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Feb 21, 2010 Web Exclusive By Frank Valish

The second in Hip-O’s The Costello Show campaign of live Elvis Costello releases is a concert from June 4, 1978, documenting the then 23-year-old Costello and his recently formed Attractions three months after the release of Costello’s classic sophomore album, This Year’s Model. Although some of these tracks were previously available, first as a limited edition 7” with the release of 1979’s Armed Forces and then with that album’s expanded 2002 reissue, this is the first time the concert has been available in its entirety. And it shows Costello at his swaggering early period peak. After opening with a sparse, piano-led rendition of “Accidents Will Happen,” later to appear on Armed Forces, Costello and his Attractions immediately up the ante with the blazing synth-happy maniacal swing of “Mystery Dance” from Costello’s debut, My Aim Is True, and a frantic “Lip Service” from This Year’s Model. The concert mixes tracks from Costello’s first two albums, but it also features early renditions of Armed Forces material (“Accidents Will Happen,” “Goon Squad,” and “Party Girl”). Apart from the countrified future George Jones collaboration, “Stranger in the House,” and the dramatic “Alison,” Live at Hollywood High rides along on speedy New Wave bop-and-bounce. It’s trademark early Elvis. Note to Hip-O: keep the reissues coming. (www.elviscostello.com)

Author rating: 7/10