Review by Doug Cornell

I only saw Elvis Costello and the Attractions (his original band) play live once.  A buddy and I went to a huge outdoor concert, and while Elvis played all of the best songs from his early albums, the show suffered from a lack of intimacy.  This new DVD from Elvis and the Imposters almost made me forget that long-ago disappointment.  Filmed in a small club in Memphis, this performance provides a very close-up look at Elvis and his crack keyboardist, Steve Nieve, bassist Davey Faragher, and drummer extraordinaire Steve Thomas.

Some classic material is presented here: The set opens with the rocker "Waiting for the End of the World" and quickly accelerates with the 80's new-wave keyboard track "Radio Radio."  Elvis looks great as he wears his big glasses, sharp blue suit, and Fender Jazzmaster.  The cameras are well positioned, and you get a heavy dose of the rest of the band.  Steve Thomas is a joy to watch - he really demands attention as he rattles off drum riff after drum riff.  The band easily tackles "Mystery Dance," then slows the pace with the mid-tempo rocker "Blue Chair."  It's hard to imagine, but Elvis' voice sounds every bit as powerful as it did at the beginning of his career.

Elvis switches from the Jazzmaster to a huge hollow-body Gibson for the spastic track "Bedlam," then slows things to a crawl in the ballad "Country Darkness." Things get jumping again with "Blame it On Cain," one of the songs on the DVD that is guaranteed to have the listener singing along.  "High Fidelity" is another standout track, one that demonstrates Elvis' unique grasp of lyrical content and melody.  "The Judgement," a melodramatic tune with a gospel flavor, slows the tempo before the band dives into the two monkey-rocker songs, "Monkey to Man" and "The Monkey."

Elvis evidently wanted to give his fans something special, so he brought Emmylou Harris out to join him for a few tracks.  It's hard to say how many Elvis fans have any interest in Emmylou, but the songs are easily skipped over for those who aren't interested.

After Emmylou leaves the stage, the band continues a slow-burn with "The Delivery Man" and the slinky-blues of "Hidden Charms." The audience demonstrates appreciation as the Elvis returns to his classic material.  "Allison/Suspicious Minds" is a treat, and "Peace Love and Understanding" and "Pump it Up" are among the most endearing songs in his vast collection.

Tracklisting:

1. Waiting For The End Of The World
2. Radio Radio
3. Mystery Dance
4. Blue Chair
5. Bedlam
6. Country Darkness
7. Blame It On Cain
8. Either Side Of The Same Town
9. High Fidelity
10. The Judgement
11. Monkey To Man
12. The Monkey
13. I Still Miss Someone (w/Emmylou Harris)
14. Heart Shaped Bruise (w/Emmylou Harris)
15. Wheels (w/Emmylou Harris)
16. The Delivery Man
17. Hidden Charms
18. Alison / Suspicious Minds
19. Peace Love And Understanding
20. Pump It Up