Thanks to the youthful, speed-freak slim Elvis Costello of 1977 vintage, our latest Mystery Date is clearly visible behind Elvis’ not-yet-ample butt, as the camera settles in on Elvis’ left side.
Keyboardist Steve Nieve, who in the tradition of an earlier generation has stayed with the same job he took right out of college, was the man responsible for the instrumental piece from his 2004 solo album, Windows (Music For Musician(s) & Open Windows).
Steve Nieve, “Muriel’s Window”
Here’s what eMusic had to say:
According to Nieve, his 2004 solo disc, Windows, was in part inspired by his travels as a musician — everywhere he goes, he snaps a picture out of the window of wherever he happens to be staying, and records a few minutes of ambient sound from the street below. Several of Nieve’s photos adorn the package of Windows, and clips from his sound collection form sonic bridges between the tracks, which exist in a stylistic middle ground between new age, jazz, and pop. Most of these pieces are dominated by solo piano with washes of other keyboards laid over them and occasional electronic interjections popping up along the way (a clarinet even appears on “Window #3 [Declan’s Window]” by way of variety).
Wow! Not the sort of thing friend of Rock Town Hall Don Felder and his best buddy, at least for a spell, Joe Walsh, would have done with their down time on The Road.
Although I knew of at least one previous Nieve solo album, I don’t recall ever hearing a lick from one. Like a couple of Townspeople, although I had no idea what to expect from a solo Nieve, left to his own devices, I didn’t mind this track. I simply love this kind of synth tone, whether it’s highly musical or not. I couldn’t see the point in downloading the entire album from eMusic, but I did like this second track enough based on the 30-second sample.
Steve Nieve, “Mercedes’ Window”
The eMusic bio of Nieve also mentions a solo EP from 1980, Theme Music From Outline of a Hairdo, which I’d never heard of before. The title is promising. Has anyone heard that? I do recall liking The Attractions’ “solo” album as a band, Mad About the Wrong Boy. One of my bandmate Townsmen, Andyr or Chickenfrank, used to own that one. Great album cover! Someday we should have a SHOWDOWN between that album, an “solo” album by The Rumour, a Crazy Horse album, etc.
I realized that it was “Drop dead!” that Elvis used to let The Attractions shout out following his “She said,” in early performances of “(The Angels Want to Wear My) Red Shoes.” They don’t get to do so in this 1977 performance, but I’ve got some radio broadcasts boots from 1978 in which they do that little shout out. When did he stop letting them chime in with some backing vocals? They’re really not bad at providing the harmonies in this clip. I used to like hearing them now and then; they had that “me and the boys” sound of Graham Parker & the Rumour and The Boss and the E Street Band.
Mr. Mod, did you watch the premiere of Costello’s talk show, with guest Elton John? It wasn’t the pretentious smug-fest I was expecting, but it wasn’t exactly captivating television either. Next week, however, I believe there’s a very special guest: Lou Reed!
I don’t get that channel, Oats. My stepfather is TiVo-ing these shows for me. I can’t wait to see them – especially next week’s episode, with that very special guest!
I liked the show and wish there was more TV like this. The nice thing about this was laid-back non promotional aspect. The fact that Elton wasn’t trying to sell his latest and greatest LP made while Elvis kissed his ass made it kinda cool. It was just two musicians talking shop for an hour. Elton got to expound on his early influences like Laura Nyro and David Ackles.
Without giving too much away for you, Mod, the funniest moment came when the two “E”s were discussing their show business name changes. Elton then stated that there was a gay porn composer named Costello Presley. Elvis looked at him in shock more from the fact at Elton’s admission to knowing this information.
TB