Customer Reviews

Live: Case for Song [VHS]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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...

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.

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

I probably would have given this five stars if it was more than 90mins. There was also something weird with the audio on "Shipbuilding". I don't know if that's only with my copy though. Otherwise a good sampling of EC's varied styles. I prefer the version of "Veronica" from this show the best.

This DVD contains very little "rock". You only get a few songs with the "Attractions", the other groups are "mellow & gentle", which is great, when you're in the "mood" for that style of music. This DVD is different from his usual "rock stuff". It is one of those "gentle", "intimate", performances. It's great if you like violins & horns. These horns & string bands in this dvd are very good at what they do. It's not bad, it's just not traditional "rock", it's "semi-classical" music by Elvis. He does sing good, and he tells a few good stories about the songs. Elvis is legendary for great story-telling, through songs, or just by telling the story. This DVD contains a total of 20 songs. If you want to hear something "smooth & gentle", then you might like this one. At first I was a little disappointed, but later, I realized "hey, this is some pretty good music, afterall". It's kind of like "Mood Music", you (or least me) have to be in the right mood to really enjoy & appreciate this music. Elvis is Okay!!!! He can rock when he wants too, & be smooth & gentle, when he wants too. Thanks!!!!

I thought that the greatest thing about the dawn of the video age, particularly when VHS HI-FI became the norm, was that the availability of great performances would become commonplace. For instance, the Bealtes live in Austrailia or live at the Olymia in Paris. These were both well-recorded (for the time) concerts, not to mention true historical documents of something incredible that will never happen again. These and many other great performances have never seen the light of day, and many great performances that HAVE been released are no longer available. The message here? This is a great artist giving a great performance with great musicians backing him. Get it while you can.