On December 6, 2011, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) will release the 3-disc (CD, DVD, 10″ vinyl EP) live box set, Elvis Costello & the Imposters: The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook!!! recorded over a 2-night stand at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on May 11 and 12, 2011. Limited to 1500 copies worldwide, each set is individually numbered with a special commemoration card personally signed by Elvis Costello.
The first disc is a CD recording culled from both nights’ performances, shows which The Los Angeles Times said were “the kind of uniquely invigorating experience that warrants a buzzword all its own: inspiring.”
The second disc is a DVD from Costello’s show on May 12, 2011, including a special guest appearance by the Bangles. The DVD contains bonus footage including an alternate intro by Napoleon Dynamite (aka Elvis Costello), and behind-the-scenes moments captured with the Imposters–Steve Nieve, Davey Faragher and Pete Thomas–as well as extra performances not included in the main set of the show.
The third disc is a 10-inch vinyl EP with four songs only available in this set. The super deluxe package includes a 40-page hardcover book packed with candid and concert photos, a tour diary of Costello’s musings from each tour stop, a 20″ x 30″ concert tour poster and a limited edition postcard. This collection is housed in a lavish box complete with a spinning replica of “The Spectacular Spinning Songbook” on the front cover.
“The Spectacular Spinning Songbook” made its first appearance in 1986 at the Beverly Theatre in Los Angeles during the “Costello Sings Again Tour.” Earlier this year, Elvis Costello and the Imposters set out on The Revolver Tour and, for the first time in 25 years, Costello once again allowed his set-list to be chosen by “The Spectacular Spinning Songbook,” a monumental game-show type wheel spun by select fans and featuring songs from his latest critically acclaimed release National Ransom, plus new renditions of hits, rarities and very unexpected covers. Expanded from its initial short run in the spring to encompass summer and fall dates, the tour was greeted by popular acclaim and rave notice across the country, with Rolling Stone reporting, “Costello worked the stage like a burlesque-club emcee, cracking wise at a mile a minute and spinning a dandy’s walking stick.”
Since the super deluxe Elvis Costello & the Imposters: The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook!!! is a limited edition set, a single and double-disc version will be available next year.
DISC ONE
THE MUSIC
I Hope You’re Happy Now
Heart of the City (Nick Lowe)
Mystery Dance
Radio Radio
Everyday I Write The Book
God Give Me Strength
Watching The Detectives
Tear Off Your Own Head (It’s A Doll Revolution) featuring Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles
Out Of Time (Mick Jagger-Keith Richards)
I Want You
Stella Hurt
All Grown Up
Lipstick Vogue
Man out of Time
National Ransom
(What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love and Understanding
Recorded Live at THE WILTERN, Los Angeles, CA, May 11 & 12, 2011
DISC TWO
THE FILM
I Hope You’re Happy Now
Heart Of The City (Nick Lowe)
Mystery Dance
Radio Radio
Clubland
God Give Me Strength
Tear Off Your Own Head (It’s A Doll Revolution) featuring Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles
Out Of Time (Mick Jagger-Keith Richards)
I Want You
Everyday I Write The Book
Stella Hurt
A Slow Drag With Josephine
Jimmie Standing In The Rain
Alison
Earthbound
(What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love And Understanding
Bonus Tracks
Uncomplicated
Watching The Detectives
Monkey To Man
Filmed Live at THE WILTERN, Los Angeles, CA, May 12, 2011
DISC THREE (THE 10″)
Side A:
Pump it Up (6/8)
Busted (Harlan Howard)
Side B:
Brilliant Mistake
Strict time
