music matters

TV Show
Spectacle: Elvis Costello with… on the Sundance Channel Wednesday nights at 10 PM.

Back story
Elvis Costello is a very interesting talk show host because he performs with and interviews guests.  Being such as well-versed musician himself, he effortlessly creates fascinating discussions with musical guests.  In 2003, Elvis guest-hosted the Late Show while David Letterman was unexpectedly absent, and this experience set the stage for his own talk show.  Elton John is the producer of Spectacle.

Check it out

Why this episode
This is the first episode of season 2, rumored to be the final season.  Bono and the Edge (U2) talk about their history and songwriting process.  It’s hard to believe these guys are in one of the biggest bands in the world, as they appear calm, reflective, and patient.  The Edge even gets his share of screen time, which is really saying something with Elvis and Bono on stage.  The final song, a mash-up of Get on Your Boots and Pump it Up, is a great collaboration between the host and guests.

More info on Elvis and the show
Spectacle on Sundance

  Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010

What is ‘laughing matters’ all about?
For this series of posts, I am going to feature something lighthearted and possibly ridiculous, related to music, of course.

Song
Cheap Reward by Elvis Costello (featuring guest vocalist Stephen Colbert). Start watching at the 4:18 mark to see the performance.

Back story
Stephen Colbert occasionally has musical guests on his show, even joining in once in a while, but rarely takes the lead vocal. Elvis is on the talk show circuit these days plugging the 1st season DVD of his own show, Spectacle. His voice was too thrashed to sing, so Stephen giddily volunteered if Elvis played guitar. Surely it was rehearsed, but entertaining nonetheless.

Why this song
This song is an outtake from Elvis’ debut, My Aim is True. It is hard to find these days, but is worthwhile if you can find it. Elvis is more relaxed these days, and Stephen shows he can carry a tune, as well as being heartfelt. All in all, it is a funny and good performance.

  Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010