

A Memory,” a song that Bacharach and David would kill for, did the melody really flow. Then he left the stage, looking upset with a tedious heckler downstairs, only to reappear with Burnett for a series of none-too-serious country and western duets. Included amongst these was a version of the Kingston Trio’s classic, “Tom Dooley.” The final set was Costello as social commentator, and included a beautiful version of “Shipbuilding,” his Falklands war song made famous by Robert Wyatt. Faults? Well, the show may have seemed a bit long to those weaned on fivepiece electric combos, but overall it was a triumph for songwriting skill over electronic gimmickry. Costello’s quest for excellence may have pushed him from the public eye lately, but his music still shines—great entertainment.