SAN FRANCISCO — As a songwriter, Elvis Costello ranks as one of rock 'n' roll's best. So the rare opportunity to see him perform an acoustic solo show drew a sold-out crowd to the Warfield Theater Saturday night, eager to hear totally stripped-down versions of his work.
It's a risk submitting songs to such close scrutiny, without the flashy guitars, lush backup singers, blazing lights or other distractions a live show can offer.
In Costello's case, for instance, doing it pointed out the flaws which have marred the work on his last couple of albums, while at the same time the concert was a tribute to power as a performer.
The big problem with the show was that not only were Costello's songs all in the same key, he has a tendency, when by himself, to deliver them at much the same pace, and in a voice which borders on a monotone, to boot.
The subject of his songs seemed awfully similar after a while too, especially since he put on a lengthy show. Lately, Costello has concentrated on torchy, "she done me wrong" ballads that get a little tiresome if heard back to back ... to back.
What always saved the show was Costello himself. This one-time bad boy British rocker may have mellowed out in some respects, but when it comes to his songs, he musters up an awesome intensity, spitting out clever, biting lyrics with a well-honed fury.
He could be breathtaking in his bitterness, as in this sample lyric: "You criticize my loving / when I'm doing the best I can / you're pouring water on a drowning man."
For all his moody music, however, Costello really knocked himself out to please the crowd, staying on stage a good two hours.
Costello also unveiled some new songs, including "The Only Flame In Town," which was simple and direct, something called "Mercy With a Laughing Face," and "The Whole Truth," with which he closed the show.
He even chatted up the audience in a genial manner. ("This is Elvis Costello's guitar army," he said at one point, gesturing at the array of guitars behind him.)
The goofy stuff began with T Bone Burnett's opening acoustic set during which this tall, lanky guy sort of careened around the stage and evidently played whatever struck his fancy. (This included "Art Movies," "Interviews," and a dark version of "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend.")
It ended when Burnette joined Costello for some country tunes ("Just Because" was a highlight of the whole show), plus the immortal "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)," their suggestion for the city's official song.
Hey, now there's an idea. Why don't Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnette get together and write a tune specifically for San Francisco? The mind boggles at the potential.
|