Elvis Costello and the Attractions Elvis Costello/Germany 1983 Complete FM Broadcast Edition

Elvis Costello’s 1983 tour, which released the classic album “Punch the Clock,” is legendary among fans for its R&B-infused live performances, backed by not only The Attractions but also the TKO Horns and even the Aphrodisiac chorus. Following the success of “Punch the Clock,” the tour is also well-known to fans as a tour with several live broadcast recordings. In fact, the radio recording of the Glasgow performance on October 6th, recorded in the highest quality, “GLASGOW 1983 FM” remains a best-seller. Even more beloved among fans as a staple of ’83 is the performance in Essen 10 days later. This performance was broadcast on the German TV program “Rockpalast,” becoming one of the most iconic live performances of ’83. The LP “RED SHOED IMPOSTER,” released based on the TV audio (naturally, stereo broadcast), became a staple of the ’83 tour for enthusiasts, and a Japanese-made release of this LP, complete with its jacket, became Costello’s first bootleg CD. This live performance was actually broadcast not only on TV but also on FM radio, naturally featuring a stereo soundboard with better sound quality than the TV audio. However, due to the dominance of the TV audio LP, the superior sound quality of the FM version has remained unreleased to this day. In fact, the Essen live performance itself has been overlooked. What’s more, unlike “GLASGOW 1983 FM,” this release offers a truly complete recording of the show, a significant plus. The stereo soundboard recording offers exceptional sound quality, and could easily be officially released as is. Yet, the vivid radio broadcast quality is a charm not found in the heavily mixed official live albums. In fact, the wild explosion of Costello’s rhythm guitar from the opening track, “Let Them All Talk,” is enough to send goosebumps flying. This is a departure from the formula of stereo soundboards, which tend to be balanced like an honor student. The smash hit “Everyday I Write The Book” and the gorgeous horns and chorus sounds unique to the ’83 tour are also enjoyed in the highest quality, making one wonder if a press CD would have been better. For this release, the pitch, which had been out of sync, has been precisely adjusted. Although the stereo soundboard was excellent, pitch issues had been a drawback, but by resolving this issue, it is now a truly wonderful live album that can be enjoyed with peace of mind. The gorgeous, soulful sound of the ’83 tour, which was a staple among enthusiasts, is now finally being released, replacing the previously standard TV audio. Grugahalle, Essen, Germany 15th October 1983 STEREO SBD UPGRADE!!! Disc:1 (47:25) 1. Intro 2. Let Them All Talk 3. Possession 4. Watching The Detectives 5. The Greatest Thing 6. Man Out Of Time 7. New Lace Sleeves 8. Mystery Dance 9. Shabby Doll 10. Kid About It 11. (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding 12. Oliver’s Army 13. Shipbuilding Disc:2 (42:18) 1. Big Sister’s Clothes 2. Stand Down Margaret – Beyond Believe 3. Clubland 4. The World And His Wife 5. Alison 6. Back Stabbers – King Horse 7. Clowntime Is Over 8. Everyday I Write The Book 9. I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down 10. Pump It Up Elvis Costello – vocals, guitars Steve Nieve – keyboards Bruce Thomas – bass Pete Thomas – drums The TKO Horns: Jim Paterson – trombone Jeff Blythe – alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, clarinet Paul Speare – tenor saxophone, flute Dave Plews – trumpet Afrodiziak: Caron Wheeler, Naomi Thompson – backing vocals STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING