Show Preview: Elvis Costello and The Impostors – at The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA – April 17, 2012

Tuesday April 17th, Elvis Costello and the Impostors will once again bring the spectacular spinning songbook show to The Wiltern Theater.  First appearing in 1986, the spinning songbook is a giant game show style wheel filled with a number of Costello's song titles.Lucky audience members have a chance to come on stage and spin, deciding which song the band will jump into next.  It makes for a fun and interactive show, keeping the band on their toes and throwing out any routine they may fall into during their West Coast "Spectacular Spinning Songbook Tour 2012."

The tour is in support of their upcoming April 3rd release of "The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Songbook Deluxe Edition."  The set includes a live CD and DVD, both recorded at the Wiltern on May 11th and 12th, 2011.  It also comes with a 28 page booklet, including writings and rantings by Costello. The Deluxe Edition is a follow up to "The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Songbook Limited Edition," which was released December 6th, 2011.  Only 1,500 copies were printed of this limited edition set, which also includes a 10" vinyl EP, and a 40 page hardcover booklet.  You can still find copies of the limited edition online, at upwards of 300 dollars.

Costello is one of the greatest songwriters to come out of the late seventies, and his catalog of music has been continuously growing ever since.  His intelligently blunt lyrics and unique use of multiple musical styles have gained him a wide ranging audience, crossing generations and genres. Early in his career, he was associated with the punk and new wave music scenes, and could also be described as rock n' roll or upbeat folk, depending on the song.  His voice is smooth and soothing, with a rock n' roll vintage feel, and a subtle scruffy edge.  You could loosely compare it to Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, or Tom Petty, but it is distinctly his own.  The majority of his songs have an upbeat feel, with lots of rock hints, sometimes touching on funk.  In 2003, his polished songwriting abilities and ginormous song catalog earning him a place in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.
   
Be sure to catch Costello at The Wiltern Theater Tuesday, April 17th, at 7pm.  You can purchase tickets at the Wiltern's box office, or online at ticketing sites such as Live Nation.



www.elviscostello.com

-Mindiana Jones-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

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