Elvis Costello and the Imposters - The Return of the Spectacular Songbook

by Andy Cassidy

published: 29 / 11 / 2011

Elvis Costello and the Imposters - The Return of the Spectacular Songbook

Label: Universal Music
Format: CD Box

Excellent limited edition live CD/DVD recorded at a show in Los Angeles, which has Elvis Costello and his band the Imposters selecting songs from a Wheel of Fortune

Review

Since its first tour in 1986, Elvis Costello’s 'Spectacular Spinning Songbook' has ensured that no two concerts are the same. For the uninitiated, the Spinning Songbook is a Wheel of Fortune style wheel with the names of forty songs including Costello’s hits, some rarities and even a selection of covers. Prior to each song, an audience member is invited on stage to spin the wheel and thus decide what song will be played next. It’s a wonderfully novel way of keeping concerts fresh and it’s a fun gimmick. 'The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Songbook' was recorded over two nights at the Wiltern, Los Angeles in May 2011. The package contains a DVD of the May 12th gig in its entirety with three bonus tracks and a guest appearance from Susannah Hoffs of the Bangles. The gig is, as one would expect, a varied selection of Costello’s material as well as covers of Nick Lowe’s 'Heart of the City' and Chris Farlowe’s 'Out of Time'. Expertly backed by the Imposters (Steve Nieve on keyboards, Pete Thomas on drums and Davey Faragher on bass), Costello storms through the set with energy and enthusiasm. Interspersing the songs, Costello adopts his Napolean Dynamite persona, a salacious ringmaster or carnival barker as he picks out audience members to spin the wheel and then share the stage with him for their selected song. The whole gig is a light-hearted, fun affair with Costello and his band clearly enjoying themselves immensely. Their performance is excellent, and Costello is in fine voice throughout. The DVD and the CD vary slightly in content – of the sixteen tracks on the CD, four do not appear on the DVD, and of the 19 songs on the DVD, six do not appear on the CD. In my opinion, the DVD has the edge over the CD as it includes 'Alison' and 'Clubland', two of my personal favourite Costello tracks. There is, however, very little to choose between them – both are excellent documents of a fabulous act captured live. 'The Spectacular Spinning Songbook' tour is coming to the UK in May next year, and I personally can’t wait to see it. It’s a terrific way of choosing a setlist and if Costello and his band hit the same heights as on the CD and DVD, audiences will be in for a fantastic evening.

Track Listing:-

1 I Hope You're Happy Now
2 Heart Of The City
3 Mystery Dance
4 Radio Radio
5 Everyday I Write The Book
6 God Give Me Strength
7 Watching The Detectives
8 Tear Off Your Own Head (It's A Doll Revolution)
9 Out Of Time
10 I Want You
11 Stella Hurt
12 All Grown Up
13 Lipstick Vogue
14 Man Out Of Time
15 National Ransom
16 (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding
17 I Hope You're Happy Now
18 Heart Of The City
19 Mystery Dance
20 Radio Radio
21 Wheel Spin - "Spinning Wheel"
22 Clubland
23 Wheel Spin - "Charm School"
24 God Give Me Strength
25 Tear Off Your Own Head ( It's A Doll Revolution)
26 Out Of Time
27 Wheel Spin - "Spinning Wheel"
28 I Want You
29 Wheel Spin - "Temptation"
30 Everyday I Write The Book
31 Stella Hurt
32 A Slow Drag With Josephine
33 Jimmie Standing In The Rain
34 Alison
35 Wheel Spin - "Temptation"
36 Earthbound
37 (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding
38 Special Features - Musical Bed "Mystery Dance"
39 (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding
40 I Hope You're Happy Now
41 Wheel Spin - Musical Bed "Spinning Wheel"
42 Alison
43 Heart Of The City
44 Wheel Spin - Musical Bed "Spinning Wheel"
45 Mystery Dance
46 Clubland
47 Menu - Musical Bed "Radio Radio"
48 Uncomplicated
49 Watching The Detectives
50 Monkey To Man