list'ning to the Muzak, thinking 'bout this 'n' that.

I can't say that I attend a lot of concerts anymore, but when I saw two of the class of '77, probably my most formative of years in terms of musical taste, were going to be performing at Shoreline last Monday evening, I thought, what better way could I spend Bastille day than with Elvis Costello and the Police. The main draw for me was Elvis, former angry young man, now angry middle aged guy, since I had seen him on both of his first US tours in '77 and '78 at Winterland. So I purchased a couple of lawn seats and dragged the wife along.

EC wasn't in his best form, his voice a bit hoarse, but with the exception of American Gangster Time from his new album, Momofuku, it was all classic stuff. He had a bit of fun with Watching the Detectives and Sting joined him on stage for Alison. He ended the too short set with Nick Lowe's (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding, one of my favorites.

I was never a gigantic Police fan. I always enjoyed their first album, but later found the white man's reggae lacking in any soul. When the new wave followed the punk invasion, the Police were a bit too polite for me. However, I have to say, they put on a great show. Sting looked healthy and like he was having the time of his life, Stewart Copeland is a great percussionist and the sound was great, even on the lawn.

Set List:
Elvis Costello
Pump It Up
Mystery Dance
Everyday I Write the Book
American Gangster Time”
Radio Radio
Clubland
Watching the Detectives
Alison (with Sting)
(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding

The Police
Message in a Bottle
Walking on the Moon
Demolition Man
Voices in My Head
When the World Is Running Down
Don’t Stand So Close to Me
Driven to Tears
Hole in My Life
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Wrapped Around Your Finger
De Do Do Do
Invisible Sun
Can’t Stand Losing You
Encores:
Roxanne
King of Pain
So Lonely
Every Breath You Take
Next to You