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New DVD Is an Insightful Look at Artist's Career! A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch Elvis Costello was born August 25, 1955 in Liverpool, England. Before embarking on a musical career Elvis was a computer programmer. In 1977, Costello released his first solo album and his anger and cynicism appealed to both new wave and punk audiences. In 1978, Costello teamed up with The Attractions and put out 'This Year's Model' a raw, rocking record that generated a number of hits in the UK and US including "Oliver's Army". Elvis would make more records with The Attractions and later purse solo projects and collaborations.
In the 80's, Elvis worked with Paul McCartney and produced the musically diverse 'Spike' with "Veronica", which would be his biggest hit in America. Costello continued to paint from an assorted musical pallet on his own records and with other artists ranging from Johnny Cash to No Doubt. In 2003, Elvis Costello and The Attractions were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Currently, Elvis is composing full orchestral arrangements and performing live with symphonies. The Right Spectacle features twenty-seven videos in chronological order from Costello's first new wave-ish, stark video to the artistic "13 Steps Lead Down", scanning his career from 1978-1994 The DVD shows the evolution in both Elvis' music and video technology. The song selections include many of his well known hits along with a few rarities. The option to turn on or off comments and sub-titles is a great feature. Elvis' observations are insightful and witty. Costello (who you will occasionally hear chuckling) is quick to mock his clothes, lip-synching and the videos themselves. Yet, he also tells the stories and ideas behind the songs and the videos. Elvis worked with a variety of directors who brought a diversity of artistic ideas to the videos. Some were filmed on location in Canada (What's So Funny About) and the South of France (So Like Candy). Others were computer generated (Accidents Will Happen) or attempts to tell stories (Clubland). The bonus special features has 68-minutes of live performances and TV archive selections from 1977-1983. The DVD includes a booklet with additional wry observations and quips from Mr. Costello about the performances and their history. The sound quality varies but captures the energy of those musical moments. I really enjoyed the segment at the Countdown Club in which a very interactive Elvis asks the tall guys to step aside so that the ladies can see. Costello then pulls a bunch of girls on stage with him and the band to dance during "You Belong To Me." The Right Spectacle is a good retrospective of the singles and the musical changes that Elvis Costello has explored. It is an interesting analysis of improving video technology and the growth of an artist. The DVD demonstrates that Costello is a versatile musician who can bravely and with humor face the past but who continues to forge ahead controlling his own creative future! Related Links: For more information on Elvis Costello and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Elvis Costello DVD | Rhino's E Card
(Originally Published on November 08, 2005) |
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