Search - Elvis Costello: Live - A Case For Song on DVD

Granted, maybe I'm a tad biased ...

Mark K Woodruff | Fairfax, VA United States | 09/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been an E.C. fan for more than 20 years, but since he never has been a mainstream performer (admittedly, one of the reasons I have maintained my adoration for him), I've never really "gotten to know him." I've only seen him perform live twice and while each was a treat, he barely spoke a word (I was close enough to the stage that I got wet, since he has a habit of spitting when he sings passionately). I've seen him on The Tonight Show, Letterman, SNL and even "The Spy Who Shagged Me," but again, he doesn't speak much in those performances. It was cool to hear Elvis communicate with the audience in this live performance. He told historic stories and smiled and genuinely seemed to be enjoying himself. The variety of songs is excellent, too. Also impressive: The variety of cameras angles used and the close-ups. Not impressive: The audience doesn't seem to be getting into this concert very much and I can't figure out why. They sort of stand around with their heads bouncing, but that doesn't detract from a very cool look at E.C.'s only live performance on sale."

A kid in a candy store

hermit the frog | New York, NY United States | 04/15/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With this televised concert, Elvis let the world know that the days of the angry young man are over, replaced by a mature, confident musician doing what he loves, not caring if it's the flavor of the week or not.He still rocks when he feels like it, and he does for a decent portion of the show with the Attractions. (This video becomes an instant classic by virtue of it being the last time EC would be [legally] recorded with his famous backup band). Watching the Detectives and Riot Act are given classic renditions, and the latter-day material, like Little Atoms, is handled nimbly.But when Elvis releases the Attractions, and starts playing with other artists, it becomes apparent that this show is just as much a statement as it is a great show. We may still get another great rock record from him in the future, but with this show, he makes it clear that he's being led by his own muses from now on. So far, the results have been good: the songs done with the Brodsky Quartet should whet people's appetites enough to try out "The Juliet Letters", the great, underrated album they released together in 1993. (This show came before he released the "Painted From Memory" album with Burt Bacharach, but count me among those who pronounce that album a triumph as well...) Overall, there's an indulgent air to the whole proceedings, as he switches from combo to combo, and ends the show with a combined orchestra, appearing to have the time of his life throughout. But Elvis isn't really a self-indulgent artist, which makes this video a little surprising. But it's still a solid show, where EC fans of all configurations will find something to chew on..."

Elvis at his best

J.S. Crawford | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 08/27/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Quite simply, this video shows Elvis Costello at his confident, awe-inspiring best. This tape is an essential purchase even if only for Elvis and the Brodsky Quartet's transformation of the Beach Boys' classic "God Only Knows". END"

Great Reissue But Something's Missing

Keith W. Jordan | 07/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's great to ssee this great show reissued, including six additional songs. However, I will have to keep my old VHS tape, as it includes two big hits that are not on the DVD. Why were they removed? I would love to hear everything on one recording, on one player."