Stepping on the Mann Center stage 7:15 sharp this Wednesday, Elvis Costello delivered a performance with just his keyboard player. He explained how his band, including opener Charlie Sexton, ate some “bad fish” — so the night started off a little confusing.
Elvis played his hits, but they didn’t sound like the melodic songs that we can sing along to. He sang his lyrics in a dark poetic type of way, as random musicians accompanied certain songs, and helped him out. It was strange, but that’s how his shows go these days. He changes the sound for each show, I’m guessing, depending on his mood.
A couple people in the crowd stood and clapped along. Most of the crowd seemed confused by his early start, and almost not recognizing his biggest hits until a couple lines into his songs.
Next up, Daryl Hall took to the stage at 9:05, opening up the set with “Maneater,” and didn’t hold back from playing Hall & Oates tunes all night long. “Sara Smile” had everyone on their feet swaying back and forth. Hall’s voice sounded good, his band was spectacular, and the crowd sang along to all of the duo’s hits.
Especially considering Hall is involved in a lawsuit against John Oates, it was a nice surprise to hear so many Hall & Oates songs.
This August, John Oates will be headlining the Philadelphia Folk Festival. It will be interesting to see the contrast in their sets. I’m interested to hear if Oates plays more solo songs than Hall & Oates hits. It’s really hard to think of one without the other, no matter how hard you try.
Below, check out photos from this week’s Mann Center show. Hall and Costello’s tour continues this weekend in Boston and New York City; full dates here.
