Elvis Costello Fan Forum

Is this version sung by Elvis, or is it the Anne Sofie version? (Before I download - cos I already have the Anne Sofie version)

I know what he means about the electric guitar. I'm always on the edge of my seat when the Little Hands of Concrete does any sort of guitar solo - I swear I break out into a cold sweat. He does some great stuff on record - some wonderful, brief little solos - but live, there's always an air of tensi...

P.S. any idea what the reason is for the Australian tour? Hope that doesn't sound churlish - I just mean, in terms of making money? It's a long way to go, and the album's been out a while now. I suppose the takings for the gigs would certainly cover the air fare, accomodation for him and the road cr...

Ah, so jealous! Love an Elvis solo gig with just him and his guitar!

That said, hats are bad for a live gig - don't want a shadow over half his face - he's not going bald, if that's what the hat's about. He really does look absolutely fine without the hat.

So does anyone have any idea how often these are going to be reissued? I get the impression from previous snippets that it's a year-long project which suggests, possibly, a monthly release schedule! That would be cool, esp for stuff from '79 onward!

I've always loved Last Boat Leaving. Great song, melody, lyric - beautiful arrangement, too, with the guitar winding around the accordion. And that sad, sad vocal.

I think Elvis is looking fine with the weight loss!

How freaky that Elvis moves in such incredibly rarefied circles these days. He seems to know everyone. He deserves it, though, as one of the world's great artists (I mean that!)

Interesting write-ups re not allowing Lyle Lovett to speak at length. I listened to the recent Marian McPartlan Piano Jazz interview that Elvis did with Allen Toussaint, and, frankly, my memory of it is of Elvis Costello talking and Allen Toussaint saying occasionally "Yes, yes - that' right, t...

By the way, great photos in the article. Elvis is looking good! The weight loss is good, I think - he only ever wore that stubble for the past twenty years as a way of hiding his jowls - I know... it's exactly what I do when I'm feeling a bit tubby!

That's a great read! Thanks so much for sorting that out. I agree with the sentiments the writer expresses - only thing I don't get is the continued belief that Britain doesn't like him - that the rock critics Costello hates so much, represent the views of the fans. I just isn't so! V good article -...

Ah! Ken(adian) - you were there - did Elvis have the 'tache for the taping?

God, I saw that Robert Wyatt Meltdown, Paul B. He went a bit bananas - using two mics at a time, going all Thomas Dolby at one point. I do remember storming versions of No Wonder, Alibi and 45 - and he introduced the new Spooky Girlfriend, too, I recall, and Dust. I love Dust, actually! Great lyrics...

Right, if anyone was there.... did Elvis keep the 'tache?

Is he on the cover? I remember he was around the time of Brutal Youth.

Elvis duetting with Streisand! That thought had never entered my head. Too bizarre - and that's why I'd love it!

Could it be Barbara Streisand? She's doing the rounds this autumn, and she's quite diva-ish, so we're told. Maybe that's why the closed set?

Yeah, can't see many hardcore fans buying El Mocambo as I imagine most of us already have it. The possibilty of Eurosolo '84 is v exciting, and Spinning Songbook (soz, I'm repeating myself now)

Nx

Yep, really, really curious about what's going to featured. I'm eager to get past the first few years of his career, as we've had plenty of version of Less Than Zero, Lipstick Vogue, Detectives etc. Eager to get to 1980 onwards. Also, I hope he keeps in a lot of his cover versions. That press releas...

I've always thought it's "I know they've got their problems, but I'd still like to have their life rather than mine". This would be the narrator character in the song having that thought. I've never even considered any ambiguity - but ambiguity's cool! Both work!

I think he looks fine - it's just that he's lost so much weight this year, it's a bit of a shock. If he'd stayed at his 1977 weight for the past 30-odd years, no-one would comment. No one seems to mind Ron Wood and Keef Richards being slim (Although admittedly they do like a pair of Skesises (Skeses...

Elvis does an amusing little anecdote here. Love his impersonation of the posh BBC announcer's voice!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNobxebBEtg

Neil

Wow, thanks Imposter, for posting the link to Hopelessly Devoted To You. I knew Elvis give it a dramatic twist. That's great!

Blimey, that is really, REALLY impressive. Always interested in Elvis's cover versions. Anyone mp3'd his version of Hopelessly Devoted To You? Would dearly love to hear it! Earlier this year I made a compilation for a friend and added my own sleevenotes. Here they are, in case anyone's interested in...

This is interesting, though! So there are going to be lots of live concerts released on CD. And one more request for any solo concerts! Love Elvis with just his voice and an acoustic guitar! In that case, I want Brutal Youth tour in the Royal Albert Hall, so that I can hear Favourite Hour done on th...

By the way, might I add, as a good 'un....

"If you need instruction in mindless destruction, I'll show you a thing or two
You used to adore me but now my life flashes before me for you to view."