cryptique Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 I don't think I get the Sundance Channel () but this sounds awesome. Salon.com piece from today: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Elvis lives! Elvis Costello chats up everyone from Lou Reed to Bill Clinton on his eclectic Sundance talk show, "Spectacle." By Heather Havrilesky Dec. 03, 2008 | This is what heaven must look like for songwriters. You wander into the middle of a lively conversation between close friends Elton John and Elvis Costello, discussing the virtues of songwriting greats from Leon Russell to Laura Nyro. Next, Costello plays an odd acoustic version of "Femme Fatale" by the Velvet Underground, and Lou Reed wanders in to demonstrate the correct riff from "Sweet Jane," then confesses that his secret dream is to write a New York detective novel. Later, Tony Bennett, Rufus Wainwright and the Police stop by. There are no probing questions about kicking heroin or feeling misunderstood by the press. There's no talk of how a relationship ended or why a record label moved on. On his new talk show, "Spectacle" (premieres 9 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, on Sundance), Elvis Costello asks the sorts of questions he'd want to be asked, mostly about musical influences, sources of creative inspiration and the songwriting process itself. Not surprisingly, his guests -- mostly singer/songwriters, save for Bill Clinton -- warm up to his inquiries and happily reveal intimate details that they'd never share with, say, Mary Hart of "Entertainment Tonight." "I just love the fact that I didn't have to write the lyrics, because I'm not any good at it," John says of his longtime collaboration with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. "I've tried a couple of times and it just isn't within me. I'm good at writing melodies. Bernie is great at writing lyrics." John also expresses admiration over how Taupin has adjusted to his particular lyrical needs over the years. "When I came out of the closet and said that I was gay, that's when the 'she's' started drying up. Everything then could either be about a man or a woman. That is very clever of him to do that. Because after a certain point, I can't go onstage and sing, 'She's fantastic, I'm in love with her.' Nobody would buy that in a million years." Later, Costello and John trade quips on their adopted stage names: John: If you're going to make a record, Reg Dwight is not going to make it, I'm sorry. It's just not going to make it ... But why Elvis? Costello: That was really picked up by my manager. If you think about the year that I began making records, it was 1977. You had Captain Sensible, Johnny Rotten, Sid Vicious, Rat Scabes ... I think I got off quite lightly. Really, it could've been much worse. John: You made a wise choice. I mean, Declan McManus, people would think ... Costello: They'd be expecting a guy in a cable-knit sweater singing whaling songs. In the second episode of "Spectacle," Lou Reed starts out speaking slowly and deliberately at first, but warms up to Costello's thoughtful questions quickly. Recalling his interactions with legendary songwriter Leonard Cohen, Reed says, "First time I met him was at the Chelsea Hotel, and he said to me, 'I heard your song "I'll Be Your Mirror" and it made me want to be a songwriter.' Then I told that to my friend Eric Andersen and he said, 'He told me that!'" Costello may bring out the garrulous, insightful side of many of his guests, but he brings out the confessional oddball in artist/filmmaker Julian Schnabel when he joins Lou Reed onstage, ostensibly to talk about their collaboration on a "theatricalized concert version" of Reed's 1973 album, "Berlin." Right before reciting the lyrics of Reed's "Rock Minuet" from start to finish, Schnabel recollects how, after his father passed away, he called Reed, who lives across the street, to come over and hold his father's hand. Reed did as he was asked as Schnabel put Reed's 1992 album, "Magic and Loss" on the stereo. Somehow it's tough to imagine these two sharing the same awkward but nonetheless fascinating anecdote with Jay Leno. Even the suave, flowing storytelling style of former President Bill Clinton loosens slightly in the presence of Costello's offbeat charms. Early in his interview, Clinton describes the moment he decided he shouldn't pursue his musical dreams: "I remember looking in the mirror one day when I first started to shave and thinking, 'No matter how hard you work, you'll never be John Coltrane or Stan Getz. You're good, and you could be really good, but you probably won't be that great." "I would've done it, I think, if I thought I could've been the greatest there ever was," Clinton explains, reflecting his ambitious nature with unabashed frankness. "And I knew that I couldn't. And I decided, with no rational basis -- nobody in my family had ever been in politics, we had no money, no connections -- you know, I'm good at this, because I get people and I like the work, and I'm going to try to do this [instead]." While the unguarded moments and eclectic musical performances -- typically Costello collaborating with a guest on one of his or her lesser-known hits -- make "Spectacle" well worth a closer look, the show occasionally feels like a songwriter's version of "Inside the Actor's Studio," with all of the qualities and the faults that implies. If you don't have a solid appreciation of many of these artists' influences, rambling talk of Laura Nyro's unexpected tempo changes or Doc Pomus' eccentric qualities isn't likely to keep your interest indefinitely. And then there's that telltale sprinkling of Sundance-branded pretension: shots of pensive, appreciative faces in the audience, digging the esoteric trivia spewed forth by these musical legends. Even if the Velvet Underground changed your life, it's somehow unnerving to see your rapt expression mirrored in the face of some deeply focused, black-clad, music-loving hipster in the crowd. And that's not to mention the occasional closeup of Michael Imperioli or Meshell Nedegeocello in the audience, wearing similar attentive expressions. Intent on parading their indie-celebrity cred for all the world to see, after the show, Sundance treats us to hand-held shots of VIP reactions backstage. Meshell is swooning! And who's that guy, he looks familiar -- wasn't he in Wes Anderson's last film? Far from offering us viewers a feeling that we're in the cool kids' club, these touches just remind us that we could never afford a ticket to this show, we're most definitely not allowed backstage afterward and no, we didn't really just sit around for an hour, shooting the shit with Elvis Costello and Lou Reed. Sometimes we'd rather suspend our disbelief, and think for just a minute that we were inexplicably granted a free pass to songwriters' heaven. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mrs. Peel Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Thanks for posting this, I'm going to make sure and watch tonight. It sounds fantastic. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mountain bed Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Man, I wish I could get this channel. I remember when Letterman was on vaca once Elvis sat in for Dave and it was really good stuff - he's a very thoughtful and knowledgeable interviewer. He'll do well with this show. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cryptique Posted December 4, 2008 Author Share Posted December 4, 2008 Anyone watch this last night? How was it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Analogman Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Spectacle website Looks like there are clips, but not whole episodes. It could be that one could find whole episodes out there somewhere. The Sundance Channel should get their shit together and put whole episodes up there for people to watch. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mrs. Peel Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I forgot to watch but I have the DVR set to record the rerun tonight. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WilcoFan Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Sounds cool. Episode 11: MWard Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mrs. Peel Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Wow, this week's show was great. M. Ward, Zooey Deschanel, Jenny Lewis, and Jakob Dylan. I've only seen a couple episodes (although they're all on my DVR) but I love the fluidity of this show. This particular episode started with an interview with She and Him, then they played "Change Is Hard", backed by Elvis and some of Jenny's band. Then Jenny joined them for a little more interview time, and did "Pretty Bird" with Elvis, Matt, and her band. Then everyone came out and they all did "Carpetbaggers" and one of Elvis' latest songs. Afterwards, he had Jakob Dylan come out for an interview and solo thing, but then he and Elvis did The Clash's "Straight To Hell" with Jenny's band. In the end, the entire group came out and played "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding". Oh, and through the whole show, the drummer for the Imposters was playing a second drumset along with Jenny's drummer. It was pretty cool! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cryptique Posted February 12, 2009 Author Share Posted February 12, 2009 I just discovered last night that even though I don't have this channel as part of my cable package, if I dig deep enough into the On Demand menus, the shows are available there ... so I hope to do some catching up soon. I neglected to notice whether they're free on On Demand, but I would guess they are. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Central Scrutinizer Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 I just discovered last night that even though I don't have this channel as part of my cable package, if I dig deep enough into the On Demand menus, the shows are available there ... so I hope to do some catching up soon. I neglected to notice whether they're free on On Demand, but I would guess they are.If shows are part of a cable package with comcast, they're not usually available free with OnDemand. This is an excellent heads up since I do get Sundance, but seldom watch it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MattZ Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Elvis is King! (I am contractually required to post that in any Costello thread) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Stewart Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 If shows are part of a cable package with comcast, they're not usually available free with OnDemand. This is an excellent heads up since I do get Sundance, but seldom watch it.Yeah, usually - but for whatever reason I can also watch this show with OnDemand, even though I don't get the Sundance Channel.The Police episode was pretty good - I wish the whole hour was with Stewart though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Central Scrutinizer Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Elvis is King! (I am contractually required to post that in any Costello thread)thankyuhvurrymuch. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tangara Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Then Jenny joined them for a little more interview time, and did "Pretty Bird" with Elvis, Matt, and her band. Oh, nice. I haven't bothered to catch this show yet, but I do like that song quite a bit, so I'll look for a rerun. Thanks for the heads up! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PigSooie Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 I have this channel. It's up in the 500s on DirecTV. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bobfrombob Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 April 3 this show starts running in Canada on CTV. Looks like it will be Friday nights. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
miss jayne Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 Elvis is King! (I am contractually required to post that in any Costello thread) Oh yeah! I haven't watched this one yet but was astounded by the one with Renee Fleming. Who was joined by Rufus Wainwright and Kate McGarrigle. Getting to cue up an episode On Demand is one of the highlights of my week. And Matt, Momofuku is great....thanks for pushing me on that one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
c.lo Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 April 3 this show starts running in Canada on CTV. Looks like it will be Friday nights. I saw a commercial for it the other night. the show sounds great! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cryptique Posted September 17, 2009 Author Share Posted September 17, 2009 Attention peeps in NYC and surrounding areas ... tapings for the new season have been announced. If I lived in the area, I would definitely want to attend that 9/21 show. Hell, all three of 'em. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH... fuses the best elements of talk and music television and invites viewers to enjoy an intimate conversation between host Costello and his guests, punctuated by rare musical performances by Costello, his guests and a wide variety of musicians. Season One guests included Sir Elton John, Tony Bennett, John Mellencamp, The Police and President Bill Clinton. Sundance Channel in the US, along with CTV in Canada have picked up the show for a second season, with taping scheduled at New York City's famed Apollo Theatre at the end of September. The following musical guests are scheduled to appear on SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH... September 21: SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH... Neko Case, Sheryl Crow, Ron Sexsmith & Jesse Winchester September 23: SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH... Ray LaMontagne, John Prine, Lyle Lovett Septmeber 24: SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH... Levon Helm, Nick Lowe, Richard Thompson & Allen Toussaint and special appearances by Ray LaMontagne and Larry Campbell + The Imposters This is an exclusive even wherein the buying and selling of tickets can and will result in the forfeiture of said bought and/or sold tickets EVENT DETAILS LOCATION The Apollo Theatre253 West 125th StreetNew York, NY 10027 TIMEDoors open at 7:00pmDoors close promptly at 7:45pmNo admittance after 7:45pm (NO EXCEPTIONS) TO REGISTER Visit http://www.1iota.com/shows,Spectacle:-Elvis-Costello-with...,134.htmlGo to "GET TICKETS" at bottomAfter you enter your ticket quantity, make sure to enter ELVIS1 in Comments/KeywordsTicket requests are limited to (2) per personYou will be required to complete all information on the registration site, including creating your account on the siteTickets are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis; please, respond ONLY if you are absolutely certain of your ability to attend. GENERAL INFO You must be at least 18 years of age to attendPlease be on time - late-comers, without exception, will be denied attendanceCameras and video cameras will be strictly prohibitedCell phones must be switched off for the duration of the show - security will confiscate any cell phones being used for phone, text, photography or video-taping purposesBack-packs, luggage or briefcases of any kind will be prohibited - purses and/or messenger bags will be permitted but subject to searchCoat/Bag Check services will not be providedOutside food & beverage of any kind will be neither permitted nor provided inside the theatre DRESS: UPSCALE As this event is being taped, the wearing of visibly logo'd clothing, white clothing, t-shirts, ripped clothes, dirty tennis shoes, hats and/or baseball caps are all grounds for denial of entrance - decisions are based solely upon the discretion of event door staffPlease dress respectfully and appropriately to avoid being turned away at the door DIRECTIONS Subway: A, B, C or D line to 125th Street and St. Nichols Ave.; proceed 2 blocks east to The ApolloMTA Bus: take the M2 to 125th StreetNote: The theatre is located at 253 West 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. & Frederick Douglass Blvd. (aka 7th & 8th Avenues) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wendy Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Calling MattZ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LittleSavage Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 There was a taping in Toronto this week with Bono and the Edge. There have been reports that a Springsteen episode will be taped along with the others next week. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wendy Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 There was a taping in Toronto this week with Bono and the Edge. There have been reports that a Springsteen episode will be taped along with the others next week.Calling Tongue-Tied Lightning Drew! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MattZ Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 thanks cryptique and Wendy! I am going to try to score for 9/24. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Golden Smoghead Posted September 18, 2009 Share Posted September 18, 2009 I thought a few episodes were terrible, but the one with Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash and Norah Jones was very good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jabboy15 Posted September 18, 2009 Share Posted September 18, 2009 I thought a few episodes were terrible, but the one with Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash and Norah Jones was very good. over on backstreets.com, someone posted this as the alleged lineup for season 2. looks might impressive: -- Bono, The Edge-- Neko Case, Jesse Winchester, Sheryl Crow, Ron Sexsmith-- Bruce Springsteen-- Ray LaMontagne, Lyle Lovett, John Prine-- Levon Helm, Allen Toussaint, Nick Lowe, Richard Thompson-- Paul McCartney Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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