Elvis Costello and The Imposters Live @ The O2 Dublin. May 9th 2012.

On Wednesday night last ( May 9th) Elvis Costello brought his 'Spectacular Spinning Songbook' to the O2 in Dublin to the delight of many fans . It was the first of a number of gigs scheduled for this month on the 'Revolver' tour which continues with several dates in the U.K. and later on to mainland Europe.

Its unlikely anyone could have complained with the set list available at this 2 and a half hour Dublin show which included such familiar career highlights as 'Chelsea', 'Alison', 'Pump It Up' and 'Watching The Detectives'. A pleasing satisfying version of Johnny Cash's 'Cry, Cry, Cry' and The Beatles 'Please Please Me' were also on the list of songs, each selected by audience members that had a go at spinning the wheel.

Costello's career which began in the mid seventies has been broadly eclectic, varying between punk and new wave to jazz inspired inventiveness.It is true however that whether your preference for Costello's work as a rocker or a crooner, his ability as a lyricist is the driving force of his songs.

Seeing this man perform live on Wednesday night proved that such daring adventures in his musical lifetime has only reaffirmed his position as one of the all time greats.
Along with long time collaborators, Steve Nieve (keyboards), Pete Thomas (drums) and Davy Farager (bass) collectively know as The Imposters, Elvis Costello rocked the house and certainly kicked life into the dismal rainy Dublin night.



Frank Fairfield Live @ Amoeba Music Store Hollywood.

Amoeba Music provide some of  the most impressive independent music stores in the U.S with retail shops located in Berkeley, San Francisco and Hollywood, California.
Established since 1990 Amoeba are more than just a record store, their vast amount of stock caters for literally every type of musical tastes on CD,  and vinyl formats. Their stock changes on a daily basis because they are a trading post for both new and used albums, covering everything from Jazz, World, Roots, Chart, Rock, the list is endless. Luckily for those of us living on the other side of the world, they provide a mailing service through their website which is second to none. Amoeba Music bagan at a time when huge chain stores were,cancelling out independent record shops and depriving music lovers of a more personal connection with their outlets.
Another addition to this great concept is that each store provides a live venue for performing musicians. Previous performances include such diverse acts as Africa's Basskou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, the ever prolific Bonnie Prince Billy, Elvis Costello and Jonsi to name but a few. There are literally dozens of shows to be seen on the website. My personal favourite is Frank Fairfield's set seen here at the Hollywood store in October 2009 playing alongside fellow string player Tom Marrion. This is just under a half hour of  greatness..