The Spectacle Report - Prologue

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Welcome to the "Spectacle Report," a new weekly journal that will delve deeply into the distinguished musical careers of Elvis Costello and his many guests. In these reports, we'll explore the parallels and differences between Elvis and his guests, demystify some of the references dropped during the episodes and discuss some of the emerging themes and artists introduced on the show.

The music of SPECTACLE often crosses genres, bridging the gaps between blues, rock and roll, punk, country, jazz, opera, classical and more. Elvis deftly leads us on this amazing journey, focusing our attention on the many provocative interconnections and pivot points. What is magnified by his trademarked "spectacles" will surprise and enlighten even the most jaded music fans. We hope you'll enjoy the added insights that we will provide here each week in the "Spectacle Report".

Stephen Warden, SPECTACLE's Writer, Creator and Executive Producer will share his behind the scenes experience. While Alan Light, a former Editor-in-Chief of Spin and Vibe magazines, and a former Senior Writer for Rolling Stone, will write a weekly delve into the relationship between the guest and Elvis Costello.

Check out this excerpt of Elton John talking about Frank Sinatra for a small taste of what's to come.

sjjsic2
November 28, 2008 09:09PM
c'mon blokes let's get this bleedin' show on the air already! somebody, somewhere told me i'd get a special preview of this show the day after thanksgiving on sundance from the telly and now no viddy till 12-3! let's get the show on the road already, i might not be around to enjoy it! shake a leg, chin up, pip pip jolly rot or 23 skiddoo, then...
sjjsic2
December 01, 2008 03:22AM
tap, tap,tap... i'm WAITING!...
sol44
December 02, 2008 02:07PM
You can check out clips at http://www.sundancechannel.com/spectacle
www.eerockie63
December 03, 2008 10:15PM
very enjoyable Mr.C. The singer-songwriter in popular music somehow has to avoid Mr. Big himself; Bob Dylan. To my ear and mind he's a moviemaker or actor. I place him just below John Wayne and John Huston but miles above Clint Eastwood. I'm 53 and was very happy to see that time 68-71 as the subject. I try to show my two sons 21 and 17 the music of that period. Happily they are open to it and they get it too. It is sad that they have little of it in their time, their age. Thanks again Elvis; keep it going shagger!!
www.eerockie63
December 03, 2008 10:17PM
I enjoyed seeing Diana in the audience. I hope she gets an interview.
mal308
December 03, 2008 10:21PM
Come on you all knew someone was gonna want to see and hear Diana and Elvis together like that.
rhaaga
December 03, 2008 10:23PM
That was great. I just saw the debut with Elvis and Elton. I was just flipping channels, what luck. Elvis is such an intelligent guy, his perspective and insight are a music geeks dream. I hope this show does well. I can't wait to see more.
gregoryeagles
December 04, 2008 03:04AM
If tonight's show was any indication I am eagerly awaiting the next 13 weeks! I am young enough (or old enough) to remember the era of the singer/songwriter and the rich, beautiful, original music that came of it will be forever a part of my existence. Costello and John are not just pop icons, they are musical scholars. Them giving props to the likes of Laura Nyro and Leon Russell are evident that true artists respect other true artists. I just hope the producers can get in touch with another amazing songwriter of the 70's and see if he would chat with Elvis, Bill Withers! Great seeing the wonderful Alan Toussaint as well. My only regret is that I wasn't in the audience when this was being taped! Damn!!!!
cmiller1
December 04, 2008 12:15PM
Saw him on Letterman talking about this and checked it out. Loved his performance with Elton and look forward to more of these interesting combos? Does he play with Herbie Hancock? That should be a crazy mix.
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Now featuring the SPECTACLE REPORT by Alan Light, former Editor-in-Chief of Spin and Vibe magazines and Stephen Warden, the Creator and Executive Producer of SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH...