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Elvis Costello & The Attractions: The Riviera, Chicago

Bill Holdship, Creem, March 1987

ELVIS COSTELLO & The Attractions' early Detroit shows are among my fondest rock 'n' roll memories. I saw him the first time he played the city, a few weeks after This Year's Model was released. He performed two shows that night, both no longer than 50 minutes, though they each seemed to contain a zillion great songs. "We're going to get you!" he proclaimed halfway through the first show, immediately going into ‘Pump It Up’. The entire audience were on their feet for the rest of the show. "This song's called 'Lip Service' 'cause that's all you'll ever get from me" was the only thing he snarled during the second show, which had mostly music biz v.i.p.s in attendance. He ended one of the most passionately angry sets I've ever seen with an incredible ‘I'm Not Angry’. And it was magic.

Total word count of piece: 1206

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