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Live in LA: Elvis Costello Goes Way Late at the El Rey, May 28

by Mark Mauer

May 29, 2008 6:57 AM

Elvis Costello and the Imposters,
El Rey, 5/28
By Randall Roberts
Photos by Timothy Norris

Elvis Costello performed a jumbo show at the Hollywood Bowl with the Police earlier on Wednesday night, but apparently he was itching for more, because he and his Imposters headed up La Brea to the El Rey on Wilshire for a late, late show.

Looking solid and well-fed, the Other King, the man who has written some of western culture's bitterest love songs, wore all black, his fully-receded hairline giving way to a shock of erect black hair pointing up to the heavens.

Costello and the Imposters moved from old to new, but he leaned toward his early 1980s output, which was a wonderful surprise: "I Hope You're Happy Now," "Everyday I Write the Book," "King of America," "New Lace Sleeves," and, joy of joys, the greatest sordid hotel love song ever written, "Motel Matches."

Longtime drummer Pete Thomas was having a blast with Costello, singing along with his boss, going tribal, popping the snare four times fast over and over again during the great version of "Green Shirt."

Touring in support of his new album Momofuko, Costello tore through some new ones, too, which were sharp and bitter Costello archetypes. Costello reappeared for a super long encore, and was joined by Jonathan Rice and Jonathan Wilson on guitars, and Father Dave on pedal steel.

The highlight? Elvis doing Elvis' "Mystery Train." Jenny Lewis was a rumored guest, but she couldn't make it. The night ended at around two, when Costello and the crowd sang "Happy Birthday" to Rice, whose birthday was Tuesday.

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There are 6 comments posted for this article.

It's a good day when you wake up thinking one thing and 20 hours later are watching Elvis at the El Rey, and free no less.

A great night.

Posted on May 29, 2008 10:35 AM by sirimiri

This morning, 3 grande Americanos can't penetrate the zzzzz. But it was so worth it.

Posted on May 29, 2008 12:32 PM by LH

Who else would I go see at midnight after a long day's work and then have to stand for 2 hours sweating like a sauna.
ELVIS! It was fantastical!!

Posted on May 29, 2008 12:42 PM by julie Horowitz

Damn. I was hoping everyone would say it wasn't very good and they should have stayed at home. Then I could feel better about having missed the show...

Posted on May 29, 2008 12:45 PM by Mark

I heard about this show a few days before and I made sure to leave The Police concert after Elvis' set just so I could see him again. He was absolutely wonderful and there is no one else I'd rather spend two hours at midnight with! Fantastic!!!

Posted on May 30, 2008 3:46 PM by Jordan Charter

There are some cool things about living in L.A., and things like this are definitely among them. Thanks and god bless Elvis the King!

Posted on June 3, 2008 2:50 PM by TSM