Watch The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook

The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook is a concert film featuring Elvis Costello and his band The Imposters, consisting of Steve Nieve on keyboards and Pete Thomas on drums. The movie was filmed during their one-off show at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, California in May 2011. The concept of the show was inspired by the toy spinning songbook that Costello used during his 1986 tour with The Attractions. The songbook featured an eclectic mix of his hits, covers, and deep cuts, and fans could spin the book to randomly select the next song.

The show opens with a black-and-white animation that sets the nostalgic tone for the evening. Costello emerges on stage in a top hat and tails, brandishing his trademark guitar. The opening number is a raucous rendition of "I Hope You're Happy Now," followed by "Heart Of The City" and "Mystery Dance." Costello's voice is in fine form, full of energy and emotion.

After these three songs, the spinning songbook makes its appearance. Costello explains the rules to the audience, and three fans are brought up on stage to spin the book. Once the arrow lands on a song, the band launches into it with aplomb. The first spin lands on "Blame It On Cain," which features a blistering guitar solo from Costello. The audience is on their feet, singing along and dancing.

Next up is "The Only Flame In Town," followed by "Jimmie Standing In The Rain" and "Ghost Train." Costello's banter between songs is entertaining and informative, as he shares anecdotes about the origin of the songs and their lyrics. He also takes the opportunity to poke fun at himself, joking about his age and his perceived irrelevance in today's music scene.

The second spin of the songbook selects "Either Side Of The Same Town," a lesser-known gem from Costello's catalogue. The band delivers a soulful, bluesy performance that showcases their versatility. The next spin lands on "Sulky Girl," a fan favorite from the album Brutal Youth. Costello and Nieve show off their musical chemistry, trading riffs back and forth.

The third spin is the wildcard, where Costello lets the audience shout out requests that may or may not be in the songbook. The winner is "Shipbuilding," a haunting ballad about the Falklands War that showcases Costello's lyrical prowess. He delivers the song with a hint of melancholy, his voice cracking with emotion.

The fourth spin is the "goosebump moment" of the show, as Costello intros a surprise guest star. Out walks actress/comedienne Amy Lamé, who delivers a heartfelt version of "The Long Honeymoon." The songbook lands on "God Give Me Strength," a collaboration with Burt Bacharach that was featured in the movie Grace Of My Heart. Costello and Nieve play the song with delicate precision, underscoring the timeless beauty of the melody and lyrics.

The final spin of the songbook picks "Radio Radio," a punk rock anthem that gets the audience jumping and shouting along. The band leaves the stage to thunderous applause, but of course, they return for the encore. Costello puts down his guitar for a solo version of "Alison," one of his most beloved songs. The band rejoins him for "Pump It Up," featuring a wild drum solo from Pete Thomas.

The show ends with a stunning version of "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding," an anthem that has become synonymous with Costello's music. He leads the audience in a sing-along that sends shivers down the spine. As the song concludes, Costello leads the band in a group bow, and the audience erupts in applause.

The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook is a testament to the enduring power of Elvis Costello's music. The film captures the energy, humor, and musicality of his live performances, and showcases the talents of his bandmates Steve Nieve and Pete Thomas. For fans of Costello's music, this concert film is a must-see.

The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook is a 2012 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.