FSOTD #13/(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes (1977)

Proving the power of suggestion, the first song of the day for September 3rd was a holdover from the concert I had seen the night before. Elvis Costello came to Texas with his Nashville/bluegrass band and laid down two hours of acoustic bliss. The show was built around his latest album (released June '09), a flurry of interesting covers, and a helping of old Elvis favorites. Aware of what butters his bread, Costello neatly spread five selections from his ultra-classic 1977 debut album My Aim Is True throughout the show. Among these, FSOTD #13, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes. He was conversant and friendly all night, but this was the only tune where he invited crowd participation, with many in the 1500 or so patrons dutifully singing "Red Shoes" seven or eight times.

Other songs of note: the show opened with "Train, Train," setting the tone for the entire evening. Covers of the Rolling Stones' "Happy", the Grateful Dead's "Friend Of The Devil," and Hank Williams' "Why Don't You Love Me Like You Used To Do." And while there were many highlights, the final song of the night "(What's So Funny About) Peace, Love and Understanding" was as righteous a bluegrass romp as you can imagine. And while the band was tight throughout (and the house sound excellent), an enthusiastic doff of the country cap must go to the great Jerry Douglas, who was scintillating on dobro.

One final compliment for Mr. Costello...at 55 years of age (just turned on August 25th), his voice sounds amazingly good. And he really knows how to sing. And entertain. Indeed, his aim was true.